Autonomy, decoded.
Plain-language definitions for the terms you hear across drone autonomy, AI agents, and enterprise fleet operations. Short entries. Zero jargon where we can help it.
What is ADS-B?
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a technology that allows uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to broadcast their position, speed, and altitude to other aircraft and traffic control. This enhances safety…
What is BVLOS?
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) refers to drone operations where the drone flies beyond the visual range of the pilot. The pilot controls the drone using onboard cameras and navigation systems, rather than relying on…
What is C2 Link?
The command and control (C2) link refers to the communications link between a UAV (uncrewed aerial vehicle) and its ground station, responsible for managing and controlling the UAV. C2 links are essential in drone operat…
What is CAAM ?
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) plays a key role in the development of Malaysia's civil aviation technical sector, including the drone industry. It ensures compliance with ICAO (International Civil Aviati…
What is CAD Systems ?
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, crucial in the drone industry, especially for Drone as a First Responder (DFR) operations, enhance the management and deployment of drones. They facilitate efficient coordination in…
What is CONOPS?
A Concept of Operations (CONOPS) document in the drone industry outlines how drone systems are used in specific operational environments. It details the roles of drones, user responsibilities, various flight and mission…
What is DAA?
Detect and Avoid (DAA) in the drone industry refers to systems enabling drones to autonomously detect and evade obstacles or other aircraft. This technology ensures safe operation, particularly in Beyond Visual Line of S…
What is DFR?
Drone as a First Responder (DFR) refers to the use of drones for immediate response in emergencies. Drones quickly reach incident scenes, provide real-time aerial data, and assist in assessing situations, aiding first re…
What is DGCA?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation, primarily dealing with safety issues. It is responsible for the regulation of air transport services to/from/within…
What is DiaB?
Drone in a Box (DiaB) represents a fully autonomous drone solution, housed in a protective enclosure. It supports automated deployment for missions like surveillance and inspection, with minimal human intervention. Featu…
What is EASA?
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ensures the safety of air travel in Europe. It certifies, regulates, and sets standards for aviation, investigates incidents, and collaborates globally on safety measures.
What is EVLOS?
Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) in drone operations allows flying beyond the pilot's immediate view but within an observer's sight, expanding operational range while maintaining visual safety. Unlike Beyond Visual…
What is FAA?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the U.S. governmental body that regulates all aspects of civil aviation, including drone operations. It sets rules for drone usage, pilot certification, and airspace managemen…
What is FPV?
First Person View (FPV) in drones offers unique advantages for enterprise applications. Its immersive, real-time visual feedback aids precise maneuvering in complex environments, essential for industrial inspections and…
What is GCAA?
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is a regulatory body responsible for overseeing civil aviation in a specific region or country. It ensures safety, security, and compliance with aviation regulations within its…
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is legislation that updates and unifies data privacy laws across the European Union (EU).
What is GIS?
Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that captures, stores, verifies, and displays data about positions on the earth's surface. In the drone industry, drones collect geospatial data that is analyzed a…
What is GPS?
Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) is a network of satellites orbiting Earth to provide precise location information. Drones use GPS signals to determine their location, altitude, and direction, enabling stable flight a…
What is GTSA?
Go to Safe Altitude (GTSA) is a command or procedure instructing a vehicle, often a drone or aircraft, to ascend to a predetermined and safe flying height. This is done to avoid collisions or hazards. This function is cr…
What is H.V.A.C?
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (H.V.A.C) systems in docking stations are crucial for regulating temperature and air quality. They maintain optimal conditions for drone storage and charging, ensuring electroni…
What is HMS?
The Health Management System (HMS) provides continuous monitoring of the health of both drones and docks, offering real-time notifications in case of any abnormalities. This system is crucial in maintaining the airworthi…
What is ISO?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops and publishes international standards across various fields, promoting quality, safety, and efficiency. This includes software design, development, mainte…
What is JCAB?
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) oversees air travel safety in Japan, operating under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It investigates incidents and regulates aviation aspects such as ai…
What is KML?
Keyhole Markup Language (KML), is an XML-based file format used for displaying geographic data. It is useful in mapping and visualizing flight paths, waypoints, and terrain, aiding efficient mission planning and analysis…
What is KMZ?
Keyhole Markup Language Zipped (KMZ), is essentially a compressed version of a KML file. Both KML and KMZ files are often used for mapping and defining flight paths. KMZ files are smaller and easier to distribute because…
What is LIDAR?
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a remote sensing method used to examine the surface of the Earth. It works by emitting laser light toward the ground and measuring the time it takes for the light to bounce back to…
What is MSDK?
A Mobile Software Development Kit (MSDK) is a software package equipped with tools, libraries, documents, code samples, guides, and APIs designed to build and enhance platform-specific mobile applications. The DJI MSDK,…
What is NFZ?
No Fly Zones (NFZ) are predefined geographic areas where drone operations are prohibited or restricted due to safety, security, or privacy concerns.
What is OODA Loop?
Autonomous drones in the drone industry utilize the Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) loop for decision-making. This loop helps drones to continuously observe their environment, orient themselves based on data, decide…
What is OSDK?
Onboard Software Development Kit (OSDK) is an essential tool in advanced drone applications, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of Drone in a Box (DiaB) systems. When integrated with modules like the Nvidia Jetso…
What is PL?
Precision Landing (PL) is a feature that enables drones to land on a docking station's landing pad with high precision, using ArUco marker tags for visual guidance. This ensures safe landings at docking stations, avoidin…
What is PPK?
Post-processed Kinematics (PPK) in the drone industry is a technology that improves the positioning accuracy of drone-captured images. It combines data from a base station and the drone, aligning them after the flight, w…
What is PSDK?
The DJI Payload Software Development Kit (PSDK) is a specialized toolkit for customizing and controlling payloads on DJI drones, like cameras and sensors. It empowers developers to effectively integrate and manage these…
What is RPIC?
A Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) is an individual selected by the drone operator to oversee and ensure the safe management of a drone flight. This role includes responsibility for all aspects of the flight, from adherenc…
What is RTDS?
Return to Docking Station (RTDS) is an action that instructs the drone to return to its docking station at the set RTDS speed and altitude.
What is RTH-PL?
Return to Home - Precision Landing (RTH-PL) is a feature that guides drones back to their take-off point or docking station and ensures they land accurately and safely.
What is RTK-PL?
Real Time Kinematics - Precision Landing (RTK-PL) uses RTK satellite technology to enable drones to land with centimeter-level accuracy. This precision is crucial for exact positioning in various operations. Some docking…
What is RTK?
Real Time Kinematics (RTK) in the drone industry is a satellite navigation technique that provides high-accuracy positioning data, essential for precise drone navigation and landing. By leveraging signals from RTK satell…
What is RTSL?
Return to Safe Location (RTSL) is a command for drones to return to a predetermined safe location, crucial in DiaB (Drone-in-a-Box) operations. It's typically triggered automatically or manually in emergencies or risky s…
What is SOC-2?
Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) is a security standard that ensures data protection. In the context of drone operations, SOC 2 is essential for software, guaranteeing secure handling of sensitive information. This…
What is SORA?
Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) is a multi-stage process of risk assessment aiming at risk analysis of certain uncrewed aircraft operations, as well as defining necessary mitigations and operational safety obj…
What is SSO?
Single Sign On (SSO) is a technology that combines several different application login screens into one. With SSO, a user only has to enter their login credentials (username, password, etc.) one time on a single page to…
What is UAV?
An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that flies without a human pilot on board. It is controlled either remotely or by itself using technology like sensors, GPS, and communication systems. UAVs are used for di…
What is UTM?
Uncrewed Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) is a system designed to safely integrate drones into the airspace. It manages drone traffic, coordinates flight paths, and ensures safety for both uncrewed and manned air…
What is VLOS?
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) involves piloting a drone while keeping it within direct, unaided sight. This contrasts with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), where the drone operates beyond the pilot's visual range, ofte…
What is VMS?
A Video Management System (VMS) is a blend of software and hardware that connects to drones' cameras, alarms, and sensors. This integration allows security teams to effectively monitor and respond to potential threats or…
What is WPML?
WayPoint Markup Language (WPML) is a standard format for drone route files, used to represent flight paths. It provides a set of navigation instructions, similar to KML, for drone systems. These files, essential in plann…