Frequently Asked Questions
Click each option to review common questions and answers.
Our drone consulting vertical includes anything and everything required for adequate knowledge-transfer related to drones and drone services.
This typically starts as a training offering or engagement process where we provide services for clients while slowly transferring knowledge to their internal employees,
or an ongoing engagement via staff augmentation, whereby we provide staff to various clients for their use whenever they need to perform services or provide knowledge and expertise.
We include drone-specific and platform-specific knowledge transfers in our training processes, and work closely with our partners to ensure our information offerings are up to date.
How does real-time drone streaming work?
We offer various ways to implement our MoltenLens platform to offer real-time drone streaming.
Firstly, our primary recommendation is for us to deploy a dedicated MoltenLens server in a region close to our clients with the MoltenLens platform enabled only for them on this server. This option allows clients to leverage unlimited bandwidth and high performance. They can initiate a stream from any device by logging into MoltenLens or the MoltenLens app, and simply starting a stream, which will automatically and securely connect to the MoltenLens server(s) set up for them.
This is not our only option, but our most recommended for price performance, security, and discretion.
The MoltenLens platform can also consume common stream API's, including Cloudflare's, leveraging edge nodes in over 120 countries to ensure rapid delivery in the field anywhere in the world. However, this is a more expensive option as streams are priced based on consumption, and therefore can scale accordingly based on how many viewers are watching each stream, and where it's stored. This option is still highly-secure, discrete, and private as we leverage private, dedicated instanced for Cloudflare edge node connections per client.
Clients may be responsible for handling their Cloudflare delivery fees on their own, however, we do offer managed services for this offering as well if needed.
By default, MoltenLens is not enabled with the Cloudflare stream services, therefore, clients do not need to handle billing, configurations, or permissions for this unless expressly configured in their MoltenLens environment upon request.
Lastly, MoltenLens does have the capability to stream to common, public services. These services do not typically have any costs associated with them. These include YouTube, Twitch, and more. However, sharing the streams requires public or unlisted videos with consumable URLs, which would not be reflected via MoltenLens URLs. Private videos cannot be streamed and shared. Certain device and account limitations may apply which are out of Eastlake Labs and MoltenLens controls, which could include minimum subscriber numbers on YouTube when using a mobile device, for example.
MoltenLens URLs and streaming platforms can be entered and configured into virtually any device. Smart phones can connect to their dedicated MoltenLens app and simply start a stream with screensharing, delivering streams with little to no latency to any MoltenLens viewers, overwatch teams, war rooms, or more. Certain drone platforms may also have stream URL capabilities. For example, the DJI Fly app allows users with certain drones to enter URLs into the applicatino to distribute the feed. The MoltenLens environment URL can be consumed in this manner to ensure feed delivery.
Want to stream other types of devices? No problem! MolntenLens can technically stream from any device which has any form of internet connection (WiFi, Satellite, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, and more). The device either needs the ability to enter the MoltenLens URL into it, or the ability to broadcast to a smart phone, which can then be streamed via MoltenLens. Common examples are body cameras, hunting cameras and devices, and security video feeds that want to leverage object or persons detection.
What types of infrastructure can you inspect?
Virtually any! We know how to inspect most types of infrastructure ranging from nuclear plants to transmission lines, pipelines, bridges, or even boats. However, very specific types of infrastructure may require further instruction on what you may be looking for. We can programmatically identify almost anything with our drones and platforms without limitation.
How quickly can you respond to emergency situations?
If you are in an emergency scenario right now and need us, please first ensure emergency services (911) are already engaged, then contact [email protected] right now!
We are generally available within 1-2 hours to deploy our drones or services across Northeast Ohio. Travel from there may take a few additional hours based on time and location.
We do not currently have a publicly-available, 24/7 MoltenLens hub for general emergency use due to the privacy required, however, could stand up such instance within a few hours if needed.
We do not offer promises or guarantees on 24/7 availability of ourselves or our drones, or platforms, unless specifically agreed upon in a contractual agreement with each client or entity. This is only to ensure we don't over-promise on availability. Please contact us if you wish to retain our services for 24/7 availability.
What aspects of park maintenance do you monitor?
Park maintenance and support services are a critical service in our offerings. We oversee everything from park land encroachment to dangerous activities, to search and rescue, and even identifying potentially dangerous trees which may fall onto a path. We're passionate about nature, so we're very happy to help with parks in any way we can. This ranges from small, play-centered parks to much larger state and national parks which may have varying degrees or support services needed.
What technology do you use for search and rescue?
We have a multi-layered approach to search and rescue. We typically prioritize 3 key details: drone speed, battery availability and length, and thermal capabilities. We like to leverage technology as close to the problem as possible, so use on-board thermal imaging connected directly, physically on the drone and streaming that imagery back to oversite person(s). Thermal on-board allows us to rapidly scan across vast areas to identify any missing persons, including highly-dense forests. When that's not possible, either due to running out of battery or specific drone availability lacking on-board thermal, we have post-processing video AI which can apply thermal after the fact. This obviously has a lesser accuracy as the thermal imaging sensors then aren't in the field, but is still capable of identifying varying heat signatures based on motion and other advanced factors.
We combine our advanced technologies with common SAR best-practices to ensure we scan territories quickly and efficiently.
What kind of construction progress reports do you provide?
We leverage drone imagery to ensure efficiency in our construction and worksite services. These reports detail specific gates which may or may not be established by pre-identified date ranges, provided by clients upon setting up our services.
We have deep analytical roots and are capable of providing a wide range of reports which can drill down into any level of detail necessary based on the goals at hand.
This includes common scheduling and activities tracking with progress verification, before/after comparisons and audits, safety audits and oversight, cost efficiency and utilization oversight with supported drone imagery, and much more.
Can your drones operate in severe weather for storm tracking?
Yes, we do have some drones which can operate in severe weather of all kinds. It varies by drone and weather patterns. Please note that we always prioritize human safety first over the mission, and may not fly in certain extreme conditions.
How do you ensure wildlife or livestock isn’t disturbed during tracking?
This requires experienced pilots with a strong attention to detail and situational awareness. Drones typically scare wildlife and livestock and can cause negative impact or irrational behavior from animals. We leverage key flight patterns and specific distances, as well as use specific drones with different sound profiles based on animals, and the mission to ensure we keep sounds to a minimum and distance to the maximum when possible. Our goal is to provide the most beneficial level of service with precision, while also accounting for the safety and well-being of all animals in the area.
What are your pricing and availability options?
Our pricing differs by engagement. Please use the contact us form to discuss options or needs, or email our customer service at [email protected].
Our pricing model may also differ by location which may require travel, drones and software required, and whether MoltenLens is needed or not.
We always prioritize our customers and their needs first, and will work with you to ensure we provide the best service possible at the best, most competitive price possible.