University of Vermont to study drone use during emergencies

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - A group at the University of Vermont is going to be helping the Federal Aviation Administration study the safe operation of drones during times of disaster.

The university announced Monday that its Spatial Analysis Laboratory has joined the FAA.

Spatial analysis lab director Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne says that during disasters, airspace can be crowded with drones - “from the fire department, state and federal agencies, the media, even the person down the street who wants to shoot a YouTube video.”

So, UVM will be working alongside 23 of the world’s leading research institutions and 100 industry and government partners to help the FAA conduct the research and testing necessary to make laws that keep the skies safe.