Elsight unveils cellular coverage 'heat map' tech for UAV flight planning

Jan. 23, 2025
HeatSight generates heatmaps of cellular coverage at drone-operating altitudes, offering data across longitude, latitude, altitude, and time.

OR YEHUDA, Israel - Elsight, a company specializing in connectivity for unmanned and autonomous systems in Or Yehuda, Israel, has launched HeatSight, a tool for mapping cellular signal strength to improve UAV flight planning and safety. The tool is now available to customers using Elsight's AllSight management platform.

HeatSight generates heatmaps of cellular coverage at drone-operating altitudes, offering data across longitude, latitude, altitude, and time. The feature aggregates signal information over time to identify areas with strong or weak coverage. This allows UAV operators to plan flights more effectively, avoiding areas with unreliable connectivity.

"Think about using Waze to determine your best routes," said Yoav Amitai, CEO of Elsight. "HeatSight gives UAV operators the data on the paths of strongest cellular coverage for your BVLOS missions. It's not only about static information; operators may discover signal congestion during certain periods or weather conditions, allowing them to adjust flight paths or times."

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The tool works in conjunction with Elsight's Halo technology, which records radio frequency data during flights for multiple cellular networks. This information is processed through the AllSight platform, providing a continuously updated view of network conditions.

Amitai noted that HeatSight could assist UAV operators in meeting regulatory requirements for maintaining well-connected flight paths and could potentially offer mobile operators new revenue opportunities in the UAV industry.

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