Experts from across the US gather in downtown Anchorage to learn about drone technology

The final day of the Global Autonomous Systems Conference is coming to a close at the Dena'ina Center in downtown Anchorage. The conference offers attendees the opportunity to learn how drones can help monitor Alaska's rural communities and infrastructure.

“Everything from providing the ability to conduct search and rescue operations quickly, effectively and safely to minimizing impacts on communities. Helping to map coastal erosion,” says Peter Webley of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

“This is really an opportunity to think about complementing our existing aviation supply chains and making sure communities get what they need,” says Mike Jones of the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Some of the drones on display are used by the University of Fairbanks for its aeronautical engineering program.

“And because there are many people who would rather stay in the state to pursue such studies than have to travel elsewhere,” says Michael Hatfield of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

And experts believe that drones can benefit the state of Alaska as well as creating educational opportunities.

STEM students in the T3 Alaska program are using drone imagery to create a new map to replace the outdated map of the remote Native village of Minto.

“It’s really good for students our age to do this so we can see that we are capable of doing this,” says Natalia Ashton of Wrangell.

“It was a great feeling to come to such a big conference and present to so many people,” said Samuel Atchak of Bethel.

The drone conference will take place again next summer.