CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Glenville-based surveying and engineering firm unveiled its new drone fleet during an event Wednesday outside of its new Charleston office.
SLS provides companies with surveying, core drilling and aerial mapping services. By using new drones with optical gas imaging and mapping capabilities, employees will be able to detect leaks from miles away.
Sarah Smith, SLS executive vice president of development and communications, said this is a cost-effective and time-saving technology.
“We can send the drone up with our FAA certified pilots, and we can do that in a lot shorter timeframe than what they could with using their employees,” she said.
The drone is equipped with a camera and sensors capable of detecting heat and gas and liquid leaks, as well as technology that collects data, such as measurements and maps, and delivers it to cloud-based storage.
Smith said while based in Glenville, they hope to utilize their new office and its relationship with the Charleston Area Alliance to connect to possible customers.
“We always like to be part of the community where we are employing folks,” she added. “They were generous enough to allow companies to participate in showcases like this. We hope to spread the word about the new service with have to offer.”