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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: hongkongphooey on 10:11:56, 27/03/19

Title: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: hongkongphooey on 10:11:56, 27/03/19
Has anyone any views or experience - My two main questions are around is the weight an obstacle and is it seen is sociably acceptable?



Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: chrismen on 10:57:01, 27/03/19
Has anyone any views or experience - My two main questions are around is the weight an obstacle and is it seen is sociably acceptable?
I was on a walk last year, and spent ages looking for the source of a high-pitched buzzing noise. Eventually I realised it was a cyclist with a drone tracking him, no doubt filming his exploits.
The noise is pretty intrusive, so I suspect if it becomes common there will be a negative reaction. And many people will object to being filmed without their consent.
Just my €0.02’s worth ...
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: ninthace on 11:38:08, 27/03/19
I have a drone to check the state of my gutters - it was a gift and I cannot find another use for it.  I agree the noise in intrusive and adversely affect your enjoyment of the wide open spaces.  Personally, I just don't see the need to film your exploits, it is some form of narcissism IMHO along with publishing your GoPro movies on t'interweb.  Another is the issue of their effect on livestock. 


Drones are already banned on parts of Dartmoor if the signs I have seen are to be believed.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Jac on 12:13:49, 27/03/19
Yes, banned over the Dartmoor commons
http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/drones-and-model-aircraft

I've no axe to grind. I enjoy the videos giving an aerial view though appreciate that livestock could react badly if buzzed - just confirming Ninthace's comment.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: phil1960 on 12:45:47, 27/03/19
I personally have no issue with drones and enjoy the footage I’ve seen on you tube, it gives a different perspective on walks. I don’t have one myself but I do have a GoPro and like the results that it gives, each to their own I say.

Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Petrolhead on 12:59:27, 27/03/19
Hmmm...

Trying to be diplomatic...

Personally I thoroughly dislike them. The noise is about as fun as a dentist drill and there is very much the intrusion aspect of filming someone without their consent.

I was in Richmond Park recently and there was someone flying their drone around the deer. I was stood next to a guy who was getting more and more irate about it until he eventually spotted the person responsible. He marched over to him, took out his phone, shoved it in the guys face pretending to (or maybe actually) film him while doing his own impression of the horrible buzzing noise we could all hear.

A bit extreme maybe but it reflected the views of seeminly everyone else in the vacinity. A couple of people actually clapped him.

We also had a good three miles of a walk in the Easten Sierras ruined by a drone that, for all I could tell, was actively following us. We couldn't see another person for the entire time it was with us.

Think about how you would feel if you're out in the middle of nowhere enjoying the tranquil serenity and then someone sits down next to you and pulls out a ghetto blaster and starts playing some death metal and proceeds to film you at the same time.

What's the difference? Not a great deal in my opinion. My example is obviously a more direct intrusion but...

If you care at all about the enjoyment of others in the places you visit, I'd say use it very very carefully. Preferably not at all, as honestly I'm not sure it's something you can do responsibly (or at least seem to be!).

Is you having your great footage worth spoiling the moment for others?

It's one of those situations where the only person who will get any enjoyment from the noise (and the filming intrusion) is you. For everyone else it's a nuisance.

Rant over.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: roughyed on 13:00:58, 27/03/19
Some of the smaller drones are very portable (in compactness and weight).

Personally I don't use mine in a busy place and if there are many people about in the general area.  Used responsibly they are fine.  'Buzzing' round other people can be annoying.  If I want to take pictures/film of a popular place, I would get up very early or stay late and try and be the first person around. 
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: phil1960 on 13:11:41, 27/03/19
Some of the smaller drones are very portable (in compactness and weight).

Personally I don't use mine in a busy place and if there are many people about in the general area.  Used responsibly they are fine.  'Buzzing' round other people can be annoying.  If I want to take pictures/film of a popular place, I would get up very early or stay late and try and be the first person around.
Can’t argue with that  O0
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Pitboot on 14:51:45, 27/03/19
Diplomacy be damned. I hate them. They have no place in the great outdoors. If you want a nice picture climb higher.
I found a couple flying one over Tarn Hows a few weeks ago and they are banned on NT land. informed the wardens but don't know if they took action.

Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: beefy on 16:43:23, 27/03/19
Has anyone any views or experience - My two main questions are around is the weight an obstacle and is it seen is sociably acceptable?
I use my drone now and again, the weight is an issue when were carrying camping gear, but I love the footage and interest it brings to my videos


The noise is pretty intrusive, so I suspect if it becomes common there will be a negative reaction. And many people will object to being filmed without their consent.
Just my €0.02’s worth ...
The noise can be an issue for some people, however, we all have to tolerate each other,
As far as consent, I don't need anyone consent, the same could be said for cameras, or phones taking video or pictures


I have a drone to check the state of my gutters - it was a gift and I cannot find another use for it.  I agree the noise in intrusive and adversely affect your enjoyment of the wide open spaces.  Personally, I just don't see the need to film your exploits, it is some form of narcissism IMHO along with publishing your GoPro movies on t'interweb.  Another is the issue of their effect on livestock. 


Drones are already banned on parts of Dartmoor if the signs I have seen are to be believed.
Noise can spoil your enjoyment, do you think drones should be banned?
If so, what about aeroplanes,  paramotors, powered hang gliders, barking dogs, people shouting, wearing too much after shave or perfume, causing some of us to have an asthma attack, smokers poisoning our lungs, cars with loud exhausts, people shouting down their mobile phones etc. Should these be banned too?


Just because you don't see why people want to film themselves and post them on the web, doesn't mean a lot of people don't enjoy what they do, you only have to look on YouTube to see how many enjoy it,
I personally enjoy making films, and looking back at them to relive the memories, and I post them because I know other people enjoy watching them
I usually fly when we are wild camping, and everyone else has gone home,
As far as livestock, I always fly my drone with respect to people, animals, and the environment, we even pick up other peoples litter whilst out on the fells
I think you have a very narrow minded view about drones and other people's enjoyment, the fells are there to be shared by everyone,
Live and let live eh.
There are laws for flying drones, those of us who fly responsibly are being lawful, and are doing nothing wrong
I understand people getting annoyed about drones that are being flown illegally,
When drones are flown properly they would rarely be a nuisance, and you would hardly hear them when they are at least
150feet away
You can download the drone code here


https://dronesafe.uk/dron (https://dronesafe.uk/dron)

Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: ninthace on 17:04:55, 27/03/19

Noise can spoil your enjoyment, do you think drones should be banned?
If so, what about aeroplanes,  paramotors, powered hang gliders, barking dogs, people shouting, wearing too much after shave or perfume, causing some of us to have an asthma attack, smokers poisoning our lungs, cars with loud exhausts, people shouting down their mobile phones etc. Should these be banned too?


You just listed a lot of my favourite bugbears!


Just because you don't see why people want to film themselves and post them on the web, doesn't mean a lot of people don't enjoy what they do, you only have to look on YouTube to see how many enjoy it,
I did not say I did not see why, I said I didn't understand the motivation.  I don't understand selfies either.  I know what I look like, what I did and where I did it but I don't feel the need to record it and share it.  If you want to, fill your boots, provided it is legal and considerate.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Petrolhead on 17:38:25, 27/03/19
Beefy, that's why I used my example of someone playing their music in public spaces. There's no law against it but it's one of those small "quality of life" type issues that most people would avoid, and they'd look at people who did it as a pain. It's totally legal but most of us wouldn't out of respect for others. Or as another for instance, taking your example of loud exhausts... one of my cars has a switchable "noisy" mode. And it is earth shatteringly noisy. In a tunnel it sounds absolutely immense and I love it, but that's just my view and I'm well aware that it could be very unpleasant for others, maybe even frightening to some. It's perfectly legal (as far as I'm aware) to have it bouncing off the rev limiter in a tunnel, but I wouldn't out of consideration for other road users.

I don't think there's a law about loud and smelly public burping either... but...

I see drone flying in public spaces, especially the quiet places, as the same sort of issue. As much as you're doing it carefully and with consideration in your opinion, how do you know it's not driving someone else nearby totally crazy? I bet if you had the chance to interview everyone within ear shot of it very few would be saying "thumbs up mate, go ahead".

Same with not needing consent to film people. If you saw someone filming in your direction, continually, wouldn't you feel even a slight invasion of your privacy? You might not be filming people directly but that doesn't mean it wouldn't make some people very uncomfortable.

I see it as a public decency issue, not a legal one. The "we all have to tolerate each other" view should work both ways no? Imagine walking through a tunnel and me turning up in my car and making your ears hurt. Would you just look at it as being ok because we have to tolerate each other? You'd most likely look at me as being a complete **** and probably quite rightly!

Not at all having a go mate, far from it. Just adding a balance of opinion. It's not only the view of the drone user that is to be considered, it's how everyone within ear shot (and indeed the people who really do not wish to be filmed) reacts to it. The singular vs the many. How does the drone user know that what they view as doing it in consideration isn't seemingly the exact opposite to others. They couldn't possibly.

I'd absolutely love a drone. I have a small quadcopter and can fly it pretty damn well (if I do say so myself!) after years of practice. I'm sure I could make footage I'd be really happy with if I had one. And indeed, I've enjoyed some of your own drone footage (at least I think it was yours if I remember correctly).

This is all pretty moot though to be honest because soon enough, someone will use one for an act of terror and they'll all be banned immediately. It's only a matter of time surely.

And Ninthace, I'm with you, I simply can NOT understand the selfie obsession. It's not a good development for the world to be so self absorbed. But I do totally understand why someone would want some drone footage. It looks amazing. Unless of course it's some weird spinning drone selfie!
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: phil1960 on 18:12:32, 27/03/19
I have one main bugbear in the great outdoors and that is illegal off roaders, not those used legally, i’ll Just avoid them, just those used illegally. But on this issue I’m with Beefy, used responsibly and legally I have no problem and enjoy, even envy some of the footage I see. I couldn’t care less one way or the other about selfies, not my thing personally but it doesn’t hurt anyone does it. To suggest (that’s how it sounds) that those who use drones, or that those who record their adventures are somehow narcissistic, is judgemental and a little silly quite frankly.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: April on 18:43:19, 27/03/19
Just because a drone is in the air it doesn't necessarily mean it is filming or that the camera is pointing in your direction. It is the same when someone has a camera in their hand. They aren't necessarily taking a photo or pointing it at you.

I haven't got time at the moment to list all of the things that annoy me that other people do when I'm out on a walk  :D

I will be posting a trip report later. Is it being narcissistic making trip reports or having a blog or website? Or even posting photos on here? Should we all give up and not share our happy times when we are out and about?
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Petrolhead on 19:14:45, 27/03/19
Just because a drone is in the air it doesn't necessarily mean it is filming or that the camera is pointing in your direction. It is the same when someone has a camera in their hand. They aren't necessarily taking a photo or pointing it at you.

I haven't got time at the moment to list all of the things that annoy me that other people do when I'm out on a walk  :D

I will be posting a trip report later. Is it being narcissistic making trip reports or having a blog or website? Or even posting photos on here? Should we all give up and not share our happy times when we are out and about?


Yes but the people on the ground don't know that they're not being filmed. And they probably are. Nor does a camera make a constant and extremely annoying (to some) noise.


If a camera kept you in its field of view, constantly, and made a loud, disturbing noise, constantly, then yep it would be the same.


As for things that annoy you while you're out walking, I'm going out on a limb here but maybe I wouldn't be far off if I said that most of them are things that decent folk wouldn't do out of respect for others, am I wrong? Making sure their kids aren't screaming for example.


Finally... the trip report bit, my god no, definitely not. Yours and Beefy's TRs and VRs are some of the best things about this entire forum in my opinion!
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: ninthace on 19:42:00, 27/03/19
Just because a drone is in the air it doesn't necessarily mean it is filming or that the camera is pointing in your direction. It is the same when someone has a camera in their hand. They aren't necessarily taking a photo or pointing it at you.

I haven't got time at the moment to list all of the things that annoy me that other people do when I'm out on a walk  :D

I will be posting a trip report later. Is it being narcissistic making trip reports or having a blog or website? Or even posting photos on here? Should we all give up and not share our happy times when we are out and about?
  As Mrs Ninthace says:  "It's a good job we are not all the same."  I know there are many people that enjoy posting TRs and there are probably more that enjoy reading them.  I neither read nor publish them.  On the other hand, I do put gps traces of routes that I have done on web sites for others to use.  It started as a form of cloud storage before the days when cloud storage was common and it has become a habit  - as well as ameans of earning VR credits.  It is a bit like TRs - it is my way of giving back to an activity I enjoy but anonymously.  I regard walking as a personal activty and nothing out of the ordinary, so there is no reason to routinely share it, though I may report the odd occurrence for the amusement or information for others on the forum
For me TRs are an extended selfie, I am sure people enjoy making them and equally people enjoy reading them but they are just not for me.  I have the same view of blogging.  I know people enjoy doing them and others enjoy reading them but I have trouble understanding why unless the blogger is doing something remarkable and don't get me started on Twitter!
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Ridge on 20:00:22, 27/03/19

Finally... the trip report bit, my god no, definitely not. Yours and Beefy's TRs and VRs are some of the best things about this entire forum in my opinion!
You can't complain about drones and also like Beefy's VRs it has to be one or the other.


I've never had a problem with drones when walking, if I had perhaps I would feel differently about them.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: BuzyG on 20:37:23, 27/03/19
The few I have come accross thus far have all been a sorces of annoyance.  We use them at work for building suveyes.  Perfect for it.  But letting the general public lose with somethng that both, records other's activities, without thought of privacy and makes a right din, is not my idea of a socially viable hobby.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Petrolhead on 21:01:08, 27/03/19
You can't complain about drones and also like Beefy's VRs it has to be one or the other.


I've never had a problem with drones when walking, if I had perhaps I would feel differently about them.


Of course I can! Why not?


I really like drone footage. It's amazing to watch. Stuff like this in particular:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfrlcG1PjfE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfrlcG1PjfE)


Why because I dislike the noise and intrusion from them, do I have to dislike the footage that comes out of them? I certainly wouldn't enjoy having a shark near me. I still thoroughly enjoy watching footage of them.


I don't like drones but I've always enjoyed Beefy's and April's reports, including the one from today.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: beefy on 21:01:51, 27/03/19
I have a drone to check the state of my gutters
Do you live in a house that's at least 150feet from anyone else?
If not you are breaking the law flying it...

Finally... the trip report bit, my god no, definitely not. Yours and Beefy's TRs and VRs are some of the best things about this entire forum in my opinion!
Thanks :)
But on this issue I’m with Beefy, used responsibly and legally I have no problem and enjoy, even envy some of the footage I see.
Thanks phil :)
You can't complain about drones and also like Beefy's VRs it has to be one or the other.


I've never had a problem with drones when walking, if I had perhaps I would feel differently about them.
;D


But letting the general public lose with somethng that both, records other's activities, without thought of privacy, is not my idea of a socially viable hobby.
Isn't that what Google is doing to you right now?
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Petrolhead on 21:07:30, 27/03/19
Thanks :)


Thank YOU. You're welcome fella. You and April have been a source of much inspiration for Mrs PH and I. Her especially. It was looking through April's TRs that persuaded her that it was a good idea for us to drive all that way from London. And it was also thanks to April that we saw a magic sunset from Arnison Crag.


 O0
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Ridge on 21:10:56, 27/03/19
I certainly wouldn't enjoy having a shark near me. I still thoroughly enjoy watching footage of them.

But you are saying that we shouldn't have underwater cameras but that you like watching shark films.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Petrolhead on 21:17:21, 27/03/19
But you are saying that we shouldn't have underwater cameras but that you like watching shark films.


Ridge, not at all mate, I didn't say that.


If I lived underwater and often when I went out to the quiet corners of the ocean someone appeared with an underwater camera that looked for all the world like it was filming me, it made a complete racket, and followed me for three miles, then yep, I'd definitely have an issue with that. I'd expect anyone would.


 O0
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: ninthace on 21:30:15, 27/03/19
Do you live in a house that's at least 150feet from anyone else?
It is not Nov 2019 yet, my drone is only 180gms and I have the permission of both of the owners of the houses within 150 ft and I am not doing it for commercial gain.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Ridge on 21:37:38, 27/03/19

Ridge, not at all mate, I didn't say that.


If I lived underwater and often when I went out to the quiet corners of the ocean someone appeared with an underwater camera that looked for all the world like it was filming me, it made a complete racket, and followed me for three miles, then yep, I'd definitely have an issue with that. I'd expect anyone would.


 O0
You don't like drones filming but like to watch drone films.


Your shark analogy is that you like seeing films about hills but wouldn't want to be near one.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: pauldawes on 05:47:48, 28/03/19
You don't like drones filming but like to watch drone films.


Your shark analogy is that you like seeing films about hills but wouldn't want to be near one.


I think it is relevant is whether the films are made with care and sensitivity and minimise disturbance for other users of the countryside.


On the “shark analogy”...few, if any people, would support film makers that damage or disturb the environment they are filming.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 07:11:54, 28/03/19
Our wild areas are somewhere we can escape the pressures and noise of modern life. While drones might bring some enjoyment to the users, they definitely detract from the peace that many of us seek. It is important that we don’t negatively affect others when enjoying ourselves. I know from direct experience that drones can be heard from much further away than 150 feet and they are extremely annoying for many countryside users. I have also seen riders on trail bikes on Cnicht and rowdy groups with 6 packs (of beer, not due to exercise) who invariably leave their rubbish on the hill. In each case the people concerned can claim that they are just enjoying themselves, but every time something like this happens it makes it so much less enjoyable for so many others.


As a footnote, although it may be legal photograph people on public land, if you use pictures of someone for a commercial purpose, you do need explicit permission to use their likeness. So, if you have a blog that has adverts, you may be liable to be sued if you use photos of others in this way without permission. The same applies if you anger a picture in a photo competition that has a prize. Many such competitions have explicit rules requiring entrants to obtain model release and place all liability on the photographer.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: April on 08:32:34, 28/03/19
Where is everyone going where you encounter all these drones?

I can't remember hearing or seeing one (except beefy's) in the past year at least.

Our wild areas are somewhere we can escape the pressures and noise of modern life. While drones might bring some enjoyment to the users, they definitely detract from the peace that many of us seek. It is important that we don’t negatively affect others when enjoying ourselves.

If the word drones was replaced with "shouting" I totally agree with this sentence. I have to endure people shouting at each other nearly every time I'm out in the hills. Sometimes you can't actually see them at first and we can't believe how far they are away from us that we can hear them!

I have also seen riders on trail bikes on Cnicht and rowdy groups with 6 packs (of beer, not due to exercise) who invariably leave their rubbish on the hill. In each case the people concerned can claim that they are just enjoying themselves, but every time something like this happens it makes it so much less enjoyable for so many others.

I don't think you can compare somebody flying a drone to somebody leaving their rubbish on a hill! We all probably do something when we are out that annoys or spoils others' enjoyment, people are just unaware that they are annoying someone else.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: phil1960 on 08:34:31, 28/03/19
And as a little more balance, in the last say five years I have come across people using a drone three times. I walk every weekend and during the week when on holiday from work, mainly in the Brecon Beacons, Mid Wales plus we have three or four long weekends in Snowdonia each year, we see four leaf clovers more often. To the OP who asked the question I would just say make your own mind up, used responsibly I can’t see the issue, but obviously not everyone will agree, welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: beefy on 09:11:01, 28/03/19
Quote
I have also seen riders on trail bikes on Cnicht and rowdy groups with 6 packs (of beer, not due to exercise) who invariably leave their rubbish on the hill. In each case the people concerned can claim that they are just enjoying themselves, but every time something like this happens it makes it so much less enjoyable for so many others.
 



If you watched my videos you would know that both April and myself are passionate about the great outdoors and we operate a leave no trace policy, we take only pictures, leave only footprints, and kill only time, we even pick up other people’s rubbish, and we cannot be compared to these people, we gave up a day of our time to attend the zipoff protest along with pdstsp, who is also passionate about the Lake District
As said before, I’m always sensitive towards other people, and animals, and treat everyone with respect, I usually only fly my drone when we are wild camping, when everyone else has gone home, and I avoid flying when others are around, I find most people are curious about the drone and ask questions and I’ve never once had anyone complain about it,
 Where are you people going with all these drones flying?
We’ve spent the last 5 years in the Lake District every weekend nearly,
I’ve only seen 1 drone, and heard 2


On a side note
We are being filmed without our consent all the time
On streets, in shops, on buses and trains, car dash cams, cyclists even wear cameras, and people wear body cams, and our every move is being tracked if we carry a mobile phone, every thing you type in google is being recorded, and every web page you visit is recorded.
To suggest that we are anything like these people is outrageous

Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: pdstsp on 09:50:27, 28/03/19
I have only had one bad experience with drones, which was on a very busy Haystacks last August, around lunchtime, when someone was flying one probably 50 feet above the summit and buzzing round, which me and my eldest, and many round us, found annoying.  Clearly the behaviour of the individual flying it was outside the code of conduct. 


I personally love some of the footage Beefy has posted and I think they enrich the video, and give a lovely view of an area.  I can't remember seeing anyone else in Beefy's vids except April and Squeaky.


On the other hand, the belief of some people that, if you are chatting in the outdoors, you need to raise the decibel level to Concorde busting level, is deeply annoying.


Also - I fully appreciate Ninthace's view that he doesn't read or post TRs, but I find them invaluable, and have found some of the TRs on here both informative and a bit inspirational. I think posting them puts a bit back into this on-line community as well as being fun to do.  We are all different and the world would be very boring if we weren't!


As for google and their intrusion - don't get me started :(
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: barewirewalker on 11:47:24, 28/03/19
There is a use of drones in the walking context that I have yet to see. I should have thought that a serious walker would have sussed it out, maybe it has yet to be discovered on this forum but has surfaced elsewhere. My sympathies are with Ninthace to a certain extent on the endless repetitiveness of TR's, which are just a personal record of a walk and have nothing new to offer, these can be safely tucked away on a blog and only those, who provide sufficient description, to tempt me to view will get my attention, but I find it a shame when an informative TR, as others have found is too hard to find.

As much as I admire Beefy's and April's TRs, that is a Trip Report, a VR is only Video Report.......of what? A TR with video footage! So the walker plodding along with his mechanical friend hovering over top, once done has little more to offer creatively.
 

The one feature a drone cam has that sets it apart from all other forms of photography is the ability to take pictures, remote from the photographer, cheaply. Now my biggest criticism of walk guides (the written sort) are their slavish obedience to the righteous way and the lack of ability to make judgment on the quality of way, as allowed by the rights of way network.

Here we have an instrument of remote trespass, but are there operators, with the understanding of our restrictive network, the creative skills to interpret terrain and the ability to publish their results?

On another topic I have tried to interest others to the plan for expensive infrastructure (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38135.msg541400#msg541400) over a new road, which will be for the private use of a landowner.  Here is a perfect example where good footage, could explain why the notion the occupiers of our countryside are holding back the development of a national asset.


Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Ridge on 12:00:26, 28/03/19
BWW at least if you do not like TRs and VRs you can avoid them as they are always titled as such. There are subjects which are impossible to dodge as they get shoehorned in to any and every topic on the forum.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Percy on 12:30:11, 28/03/19
BWW at least if you do not like TRs and VRs you can avoid them as they are always titled as such. There are subjects which are impossible to dodge as they get shoehorned in to any and every topic on the forum.
Quite apt in this thread. He loves a good drone.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: pdstsp on 12:48:10, 28/03/19
My sympathies are with Ninthace to a certain extent on the endless repetitiveness of TR's, which are just a personal record of a walk and have nothing new to offer, these can be safely tucked away on a blog and only those, who provide sufficient description, to tempt me to view will get my attention, but I find it a shame when an informative TR, as others have found is too hard to find.




That's me told.  I must admit, I thought this was a walking forum and that most of the members were interested in walks, and that, therefore, walk reports were an enjoyable part of the process.  If you don't want to read them, don't. 


Amazing - here's a thread about drones which ends up with those of us who give enough of a s##t to post TRs being called narcissistic and being accused of endless repetitiveness.  Wow. :(



Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: phil1960 on 12:56:00, 28/03/19
Well said pdstsp  O0
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 15:43:05, 28/03/19
Life gets a lot simpler when you tell people to f off more often - and in this respect it is entirely down to 'do what you want but be mindful of others'.


Do I mind a drone flying about on the fells giving the owner some good footage?  No, of course not.
Do I mind it flying over my garden whilst I'm b@llock naked brushing up on my tan?  Of course, especially if it's hovering still for a good look!


Also for anyone doing Trip Reports - they're great, I see it more like someone's diary they've invited you to read and some of them are pretty witty, too.  If you don't like it, don't read them.  Sure, the fells have been here for millions of years and there's a good chance you could google some article from someone who has already climbed it - but then what's the fun in that!


Lastly, the narcissistic comment .. I interpreted as a whinge about the amount of people using Instagram and taking 90% selfies where you can't see the beautiful background anyway.  Which I'd personally agree with, it seems full of a bunch of self important [censored] who are more concerned with getting a perfect face angle than actually focusing on the views/area.  Good rule of thumb for any profile/TR/facebook account/whatever - if they have more pictures of themselves than of things they do, they relate themselves to the environment rather than the environment to themselves and I'd likely get bored talking to them before I've finished half a pint.


The only concern I have with regard to drones specifically is as that get more hi-tech, cheaper and accessible - you get a lot more questionable behavior, especially once they perfect the tech and get them 'following' a subject without need for manual input so all the 'extreme sports' crowd end up doing their thing with a drone flying after them - though I think we'll likely see them banned/curtailed before then if we keep getting the airport incidents.  But until then, they make for amazing video reports and are great fun for those who like getting out there.  HYOH.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: pdstsp on 17:28:59, 28/03/19
Well said pdstsp  O0


Thanks Phil
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: BuzyG on 20:19:46, 28/03/19
Isn't that what Google is doing to you right now?

Why did you feel the need to edit my post out of context?

No Google do not make a horrid buzzing din and spend a lot of money editing people's personal detail out of their captured images. 
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: jimbob on 20:44:52, 28/03/19
The only drone I have ever seen was a huge one used by Google to capture images for Street View.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: April on 20:51:37, 28/03/19
Why did you feel the need to edit my post out of context?

Having read through what you wrote, I can't see how the bit beefy quoted is out of context? If Beefy had quoted everything from everyone's posts that he was replying to it would be a very long post.

Are you aware if this forum etiquette rule?

"Please refrain from quoting entire posts in your replies, or reposting images from an original message. To reply, we ask that you trim out all but the relevant points you are replying to. This keeps the forum easier for your fellow members to read, and does not clutter up a thread with unnecessary text. It also impacts less on the hosting servers"

The only drone I have ever seen was a huge one used by Google to capture images for Street View.

 :)

Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: ninthace on 21:29:22, 28/03/19
Having read through what you wrote, I can't see how the bit beefy quoted is out of context? If Beefy had quoted everything from everyone's posts that he was replying to it would be a very long post.

I think BuzyG has a point, his post was
The few I have come accross thus far have all been a sorces of annoyance.  We use them at work for building suveyes.  Perfect for it.  But letting the general public lose with somethng that both, records other's activities, without thought of privacy and makes a right din, is not my idea of a socially viable hobby.
Trimming it to
"But letting the general public lose with somethng that both, records other's activities, without thought of privacy, is not my idea of a socially viable hobby."
Could be construed as altering the context and content.


 


 
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: April on 22:15:34, 28/03/19
Could be construed as altering the context and content.

BuzyG's full post is there for everyone to read.

Beefy was responding to a specific point in BuzyG's post so there was no need to quote the part of that post he wasn't specifically responding to. IMO that is not altering the context.

I have only quoted the last line in your post for the same reason  :)
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: beefy on 22:27:29, 28/03/19
BuzyG's full post is there for everyone to read.

Beefy was responding to a specific point in BuzyG's post so there was no need to quote the part of that post he wasn't specifically responding to. IMO that is not altering the context.

I have only quoted the last line in your post for the same reason  :)
O0
I've spent enough time on this thread, I'm off to make videos :crazy2:

Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: humansnail on 21:23:21, 29/03/19

I've only ever seen a drone once. My friend spotted it when walking in the lakes and said "Look, someone is flying a done," I replied "Oh yeah," and that was that, can't say it had any impact on the day and totally forgot about it until reading this thread! ;D If the day ever comes when the sky is full of them and they are buzzing around like robotic midges then that would be horrible, but for me it has been a non issue so far.
If I was walking somewhere with a drone following/hovering around me I would be pretty annoyed,  so I can sympathise with the frustrations of anyone who has had this happen to them,  but assuming that all drone users would act in this way is just the same as thinking all wild campers leave 8 cans and a bag full of rubbish behind after every camp.
As for videos/trip reports etc, I hardly ever take pictures and wouldn't dream of videoing my trips (wouldn't know where to start, wouldn't want to lug all the gear about and wouldn't have the skill or motivation) but I'm grateful to those that do. They have inspired me to visit certain places that I wouldn't have thought of visiting and I thoroughly enjoy watching/reading them. Please keep them coming! O0
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Percy on 08:33:53, 30/03/19
I’ve had a couple of bad experiences with drones. Once on the Malvern Hills where it felt like I was being buzzed by the thing. There are also all the times when one was in use near me and I was completely unaware of it. Some people are just inconsiderate, they’ll manifest it using a drone, their phone etc.


What I do object to is the ‘I don’t need your consent to film you’ argument. Legally correct. By the same token if you’re sat down in a pub I don’t need your consent to f4rt in your face. Manners people, manners.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: jontea on 16:03:08, 30/03/19
Just read through most of this thread. Some very interesting views on drones and especially trip reports, narcissistic eh.  :-\  I’ve honestly never thought of my trip reports as an extended selfy or any kind of self promotion. Yes I agree, they are a personal walking diary, that I hoped like minded readers might find interesting and informative, as I do reading others. After all, this is a WALKING FORUM. We share information about gear, news, photography etc. I just share my walks as others do. Reading them is optional, or just scroll through the photos, I don’t mind, I do waffle on a bit. But if you think they are boring, then have the ? To comment, and I’ll stop sharing with the forum  :)
It really has got me thinking.


As for drones, I don’t have a problem with them as long as they are well away from me.
I had a drone follow me up Catstye Cam, the guys operating it were on Helvellyn. I’m only guessing but I might have been used for some perspective and scale as I walked to it’s summit.
I wouldn’t expect these guys to climb down ‘Swirral Edge’ to ask permission.








Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Ridge on 17:13:21, 30/03/19
It really has got me thinking.
You don't want to start doing that.


Because 1 or 2 people don't care for trip reports doesn't mean that other people don't love them.


When I do reports they are written for myself and the 6 people on the forum who normally comment on them.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: jontea on 17:27:22, 30/03/19
When I do reports they are written for myself and the 6 people on the forum who normally comment on them.


Funnily enough Mark, they are viewed by hundreds. Whether readers open the blog is another matter, but my latest post has 537 views. So I’m thinking some people are reading them, commenting or not. :-\


Sorry, didn’t mean to hijack the drone thread.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: bricam2096 on 17:49:16, 30/03/19
Just reading through the comments, have to admit a lot of disappointment over a certain post. Many of the walks that I have done, whether day walks or multi day walks I have done after reading a trip report e.g. the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and reading them, either on here or individual members blogs/websites makes me want to do some or at least gives advice about them. I do trip reports, not only hoping that something I write might encourage someone to do that walk but also to look back at in years to come when I wont be able to do the same kind of walks.

Members are free to choose what threads they want to read, the trip reports are pretty easy to pick out and avoid if you wish....just as certain threads started by certain members don't get read as we all know what they are going to be about...each to their own.

Meanwhile.....back on topic. I would like to take a drone with me for certain walks as I think the footage would add to any trip report/website/video but the cost, battery time and carrying it all day for maybe 10 minutes of footage puts me off.

Someone mentioned about wanting to video walks but didn't fancy carrying all the gear, well most people nowadays use the Gopro kind of sports camera which are tiny, fits in your pocket and weighs very little  O0
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 20:13:38, 30/03/19
I like reading some trip reports, places I've been to and places I'm thinking of going. Sometimes read random trip reports out of curiosity what's out there. There's too many to read them all for me but having them there is good, people can search for the places and see them in the future as a reference.


As for narcissistic, I just took a test out of curiosity and it says I'm more narcissistic than most people  ;D  That must be cerebral as I'm well aware how pretty I'm not! I guess if you did it just for the praise or to show off it would be a bit narcissistic (and so what really) but who among us doesn't like praise? I might not post trip reports on here but I do stick my photos on Facebook for the likes. I think people also do it as a diary of their exploits and because it is useful to others not just for the praise.


Ninthace's traces have been more useful to me than trip reports but that's just me personally, I'm sure for some of the more visual and knowledgeable who trust themselves to follow route descriptions and know their oak trees from their beech trip reports are more useful. It's good the forum has both.


I've yet to see a drone out on a walk. I think at first it would be a curiosity. The noise would be annoying if everyone did it or maybe it wouldn't because then it would be normal. I know some people don't like them but if I had one I'd take it with me.
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: hongkongphooey on 02:04:03, 17/04/19
I watched a TV documentary last night about the drone sightings at Gatwick, unbelievable that the airport was shutdown for 36hrs and with all the attention there the drone operator was never identified!
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: Requiem on 12:32:54, 05/05/19
I remember New Years Day this year someone was flying a drone along the line of Stanage Edge - a lot of people were glaring at it as it was bugging them big time. It got to around where Stanage Plantation when something suddenly failed on it right opposite me and it dropped and smashed on the scrambling rocks below. The sounds of cheering from along the edge were hilarious. A guy eventually appeared with his mate and they discussed how 'Its done that three times now" - I nearly fell off my rock laughing


Saying that though, I've subscribed to three channels on YouTube where folks regularly take a drone into the lakes, and one into North Wales, and the video they capture is stunning.


I guess they're wonderful things as long as we don't have to see or hear them  O0


Oh and on the subject of people having cameras pointed at them - My favourite phrase for when people say they hope they're not having their picture taken is "Nah, I don't take photos of ugly 'uns"  ;D

R
Title: Re: Taking a drone in the hills
Post by: BuzyG on 23:32:09, 05/05/19
I remember New Years Day this year someone was flying a drone along the line of Stanage Edge - a lot of people were glaring at it as it was bugging them big time. It got to around where Stanage Plantation when something suddenly failed on it right opposite me and it dropped and smashed on the scrambling rocks below. The sounds of cheering from along the edge were hilarious.

I guess they're wonderful things as long as we don't have to see or hear them  O0

R
Indeed if they were completely silent.  They would be far less hated by folk lke my good self.  Every one would still laugh when one crashed though.  ;D