Drone News Roundup: Iceland and the Avata 2, How Drones Transformed Asheville’s Hurricane Helene Response, and More!

This week we’re covering a video featuring FPV cliff and waterfall dives shot in Iceland on the DJI Avata 2.

We’re also covering the key role drones played in Asheville’s response to the Hurricane Helene disaster, DJI sunsetting the iconic Phantom series, drone LiDAR finding a hidden city beneath the Giza pyramids, and an invitation to attend the inspection panel I’m moderating at AUVSI XPONENTIAL on Tuesday, May 19.

Now on to the links!

Iceland & the Avata 2—FPV Waterfall and Cliff Dive Compilation

In this fun, fast-paced short video, drone pilot @gigeorgiev shares a series of FPV dives down cliffs and waterfalls in Iceland. The footage was shot entirely on the DJI Avata 2. The beautiful, dramatic scenery captured here showcases why the country is a dream destination for aerial filmmakers. Iceland’s unique volcanic landscapes, glacial rivers, and rugged coastlines offer endless opportunities for beautiful drone footage.

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How Drones Transformed Asheville’s Disaster Response During Hurricane Helene

Drones were vital for disaster response when Hurricane Helene hit Asheville in 2024. The Asheville Police Department deployed 13 DJI Docks to capture live aerial views of flooded, unreachable neighborhoods, guiding rescue teams and helping prevent looting. During the crisis drones mapped over 2,000 acres of damage, including critical waterways, helping identify submerged vehicles and debris, and accelerating both emergency response and long-term recovery efforts. As Chief Mike Lamb put it, “The drones didn’t just show us the damage—they showed us where to start rebuilding.” Follow the link below for the full story from DJI.

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DJI Is Sunsetting the Phantom

DJI has announced the end of an era. As of June 1, the company will stop supporting the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced, the last two models in the iconic Phantom series that were still actively being supported and sold. First launched in 2012, the Phantom quickly revolutionized aerial photography with its ready-to-fly design, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable drone designs ever. DJI cites advances in compact, foldable drone technology like the Mavic, Air, and Mini lines as reasons for ending the Phantom line. The Phantom’s legacy will live on, but its distinctive “pillow-and-legs” silhouette is now history.

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Aerial LiDAR Finds Hidden City Under Famous Pyramids of Giza

Credit: Islam Moawad

A team of Italian and Scottish researchers claimed to have discovered a vast “underground city” beneath the Pyramids of Giza using advanced aerial radar techniques—specifically Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mounted on satellites and aircraft. The technology allowed them to generate high-resolution 3D images of subsurface structures, revealing what they describe as a network of shafts, chambers, and multi-level complexes stretching nearly 1.2 miles (2 km) under the plateau. This approach marks a leap forward for aerial LiDAR and satellite-based archaeology, enabling non-invasive exploration of sites previously unreachable without excavation. It’s important to note that the findings have sparked controversy, with some Egyptologists and geophysicists questioning whether SAR or similar radar can truly penetrate to such depths, and some calling the claims exaggerated.

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Attending AUVSI XPONENTIAL? Attend My Oil & Gas Inspection Panel

Heading to AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025 in Houston later this month? Don’t miss my panel, “Smarter Inspections: Leveraging Robotics, AI, and Advanced Sensors for Oil & Gas Asset Maintenance.” We’ll dive into how aerial, marine, and ground robotics are transforming inspections and asset maintenance in Oil & Gas, including a close look at how inspectors are using cutting-edge sensors and AI-driven data analysis. The panel will feature real-world use cases, expert insights, and practical tips for integrating drones and robotics into your operations. Join us to see how advanced tech is making inspections safer, smarter, and more efficient. The panel takes place on Tuesday, May 20 from 3:30-4:20PM CDT in room 361-D on the Implementation & Value Track.

SEE THE PROGRAM

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