TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to control of aerial drones. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure pertains to drones, systems and methods that provide for automated determination of a drone flightpath.

BACKGROUND

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (also known as an aerial drone and occasionally referred to herein simply as a drone) often forms part of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that includes the drone, a remote control device, and a system for communication between the drone and the remote control device. Some systems provide for drone control by an operator without use of a remote control device.

Originally, drones where used primarily in military applications, but their use is expanding to commercial, scientific, recreational, agricultural, and other applications, such as policing, peacekeeping, and surveillance, product deliveries, aerial photography, drone racing, and more. Drones are often configured for relatively low-level flight, typically within viewing range of persons at ground level. Drones are typically intelligent machines with the ability to self-stabilize in air, and hold a GPS position. Many drones have multiple rotors that drive respective spinning propellers to generate lift, with a control system typically maintaining stability of the drone by varying the rotational speeds of the respective propellers.

