Surprising Drone Uses You Haven’t Thought Of (But Should)
By Damon Johnson, Founder of Raising Drones
When most people think of drones, they imagine sweeping aerial shots in a blockbuster movie, or someone flying a quadcopter over their neighborhood for fun. But here’s the deal—drones aren’t just about pretty pictures and backyard hobbies. These high-flying tools have been sneaking into some pretty surprising parts of our daily lives.
And trust me, after years of flying, training, and nerding out over drone tech, I’ve seen it all.
So today, I want to let you in on a few drone uses that don’t usually make the headlines—but probably should. Whether you’re a drone newbie, an aspiring commercial pilot, or just someone who likes knowing cool stuff, this list will have you looking at drones in a whole new way.
1. Drone Fishing (Yes, Really)
Forget casting from the shore. With drone fishing, you attach your line to a drone, fly it out over the water, and drop your bait right where the big ones are hiding. Some drones even have fish finders attached—because if you’re going to use high-tech tools, you might as well go all in.
Just don’t forget to check local regulations. Not every fishing hole is drone-friendly.
2. Roof Inspections Without the Ladder Drama
Let’s be honest—no one actually likes climbing on a roof. It's risky, time-consuming, and just not fun. That’s why drone roof inspections are quickly becoming the smarter (and safer) choice for homeowners, insurance adjusters, and real estate pros.
A drone can snap detailed images and video of shingles, chimneys, and gutters, all while your feet stay firmly on the ground. Win-win.
3. Search and Rescue (The Hero Work)
When someone’s lost in the wilderness or stuck in a dangerous spot, time is everything. Drones can cover more ground faster than any search party on foot. They can fly into tight spaces, scan dense forests, and use thermal imaging to detect body heat—even at night.
These drones aren’t just cool—they’re saving lives. And that’s about as real as it gets.
4. Event Security and Crowd Management
At concerts, sports events, or festivals, drones give organizers a live view of what’s going on across a wide area. They help security teams spot trouble before it starts, guide people during emergencies, and monitor crowd flow to prevent chaos.
Basically, drones are like the watchful eyes in the sky, without the bulky security towers or helicopters overhead.
5. Agriculture: Farming with a Futuristic Twist
I know, “farming” and “technology” don’t always show up in the same sentence—but they should.
Modern farmers are using drones to monitor crop health, water levels, and soil conditions. Some even spray fertilizers and pesticides with drone-mounted systems. It’s faster, more precise, and can save farmers a ton of money (and sweat).
Who knew high-tech and hayfields could go hand in hand?
6. Disaster Relief and Damage Assessment
After a storm, wildfire, or earthquake, it can be tough to know where to start. Drones can fly over disaster zones and provide quick visuals of the damage, helping emergency teams prioritize where help is needed most.
They’re also used by insurance companies to assess property damage—without putting anyone in harm’s way.
7. Environmental Research and Conservation
From tracking wildlife to mapping wetlands, drones are giving environmentalists better tools to study and protect the planet. They can monitor tree growth, spot poachers, and even help with planting new vegetation in hard-to-reach places.
Turns out, drones are helping Mother Nature fight back.
8. Drone Light Shows (Fireworks 2.0)
You’ve probably seen them pop up on your social feed—those dazzling drone light shows where hundreds of drones dance through the sky in perfect sync. Unlike fireworks, they’re silent, safer, and don’t leave behind smoke or litter.
Companies and cities are now booking drone shows for major holidays, corporate events, and even weddings. Trust me, it's like the future just showed up—and it’s got a choreographed playlist.
9. Delivering… Just About Everything
Okay, we’re not quite at the Jetsons level yet, but we’re getting close. Drones are already being tested for delivering food, packages, and even medical supplies.
In some places, they’re already dropping off prescriptions or emergency items in remote areas. It’s quick, efficient, and way more exciting than waiting for a van to roll up.
10. Mapping and 3D Modeling
This one’s for all the tech-lovers out there. Drones equipped with special cameras can create super accurate maps and 3D models of landscapes, buildings, and construction sites. These models help with planning, design, and even historical preservation.
If you ever wanted to feel like you’re building a real-life video game world, this is it.
So… What’s the Takeaway?
Drones are no longer just toys for tech geeks or tools for filmmakers. They’re transforming industries, solving real-world problems, and yes—still managing to look really cool doing it.
At Raising Drones, we’re all about showing people the full potential of this technology. Whether you’re just curious, want to get certified, or are dreaming of launching your own drone business, we’re here to help you fly smarter—and bolder.
So the next time someone asks, “What can you even do with a drone?” you’ll have more than a few surprising answers.
Fly high,
Damon Johnson
Founder, Raising Drones