Locator drone is a project being developed by Skylark Aerial Photography using Radio Frequency tracking.
A VHF radio transmitter is an electronic tag that emits a very high radio frequency (RF) signal that can be used to locate the animal. The drone tracks the signal using a receiver and directional antennae, which must typically be within a kilometer or less of the animal or person to detect the signal.
The tracking signal is relayed to a ground station whereby the drone operator pilots the drone to the tag emitting the radio signal. The drones camera is then used to look at the subject. Unlike thermal imaging where you have to know roughly the area and carry out a grid search pattern, the radio tag will allow the drone to track its signal the subject is wearing.
Of course the animal or person has to wear a small RF tag in the first place.
It may also be possible to lock onto another RF source such as a mobile phone and then track this with a drone.
Ground Station
The project is at a very early stage, but so far using some pilot skill a drone with a suitable locator has managed to detect a tag and be directed to the area of the RF emission and identify the subject with a camera when suitably close.
More updates will follow about locator drone as the technology is developed further.
Aerial Filming Lake District
Skylark Aerial Photography provides aerial filming of the Lake District
https://www.skylark-aerialphotography.co.uk/blog/
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