Would you fly for a good cause?

[MavericAir]

Could you put your great technology and flying skills to a worthwhile cause?

We are a small group of amateur archaeologists and are looking for volunteer UAV pilots to help with a brand new project. This summer we started filming archaeological sites from the air and publishing them online at Home - Airchaeology.org

The goal is to collect aerial footage of historically important sites from around the world and publish it online for all to freely share.

We’re making a start with UK Hill Forts.

There are more than 4,000 Hill Forts in the UK and we’ve only got 6 in the bag so far, so we desperately need help! Check your location on the interactive map here Finding Local Hill Forts (UK) - Airchaeology.org to find the closest Hill Fort to you. You might be surprised to discover how close you live to an ancient site.

Filming historic sites from the air is great fun and takes you to places you may never have thought to visit. Hill Forts are usually remote and very high, so just getting to them can involve a healthy walk, fresh air and amazing views! You could take the dog and a picnic and make a day of it.

This is a 'citizen science' project so no special qualifications or skill levels are required, just please be aware of the drone code and take a look at our flying tips here: Filming Archaeological Sites - Airchaeology.org

Here is our progress so far: Sites - Airchaeology.org If you think you could contribute your flying or archaeological skills to the project, then please use the contact form to get in touch.

This is a very new project and we'd really like to get it right. The quality of advice and levels of expertise shown in this forum constantly amazes me, so we look forward to your replies and any comments or suggestions (positive or negative comments are equally welcome).

One last thing: This project is completely voluntary and receives no income or funding, so we unfortunately cannot contribute to any expenses you might incur. Also, any material you submit needs to be free of copyright.

Apologies for this blatant pitch but we couldn't think of a better place to ask for this kind of specialist help!

Thank you, David

p.s. If you are outside the UK or on holiday abroad, then please send your footage of archaeological sites in your area. There are fantastic sites across France, Germany, Spain, Italy etc - every country in Europe and around the world has unique sites of historical importance. If you send us your videos, we will set up an archive for your country on the site.

 

[Ping^Spike]

Hi @MavericAir - what's the score here re PfCO requirements or public liability insurance requirements mate?

 

[MavericAir]

Hi @MavericAir - what's the score here re PfCO requirements or public liability insurance requirements mate?

Hi Spike. Re PfCO; there is no requirement for qualifications because this is not flying for work or reward. So it does not apply. Re insurance; I think it’s up to individuals whether they fly with insurance or not. I’m not aware of a legal requirement for insurance but might be wrong about that. Personally I get my insurance from the BMFA because it is great value for money and membership covers drones as well as RC models. We are only asking for people to send us video and still photography of UK Hill Forts. We are not offering any kind of membership, affiliation, employment or association of any kind and take no responsibility for individuals or their actions. It’s simply a request for video content for the site. Is that OK with you? Are you interested? Thanks

 

[4wd]

I think relying on youtube to archive video will lead to tears, but if you save the files too should be OK.
Stills can be almost a good in larger sizes but the 3D effect from videos takes some beating.
Then how to actually send the files, an FTP option might work, rather like submitting stock footage, but could be open to abuse.

 

[MavericAir]

I think relying on youtube to archive video will lead to tears, but if you save the files too should be OK.
Stills can be almost a good in larger sizes but the 3D effect from videos takes some beating.
Then how to actually send the files, an FTP option might work, rather like submitting stock footage, but could be open to abuse.

I haven't actually had any problems with youtube before. Do you mean that Youtube could delete them? I like using it because their compression and streaming is good. And it is free. Do you know of a better alternative? For sending the files, I was going to invite contributors to upload clips to a folder in my Dropbox account (which is paid for through my business). Do you think that would work?

 

[4wd]

Aren't the incoming files going to be typically at least 1GB?
Youtube already make older video harder to find by not showing them on your channel page, however anyone with the direct link or viewing embedded should be able to see them.
There's no guarantee they will keep everything indefinitely.
Ideally the files would be on your own server or with a major hosting company - as downloadable links - for safe keeping longer term.

 

[MavericAir]

Yes, sometimes they are much bigger. I'm thinking we could ask for clips to be shot in 1080p (not 4K) which would help a bit. Once they are uploaded to Dropbox I can download and save them locally before editing and publishing online. If uploading large files is an issue I could post out usb sticks. Ultimately, you're right - I'd much prefer to have complete control over the streaming, but it will have to be free options for now

 

[mhs2xs]

Depending on who might be offended at the chronicling of a historic sight, or moreover who might be offended about who might be associated with a historical site, youtube might certainly delete videos without warning. So, you'd be wise to archive it yourself somehow.

I wonder how many American Civil War battlefields, cemeteries, relics and other moments of historical nature will soon be on the destruction list now that the statues are being destroyed, regardless of what went on.
I'm surprised that there's not an outcry in some parts of Europe to dig up German soldiers and send them back there. Plus, the evil Roman empire, slaughterer of untold masses, all archways, canals, roadways, etc must be demolished because of what they did throughout history.

If I have time, I will gladly submit footage for places of a historical significance here in the southern US.

On second thought, since your King George III tried to enslave and kill me, I may have to reconsider.

Regards from Mississippi

 

[MavericAir]

Depending on who might be offended at the chronicling of a historic sight, or moreover who might be offended about who might be associated with a historical site, youtube might certainly delete videos without warning. So, you'd be wise to archive it yourself somehow.

I wonder how many American Civil War battlefields, cemeteries, relics and other moments of historical nature will soon be on the destruction list now that the statues are being destroyed, regardless of what went on.
I'm surprised that there's not an outcry in some parts of Europe to dig up German soldiers and send them back there. Plus, the evil Roman empire, slaughterer of untold masses, all archways, canals, roadways, etc must be demolished because of what they did throughout history.

If I have time, I will gladly submit footage for places of a historical significance here in the southern US.

On second thought, since your King George III tried to enslave and kill me, I may have to reconsider.

Regards from Mississippi

Wow! That was completely unexpected. And fascinating at the same time.

I have no idea about statute changes in the US and it is sad to think that American history might be impoverished by the destruction of important sites. If I had a vote, I'd vote to keep it all - or at least the most important parts. If you need consolation, think about the huge and important sites that have been demolished, recycled, ploughed under, in every country in the world. A good friend of mine lives in a house built in the 18th century from bricks 'recycled' from Hadrian's Wall. But the great thing about history is that the stories becomes more powerful and intriguing as the physical evidence starts to diminish and fade.

Do you ever listen to Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcasts? I think you'd like him - I've listened to them all at least twice. He really brings history to life and makes you feel like you were there and that these moments in history were your own personal memories. That's what we hope to do with airchaeology.org. I'll probably never get to see Persepolis in Iran, the Moai on Easter Island or monuments from the American Civil War, but if someone can get there with a UAV, and shares the footage, well then that would be the next best thing - and may even preserve it for future generations.

I hope you do decide send us your footage and your insights, it would be a great first contribution to get the US section up and running.

Thank you for your great reply,

David

p.s. Sorry about King George. I've never met him but you can be sure that if I do, I'll ask him to play nicely in future

 

[mhs2xs]

David,
I wish you all the best in the endeavor. I'm not a history major, or even a minor, but I understand and revere the importance of it. Too many either don't understand, or don't care, that it is the driver to how we got where we are, as well as where we'll end up, and that includes the good and the bad aspects. Some would rather ignore or revise the bad and you know the old saying that goes with that notion. Youtube's PC culture is exactly the sort of entity that does and will censor anything that could be construed as offensive or controversial in the slightest. They've proven it time and again.

When I was younger, I was far more interested in learning about and visiting historical sites than I am now. I had an uncle that was army special forces and he got me to reading about WWII battles and weapons. Some of my ancestors fought for the South in the civil war and I know a little about that as well. My mother knows everything about our ancestors that fought in the civil war and revolution, but my brain won't handle all that extra info.

If I find myself in the vicinity of something interesting, I do hope to be a source of footage for you at some point. It's a very good idea you have and these places definitely need to be documented from above.

Cheers,
Mitchell

P.S. Tell George if he doesn't, we might have to kick his arse again.
I'll look for that podcast, thanks.

 

[MavericAir]

Hi Mitchell,

You're right about history - way too much to remember. That is probably why I prefer pre-history where there are fewer hard facts and plenty of opportunity for your imagination.

My stepfather was very interested in the civil war, and the war of independence. He read a lot about it and we all hoped he would travel to the US one day. He never did, but one of his bronze sculptures of Steinbeck made it to Pasadena.

Thanks again for your support, please do keep us in mind when you're out flying.

Cheers! David

Current Hardcore History Available for Free

 

[Stelaruk]

Hi David,
I live in Coads Green in Cornwall and I see from your map that there are quite a few hill forts around me, a couple of which I was aware of and have flown over. I am always out and about adventuring with my dogs (and drone) and looking for interesting or new places to explore and fly and film. I will happily collect some footage for you as the opportunity arises.
Steve

 

[Stelaruk]

Got some nice footage of Cadson Bury this afternoon. I have filled out the form on your site

 

[MavericAir]

Thanks! That looks amazing. I’m away till Monday but looking forward to seeing your video. I’ll be back in touch soon. Cheers! David [emoji106]

 

[CorkersFPV]

There is one near me that I had been thinking of flying a while ago. It's in gosport hampshire

 

[MavericAir]

Hi Corkers, that sounds good! If you do get some footage please send it in. If you use the contact form on the website I’ll send you a Onedrive or Dropbox link to upload to. Looking forward to seeing what you can get [emoji106]

 

[Stelaruk]

Bagged another local one today - Berry Castle on Bodmin Moor

 

[MavericAir]

There is one near me that I had been thinking of flying a while ago. It's in gosport hampshire

There are quite a few hill forts near Gosport. Try searching for Gosport in the Hill Fort Map on this page: Finding Local Hill Forts (UK) - Airchaeology.org If you click on one of the orange dots it tells you more about the site (and you can zoom in to see what it looks like). Cheers

 

[MavericAir]

Bagged another local one today - Berry Castle on Bodmin Moor
View attachment 45881

That's looks interesting - did you get any video?

 

[Stelaruk]

That's looks interesting - did you get any video?

Yes, I have video of both following the filming guidelines you linked to.