Just got a DJI P4 for a similar reason. I will be hiking through the forest to the creek on my claims. I plan to use it as a way to make sure I don't walk into a bear, lynx, moose or some other friendly obstacle and to find the best, easiest way there. No trails or roads to the creek. I have a 3 inch dredge to haul in on my back in pieces and need all the help I can get to make the job easier.
In addition, since google earth is a joke as far as high quality images and current images go, and flash earth is a better but still not good enough for close up pics of the ground at my claims, the drone will help me see the whole creek close up.
Drones do have a purpose and to judge everyone based off someone misusing one is wrong. Not everyone is a bad person. Miners don't like to be all lumped into one group of irresponsible destroyers of the planet right? Drone users aren't all bad either.
As for what the drone can see, it can see through the water to several feet as long as the water is clear but then if it isn't being right there personally your eyes can't see through it either. No reason a drone can't fly a little above the water and look down through it. It's no different than any camera that is hand held.
No need to worry about losing the drone. It can be insured for loss. Even if the loss is from pilot error. It's just $60 a year. Contact State Farm, you may need a Marko Polo for your drone. If you are new to piloting check out Phantom Pilots Forum. All the info you need and help with your drone.
And as far as invasion of privacy goes, that is a myth. The drone cameras don't have some magical ability to see through windows better than every other camera on the market. There are you tube videos proving this. A hand held camera with a telephoto lens is more invasive than anything a drone could do to see through your windows. Drones can't carry heavy lenses like that so they can't zoom in and see things like you might imagine. In addition, the FAA has rules about UAV flying.
The US has rules about flying UAV's. If someone is violating those rules which you can find at:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/faqs/. Take the drone down and get the FAA number from it to turn in the violator or contact the FAA about the violator even if you can't take the drone down. Anyone that violates the rules can face huge fines and jail time. Just like protecting mining by turning in those who give miners a bad name, turn in drone pilots who violate the rules. Even if you don't own a drone go to the FAA site and memorize the rules or print them out so you will know if someone is violating them.
For those buying a drone you must get certified. It is only $5 and takes about 5 minutes or less. It is no big deal and anyone over the age of 16 can do it even if you don't have a drone. If you are doing it for a business there is a different process and you must get a FAA license.
Drones are a tool just like a highbanker, dredge or any other piece of mining equipment. I don't have a use for dozers and rock trucks but then the big operations don't have a use for some of the tools I use such as a small dredge or highbanker. So what? Why bad mouth those who have found a good tool and want to use it to their advantage. If someone isn't intelligent enough to use technology to their advantage they will get left behind and they will always cry like a baby and complain about those who do use it.
