AS SEEN FROM ABOVE: SATELLITES AND DRONES As aerial and satellite information platforms are increasingly used in sectors ranging from forestry and agriculture to city planning and humanitarian aid, the information collected is increasingly becoming available for repurposing in human rights research too. Aerial photos and drones Though drones and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) may seem futuristic, they are simply a means to capture views from the air, and are already popular devices for both hobbyists and professionals. Aerial views offer extensive coverage of the ground that is useful for researching and documenting infrastructure, environmental changes, damage from conflict or natural disasters, and much more. If you want to launch your own drone there are helpful resources available for getting started, Photo: AJ+ (Al Jazeera Plus) shares video captured by a drone flying over Aleppo, Syria in 2015 to clearly show damage to the city after four years of war. Often human rights investigators will use drone footage found on online platforms like Open Aerial Map or UAViators. This type of footage, uploaded by individuals or organisations, either anonymous or named, requires the same verification steps as all other online content. deployment, and for understanding national and local regulations (be sure to know the rules or you could risk getting fines, confiscation of equipment, or even arrest!). 55