Drone Revolution: a new tool for exploration and field research

Cofounder of ShadowView Foundation, which provides UAVs for environmental, conservation and humanitarian relief operations, Steve will speak about the global “drone revolution” and the opportunities that UAVs can offer scientific research, mapping, agriculture and more.

The talk marks the start of Explore 2014, the Society’s annual fieldwork and expedition planning weekend, where more than 90 leading field scientists and explorers will be on hand to speak about their endeavors, deliver specialist workshops and offer one-to-one advice. The weekend provides the inspiration, contacts and, most importantly, the practical information needed to embark on independent fieldwork and expeditions.

Ahead of the event, Steve said: “I am very excited to be speaking at the opening of Explore 2014. The potential for UAVs in field research and conservation is only just being realised. With their increasing affordability and capability, drones literally add a new dimension to what can be achieved in the field.”

Joining Steve on stage will be Mark Allen, this year’s recipient of the Land Rover Bursary – one of the Society’s grants for independent travel, fieldwork and expeditions – awarded to support his Grand Alpine Tour Expedition. Mark will speak about how he used a ‘hexacopter’ UAV to conduct 3D mapping on the magnitude and frequency of landslides at high altitudes across the European Alps this summer.

From undergraduates undertaking their first field research project, to more experienced individuals who want to share their experiences and plan further expeditions, the Explore weekend has been the starting point for hundreds of exciting journeys and fieldwork projects, and forms a key part of the Society’s work to support the advancement of geographical knowledge and understanding. All are welcome to attend and be inspired.

Event information

• Title: ‘Drone Revolution: a new tool for exploration and field research’, by Steve Roest and Mark Allen.

• Date: Friday 14 November from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR – entrance on Exhibition Road.

• Tickets: Free to delegates of Explore 2014, all others £5 donation on the door.

Highlights of the Explore weekend include:

• Workshops on conducting field research in challenging environments: Pick up practical advice about living and working in polar, desert, rainforest and mountainous parts of the world

• Opportunities to find research team members: Meet and share ideas with others who are planning an expedition

• Returning expeditions: Stories and findings are shared though talks and seminars.

• Journeys with a purpose: Adventurers give advice on turning your dreams into reality.

• Tools of the trade: Specialists on hand to share tips on fundraising, social media, mapping technologies, and keeping safe in challenging environments.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Explore 2014 runs from 14-16 November 2014 at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR. Tickets can still be purchased for the weekend. Prices start at £55. More information and the full programme for can be found at www.rgs.org/Explore.

2. Press passes – There are limited number of press passes available to affiliated journalists to attend Explore 2014. Interviews with speakers, guests and past attendees, including those who have recently returned from Society-funded scientific expeditions and fieldwork, are available on request. Profiles of speakers can found at www.rgs.org/Explore. Please contact the Communications and Media Officer, Daniel Stoker, on 020 7591 3019 or email press@rgs.org.

3. Explore is organised by the Society’s Geography Outdoors team who provide advice, information and training to anyone planning an expedition or field research overseas. www.rgs.org/go

4. The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the advancement of geographical science'. Today, we deliver this objective by developing, supporting and promoting geographical research through scientific expeditions and fieldwork, education, and public engagement, while also providing geographical input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer' www.rgs.org