Abstract: Structure inspections are performed with a high resolution by first performing a modeling flight path at a relatively high altitude over the structure. Images are gathered during the modeling flight path and are used to generate a three dimensional model of the structure. From the three dimensional model a lower altitude closer inspection flight path is defined and executed.

Abstract: A data communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles includes communication links comprising a low-throughput capacity communication link and a high-throughput capacity communication link. The data communication system can also include a base station, to which the unmanned aerial vehicles send aerial data, and from which the unmanned aerial vehicles receive command signals. As the unmanned aerial vehicles perform missions in an open, distant airspace, the unmanned aerial vehicles can gather large volume data such as aerial images or videos. The data communication system allows opportunistic transfer of the gathered aerial data from the unmanned aerial vehicles to the base station when a high-throughput communication link is established. The data communication system allows constant communication between the base station and the unmanned aerial vehicles to send and receive low volume, operation-critical data, such as commands or on-going flight path changes, using a low-throughput communication link.

Abstract: An enhanced distance detection system for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is described here. The distance detection system includes a distance detector, which may have a limited scope of distance detection, and a directional controller, which allows extending the dimension or scope of the distance detector as the vehicle travels and performs missions. The directional controller can change the detection direction of the distance detector with a motorized gimbal or functionally similar system, and the change in the detection direction can be integrated with the status of and other instructions executed by the vehicle.