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Kat James is a drone and information specialist primarily based in Nairobi, Kenya. She has labored in world well being for over a decade — however lately, her work has introduced her into the drone world.
Kat is the founding father of 4 Hundred Toes, a drone and information consultancy that helps researchers, NGOs, and social good organizations design and implement drone applications to deal with urgent wants in world well being, the setting, and humanitarian efforts.
Her most up-to-date challenge is creating the 2024 Drones for Good Information. The Drones for Good Information is a instrument for anybody seeking to navigate the #dronesforgood ecosystem. (Obtain the information right here!)
Kat’s objective was to create an trade useful resource that curates one of the best toolkits and webinars whereas highlighting corporations and organizations utilizing drones for good.
We right here at Drone Lady spoke with Kat James to debate 4 Hundred Toes, her Drones for Good Information, and all issues drones:
The next interview has been frivolously edited for readability and size.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s 4 Hundred Toes?
Kat James: 4 Hundred Toes is a drone and information consultancy primarily based in Nairobi, Kenya. We primarily work with researchers, NGOs, and social good organizations that need to leverage drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: You do rather a lot! So, what does a day in life appear like for you?
Kat James: I’m obsessed with ecosystem constructing. Within the drone trade proper now, there have been loads of pilot applications displaying what drones can do when it comes to drones for good. However adoption remains to be fairly low. So, I do loads of actions to fight that. Along with working with my varied purchasers on tasks, I additionally create trade assets. I share academic content material on LinkedIn. Proper now, I’m doing work to assist enhance drone rules on the African continent to have the ability to enhance the adoption of drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: Wonderful! Are you able to inform me extra in regards to the regulation work you’re doing in Africa?
Kat James: I’m working with the Drones Doing Good Alliance on a challenge referred to as Wakanda Past. We’re collaborating with 9 civil aviation authorities in Africa to design future-fit drone rules. The objective is to create an enabling setting for the drone trade whereas guaranteeing security and safety. We’re additionally operating a drone enterprise booster to assist operators run sustainable drone companies.
Caroline Dobrez: How did you get the concept to create Drones for Good information, and the way has it grown?
Kat James: Once I first entered the drone trade, I acknowledged that there have been quite a few purposes of drones for good in varied sectors, however they appeared fairly siloed. There have been superb developments in medical drone supply, world well being, reforestation, and wildlife conservation. Nevertheless, there wasn’t a lot cross-collaboration between these sectors.
As I began researching and making an attempt to study extra about the place I’d need to work, I started doing deep dives into totally different drones for good sectors on LinkedIn. I’ve been doing this for about two and a half years now. Over time, it has advanced, and there was an enormous curiosity from totally different corners of the trade in studying in regards to the varied drones for good purposes in different sectors, from well being to addressing local weather change, and extra. From there, I began placing the information collectively.
Caroline Dobrez: What are a few of the subjects coated within the Drone for Good information?
Kat James: The information covers how drones are used for catastrophe administration, medical supply, precision agriculture, wildfire administration, and conservation, amongst others. There are 15 totally different verticals addressed.
Caroline Dobrez: Was there something that shocked you whereas creating the information?
Kat James: I used to be shocked by how a lot exercise is going on in these areas and the way siloed they’re. Many tasks have been reinventing the wheel. I hope the information helps individuals construct off the training of others and remedy new challenges.
Caroline Dobrez: What affect has the information had to this point?
Kat James: We had over a thousand downloads within the first 24 hours. Individuals have discovered new collaborators, instruments, and job alternatives. It’s thrilling to see the way it’s serving to individuals apply their technical abilities to social affect.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s your final hope for the information and drones for good normally?
Kat James: I hope the information helps enhance collaboration and adoption of drone know-how at scale. Shifting past the pilot challenge stage to full-scale adoption can considerably enhance the affect of drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: You’ve had such a big impact on drones within the NGO house. What recommendation do you have got for ladies seeking to enter the drone trade?
Kat James: Get on the market, discuss to individuals, discover a group, and search mentorship. Additionally, there are a lot of alternatives past being a drone pilot. Communities like Ladies in Drones are extremely supportive.
You possibly can join with Kat James through LinkedIn, to study extra about #dronesforgood or join her weekly mailing record right here.
If any nice drone ladies who deserve a profile (together with your self!) contact us right here.
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