Calls Document An 'Unedited List Of Raw Complaints'

A recent report from mapping company ArcGIS claims to list where several hundred complaints have been filed about drones across UK -- a land with millions of people and tens of thousands of drones.

The raw data lists incident reports obtained from U.K. police entities about UAVs flying over private property, and many mention that there are children in the area. Some mention UAVs being flown near prisons, or found in a prison yard.

In a statement, UAV manufacturer DJI called the report "simply an unedited listing of raw complaints, with no attempt to verify whether any of them had any merit. As we saw with the recent incident when a drone that supposedly hit a plane was really a plastic bag, initial reports cannot be taken at face value.

"Various countries including the UK are in the midst of creating rules and regulations for drones and, therefore, irresponsible reports like these at this sensitive time pose a serious threat of damaging an emerging industry." 

DJI said in the statement that the company urge all drone users to follow all applicable laws in their jurisdiction, but that there is absolutely no evidence that any of these reports indicate real violations of laws.

"The government of the United Kingdom has recognized that drones are a useful and productive technology that should be encouraged. While some people may have concerns about new and unfamiliar technologies, the widespread use of drones by businesses, recreational users and emergency services will be a net benefit to the country.

"Examples abound about how drones are providing new vistas in aerial photography, improving agricultural surveys, helping businesses and even saving lives across UK and around the world. We’re happy to discuss them.

"For example, earlier this month drones helped locate a Shropshire forklift operator who was buried under wheels of cheese when shelves in a warehouse collapsed. He walked away safely. Innes Gregory flew his drone on April 12 near Slains Castle in Cruden Bay to help searchers locate a missing woman. She was unharmed."

(Source: DJI statement. Image from file)

FMI: ArcGIS Map