April 8, 2023
How to Build Strong Relationships in a Digital Age
Aut omnis repudiandae et. Minima et deleniti et. Ut aut voluptatibus corporis aliquam in praesentium a officiis aut.
A Regulators’ Pioneer Fund project deploying a city-wide 4DSKY sensor network for Smart City integration.
Leveraging Milton Keynes' status as a leading "Smart City," this project deployed a dense network of Neuron sensors to monitor urban airspace. It focused on integrating aviation data with other smart city inputs (traffic flows, 5G network density) to create a holistic "City Operating System" capable of managing low-altitude delivery drones.
Milton Keynes Council, Cranfield (NDIG), Connected Places Catapult.
Successful city-scale sensor deployment. The project proved the concept of dePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) in an urban setting, where sensors are hosted on public assets, reducing deployment costs.1
Local Councils: Provides the data governance tools needed to manage city airspace.Mobile Network Operators (MNOs): Validates the use of 5G infrastructure for drone command and control.Urban Planners: Informs the zoning of "drone corridors" in built-up areas.
The 5G Symbiosis This project highlighted the symbiotic relationship between 4DSKY and 5G networks. Drones in urban canyons often rely on cellular networks for Command and Control (C2). However, cellular networks are optimized for ground users, not flying robots. The project tested the interference and handover performance of drones operating on the MK:5G standalone network. 4DSKY provided the "coverage map" for the sky, validating where 5G signals were strong enough to support safe drone operations. This fusion of RF mapping and flight tracking is a critical product for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) looking to monetize their networks for UAM.
The "Digital Traffic Warden" and Local Governance A key insight from Milton Keynes is the evolving role of the Local Authority. As drones begin to fly over streets, houses, and parks, the City Council becomes a key stakeholder in "low airspace" management, distinct from the national regulator (CAA). 4DSKY provided the Council with a dashboard to monitor compliance—effectively acting as a "Digital Traffic Warden" for the sky. This governance layer allows the city to enforce noise ordinances, flight curfews, and "no-fly zones" over sensitive areas (e.g., schools), which is essential for gaining public acceptance of urban drone services.
DePIN in the City The project also validated the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) deployment model. Instead of the Council paying millions to build new towers, sensors can be mounted on existing streetlights, bus stops, and public buildings. The low power consumption and small footprint of the 4DSKY sensors (specifically the Jetvision units) made this feasible, proving that a city-wide surveillance mesh can be built incrementally and cost-effectively.
Powerful, self-serve product and growth analytics to help you convert, engage.
Dive into the heart of innovation with our 'Coding Chronicles' blog section. Explore a rich tapestry of articles, tutorials, and insights that unravel.
