# Terrain-Mapping Drones The Ardea Drone Autonomously Navigates Areas and Has Three Propellers By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-07-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ardea-drone References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2017/07/27/the-drone-does-delta/) & [tilo-wuesthoff.de](http://www.tilo-wuesthoff.de/) [Drone technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-matrice-400) is the way of the future, so the Ardea Drone seen here comes as a logical next step that will provide an advanced autonomous experience that is made possible with a series of technological achievements. The drone has been designed by Tilo Wüsthoff for Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) and incorporates [autonomous technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-x1-pro) in order to let it navigate without the need for a traditional pilot. This is made possible with a series of [stereo cameras and sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threedimensional-spatial-data) that enable it to chart a course for itself from one location, to another without having to require human interaction along the way. The Ardea Drone identifies key technological innovations that will likely be incorporated in future creations in order to make solutions as seamless as possible. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Autonomous Drones:** Developing drones with autonomous technology opens up opportunities for unmanned aerial exploration and surveillance. - **Stereo Cameras and Sensors:** Improving stereo cameras and sensors enhances the navigational capabilities of drones, enabling them to navigate complex terrains more accurately. - **Seamless Solutions:** Creating seamless drone solutions reduces the need for human intervention and increases efficiency in various industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Aerospace and Defense:** The aerospace and defense industry can leverage autonomous drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and other military applications. - **Mapping and Surveying:** The mapping and surveying industry can benefit from drones with improved navigational capabilities, allowing for more accurate and efficient data collection. - **Delivery and Logistics:** Implementing seamless drone solutions in the delivery and logistics industry can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve last-mile delivery services. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Triple-Propeller Photography Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-hitop.md) - [AI-Powered Hobby Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skydio-2.md) - [Natural Environment-Analyzing Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edrone.md) - [Incline-Friendly Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-drone.md) - [Mesh Networking Support Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evo-max-4t.md) - [Water-Based Entertainment Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arivia-watersurface-drone.md) - [Waterproof Self-Flying Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-aqua-drone.md) - [Crow-Shaped Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hooded-crow.md) - [Enterprise-Grade Drone Mapping Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-zenmuse-l3.md)