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Glossary of Terms

Common UAV drone industry terminology

  • Altitude - the height of the aircraft. In the UK, the maximum legal flight of a drone is 120 metres, or 400 feet, unless special permission is granted.
  • Aerial Cinematography – The art of capturing high-quality video footage from an aerial perspective using drones or other airborne platforms.
  • Aerial Photography – The process of taking still photographs from an elevated position, typically using drones.
  • Autonomous Flight – A flight mode where a drone follows a pre-programmed path or instructions without direct manual control. With DJI drones this is known as waypoint navigation.
  • CAA - Civil Aviation Authority – The governing body in the UK that regulates drone operations and establishes guidelines for safe aerial filming.
  • Dolly Zoom (Vertigo Effect) – A cinematic technique where the camera moves closer or farther from the subject while simultaneously zooming to create a disorienting visual effect. Made famous by the film Vertigo. Read our blog on how to create the dolly zoom effect.
  • Drone – An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for capturing aerial footage or photography.
  • Drone Mapping – The process of using drones to capture aerial images and generate maps, 3D models, or topographical surveys.
  • Dynamic Range – The range between the darkest and lightest parts of an image, indicating how much detail can be captured in both shadows and highlights.
  • Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) – A digital technique used to reduce camera shake and produce smoother video footage.
  • FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) – The governing body in the U.S. that regulates drone operations and establishes guidelines for safe aerial filming.
  • First-Person View (FPV) – A piloting system where the drone operator sees a live video feed from the drone’s camera in real-time, often used in racing and immersive filming.
  • Flight Path – A predetermined route that a drone follows while capturing video or images.
  • Frame Rate (FPS) – The number of frames per second captured in a video, affecting motion smoothness (e.g., 24fps for a cinematic look, 60fps for smooth motion).
  • Gimbal – A stabilising device that helps keep a camera steady during drone flight, allowing for smooth footage.
  • GPS (Global Positioning System) – A satellite-based navigation system used in drones to maintain stable flight and return to a set location.
  • HDR (High Dynamic Range) – A technique used to capture greater detail in both bright and dark areas of an image.
  • Hyperlapse – A time-lapse technique where the camera moves continuously during capture, creating a dynamic, fast-motion effect.
  • ISO – A camera setting that controls the sensor’s sensitivity to light; higher ISO values allow for low-light filming but can introduce noise.
  • ND (Neutral Density) Filter – A lens filter that reduces the amount of light entering the camera, allowing for controlled exposure and motion blur in bright conditions.
  • No-Fly Zone (NFZ) – Restricted areas where drone flights are prohibited, typically near airports, government buildings, or other sensitive locations.
  • Orthomosaic – A highly detailed, geometrically corrected aerial image composed of multiple drone-captured images stitched together.
  • Parallax Effect – A visual effect in cinematography where foreground and background elements move at different speeds, adding depth to shots.
  • Payload – The weight a drone can carry, including cameras, sensors, or other equipment.
  • Post-Processing – The editing and enhancement of captured footage or images using software to improve quality, color grading, and effects.
  • RAW Format – An uncompressed image or video format that retains maximum detail for post-production editing.
  • Return-to-Home (RTH) – An automated feature that directs the drone back to its launch point when battery levels are low or signal is lost.
  • RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) – A high-precision GPS technology used in professional drone operations for improved location accuracy.
  • Shutter Speed – The length of time a camera’s sensor is exposed to light, affecting motion blur and exposure.
  • SSSI – Site of Specific Scientific Interest. There may be restrictions to fly in such areas. Reasons might include wildlife or endangered birds that may be disturbed during breeding seasons.
  • Time-Lapse – A video technique where frames are captured at a lower frequency and played back at normal speed, creating a sped-up effect.
  • UAS – Unmanned Aerial System. See also UAS.
  • UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
  • Waypoint Navigation – A flight mode where a drone follows a set of predefined GPS points autonomously.
  • White Balance – A camera setting that adjusts color tones to ensure accurate representation of whites under different lighting conditions.
  • Yaw – The rotation of a drone around its vertical axis, controlling its left or right turning motion.