# License Plate-Tracking Drones This Unmanned Drone Helps Bring Accountability to the Skies By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-09-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/license-platetracking References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2015/08/drone-license-plates-for-drones-lightcense-uav.html) & [lightcense.co](http://www.lightcense.co/) 'LightCense' is a new project that aims to bring accountability to the skies though the use of license plate-tracking drones. In recent years, the [rising popularity of drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-neo) has led to a number of unfortunate accidents and minor injuries. In order to keep drone operators accountable, this project aims to assign a visual ID to each device. The goal of LightCense is to create a system that makes it easier to identify drone operators if a problem occurs. The system works through the use of [unique drone signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-lightshow) that are visible from a distance. Observers can then use a smartphone app to record a drone and pull up its information. The app uses a combination of GPS, telemetry and a transponder to allow for long-range detection. While the project is still in the early stages of testing, the notion of license plate-tracking drones offers a unique way to bring accountability to the skies. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **License Plate-tracking Drones:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop advanced drone tracking technologies to enhance accountability and safety in the skies. - **Unique Drone Signatures:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Create a standardized identification system using visible drone signatures to easily identify and track drone operators. - **Long-range Detection Technology:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Innovate long-range detection technologies that combine GPS, telemetry, and transponders to accurately detect and identify drones from a distance. ### Where This Applies - **Drone Technology:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop drone tracking and identification solutions that enhance safety and accountability in the drone industry. - **Aviation:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Integrate license plate-tracking drone systems into aviation operations to minimize accidents and improve safety measures. - **Surveillance and Security:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Leverage license plate-tracking drone technology for enhanced surveillance and security applications, such as monitoring restricted areas or tracking suspicious activities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Safety-Enhancing Community Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-public-safety-drone.md) - [Portable Drone Detectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dedrone.md) - [Carbon-Caged Mapping Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mapping-drone.md) - [Home Security Surveillance Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/always-home-cam.md) - [Drone-Intercepting Quadcopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-interceptor.md) - [Laser-Controlled Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lasercontrolled-military-drone.md) - [Drone-Equipped Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/byd-and-dji.md) - [Rounded Bi-Rotor Ducted Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleo-dronut-x1.md) - [Power-Beaming Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-recharging-system.md)