Drone flight and surveying - a perfect combination for precise and efficient work! As a surveyor, completely new possibilities are open to you thanks to modern drone technology. But what about the legal framework, especially if you have to work near landscape protection areas?
These bans, which often appear in nature and landscape protection statutes, were classified as an inadmissible interference with the regulatory competence of the federal government for air traffic law. Thus, the protracted legal dispute over such bans is finally over.
What does this mean for surveyors who have to work with drones near protected areas? The flight bans for model airplanes and drones contained in nature and landscape protection statutes are no longer effective with immediate effect. The associated fine regulations can no longer be applied if these prohibitions are disregarded. However, it is important to emphasizethat other provisions and regulations, such as the aviation regulations also to nature reserves (see Air Regulation 21h Section 3/6) or general height restrictions must still be observed.
Restrictions for drone flights continue to apply here in accordance with paragraph 21h of the Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO). It is therefore important to observe these specific regulations and to restrict drone flights in such areas accordingly.
Despite the new legislation, it is of great importance that surveyors respect nature and take flora and fauna into account. Even if there are no specific bans on flying drones outside of protected areas, surveyors should act responsibly. Avoids sensitive habitats, respects breeding and nesting sites and minimizes disturbance to animals and plants. By acting responsibly, we can bring drone flight into harmony with nature.
At CADdy Geomatics we support surveyors with helpful information and resources to make drone flight in surveying effective and environmentally conscious. Our website offers best practices, tips and tools to optimally plan and execute your drone missions.
Let's admire nature and at the same time use the possibilities of surveying with drones. Let's act responsibly and respect nature while taking advantage of drone flight in surveying. With the recent judgment of the Federal Administrative Court and the clear finding that flight bans based on the Federal Nature Conservation Act are not effective, surveyors now have the certainty that they can practice their craft free of unnecessary restrictions.
However, we should not forget that protecting the environment and wildlife is of paramount importance. While nature and landscape conservation statutes may no longer contain direct bans on drone flight, it is crucial that we carry out our work in a way that has minimal impact on flora and fauna.
It is important for surveyors working near conservation areas to note that restrictions only apply to explicit conservation areas under Section 21h of the Air Traffic Code. These special regulations should be carefully followed to ensure the protection of these special areas. Under certain conditions, an operation is also possible here.
As a surveyor at CADdy Geomatics, you can count on our support. We offer you information, best practices and tools to optimally plan and carry out the drone flight in surveying. Visit our website to benefit from our expertise and make your work more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Let's seize the opportunities that drone flight offers us in surveying while accepting our responsibility towards nature. With the recent judgment of the Federal Administrative Court, surveyors now have clear guidelines to carry out their work in accordance with legal regulations and the protection of the environment. Together we can advance surveying while preserving the beauty and diversity of nature.
Sources:
- Federal Administrative Court, judgment of January 26.01.2023, 7, Az. 1.22 CN XNUMX
- Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO)
