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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: Simon on Aug 09, 2010, 20:40:03

Title: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Simon on Aug 09, 2010, 20:40:03
Google could be allowed to use unmanned spy drones in the UK to gather information for its Google Maps and Street View services.

The news follows reports that the web giant had ordered at least one drone from German company Microdrones, which has supplied unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to UK police and special forces.

"The drones are well suited to deliver up-to-date image material for Google Maps," Microdrones CEO Sven Juerss told business publication Wirtschafts Woche.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/360148/google-could-use-spy-drones-for-uk-mapping
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Rik on Aug 10, 2010, 10:16:15
Is nowhere going to be safe from this organisation? :mad:
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Simon on Aug 10, 2010, 10:36:11
Seems not, particularly if you like nude sun-bathing.
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Rik on Aug 10, 2010, 10:53:28
Drones over Brighton. ;D
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: JB on Aug 10, 2010, 12:08:30
Might be time to get one of these ultra high power lasers from Hong Kong  :eek4:
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Rik on Aug 10, 2010, 12:12:19
 ;D

They could be just the thing, couldn't they.
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Glenn on Aug 10, 2010, 12:56:04
Pointing one at an aircraft, comes with a possible prison sentence if caught, not sure how it applies to an unmanned aircraft though?
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Rik on Aug 10, 2010, 12:57:30
I would have thought it would be difficult to prosecute since there isn't a pilot to blind. OTOH, you'd have to be able to prove that you knew it was unmanned.
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Niall on Aug 10, 2010, 14:25:47
Quote from: Rik on Aug 10, 2010, 12:57:30
I would have thought it would be difficult to prosecute since there isn't a pilot to blind. OTOH, you'd have to be able to prove that you knew it was unmanned.

Not to mention what it'd land on if you knocked it out of the sky :D
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: pctech on Aug 10, 2010, 17:54:46
Here's hoping the ConDems deny them permission and authorise the RAF to shoot them down.

Oh wait...
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: john on Aug 10, 2010, 18:03:37
Quote from: Rik on Aug 10, 2010, 12:57:30
I would have thought it would be difficult to prosecute since there isn't a pilot to blind. OTOH, you'd have to be able to prove that you knew it was unmanned.

With a maximum payload of 1200 grams that shouldn't prove to difficult (http://www.microdrones.com/en_md4-1000_tech_data.php)  ;D

Quote from: Simon on Aug 10, 2010, 10:36:11
Seems not, particularly if you like nude sun-bathing.

Lasers won't be needed, one sight of my naked body should be quite sufficient to ground them  ;)
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: JB on Aug 10, 2010, 21:29:52
Having been a civil aircraft captain for the last 25 years, I think I know how to:-

1) Not point one at a real aeroplane

2) Not force a drone to land on a populated area

3) Decide if an aircraft is bigger than 1200 grams

4) Sunbathe naked without being observed. (Shades of Airplane?)

BFG.
Title: Re: Google could use spy drones for UK mapping
Post by: Rik on Aug 11, 2010, 11:08:27
 ;D

Quote from: john on Aug 10, 2010, 18:03:37
With a maximum payload of 1200 grams that shouldn't prove to difficult (http://www.microdrones.com/en_md4-1000_tech_data.php)  ;D

But I've been on a diet. ;D