Latest Drone Updates: Thrilling Footage of Skiing near an Erupting Volcano, Introduction of DJI's FlyCart 100, and Additional Developments!
In the picturesque landscape of Sonoma County, California, a controversial drone program has been causing a stir. Initially authorised in 2019 to identify illegal cannabis grows in remote areas, the program has reportedly expanded its reach, leading to concerns and a lawsuit alleging that the drones are now being used for broad surveillance, including over private properties without warrants [1][5].
The drones in question are large, professional models capable of zooming in and autonomously tracking moving objects. This capability has heightened privacy concerns among residents who have noticed drones hovering close to their homes and properties [1]. A lawsuit was filed by a Sonoma County resident, Keni Mae Meyer, claiming that the county violated constitutional rights by conducting warrantless drone searches. However, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in July 2025 due to insufficient factual detail about how the drone surveillance directly affected the plaintiff. The judge also rejected the claim that there is a “clearly established” constitutional right protecting residents from warrantless drone surveillance, despite references to relevant Supreme Court cases [3].
Meanwhile, in a stark contrast, drones are making headlines for their groundbreaking contributions to climate science. In Europe, drone missions are offering a front-row seat to climate change's impact on Europe's largest ice masses. Over three days, researchers flew 76 vertical profiles, collecting high-res data on the transformation of glacier-lake systems and local weather patterns [6]. The drone video captured by Joshua Turner and his guide at an altitude of around 3,100m on Mount Etna showcases a breathtaking scene of skiers navigating snow and glowing lava at high altitudes [2].
In the realm of technology, drone manufacturers are pushing boundaries. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro, for instance, boasts a 100MP Hasselblad camera, 6K/60fps HDR video, and a 360° gimbal. The DJI FlyCart 100, a heavy-lift drone, was recently unveiled by DJI (only for the Chinese market, for now). The FlyCart 100 can haul up to 176 lbs (80 kg) with a single battery, or 143 lbs (65 kg) with dual batteries, making it ideal for rugged, mission-critical operations, such as emergency response, high-altitude resupply, and construction [4].
However, the legal status of such drone operations remains a contentious issue. As of mid-2025, no clear binding legal precedent currently prohibits Sonoma County from conducting blanket drone searches without warrants, according to recent judicial rulings [1][3][5]. The current regulatory and legal status allows Sonoma County to use drones for searches without a warrant, but this practice remains controversial and is under ongoing scrutiny and litigation.
References: [1] ACLU Northern California. (2022). Sonoma County's runaway spying operation. Retrieved from https://www.aclunc.org/en/issues/technology-and-liberty/drone-surveillance/sonoma-countys-runaway-spying-operation [2] BBC News. (2023). Drone footage captures skier's descent down Mount Etna's lava river. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61756197 [3] Meyer v. Sonoma County. (2025). U.S. District Court, Northern District of California. [4] DJI. (2025). Introducing the DJI FlyCart 100. Retrieved from https://www.dji.com/flycart-100 [5] KQED. (2023). Sonoma County's drone program sparks privacy concerns. Retrieved from https://www.kqed.org/news/11757060/sonoma-countys-drone-program-sparks-privacy-concerns [6] Nature. (2023). Drone missions revolutionise climate science on Europe's largest ice masses. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01754-z
- Concerns about the expansion of the drone program in Sonoma County continue, with residents arguing that large, professional drones are allegedly being used for broad surveillance, including over private properties without warrants.
- In a stark contrast, drones are being hailed for their contributions to climate science, offering a front-row seat to the impact of climate change on Europe's largest ice masses.
- Technological advancements in the drone industry are pushing boundaries, with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro featuring a 100MP Hasselblad camera and the DJI FlyCart 100, a heavy-lift drone capable of hauling up to 176 lbs (80 kg) with a single battery.
- Despite the ongoing controversy and litigation, recent judicial rulings suggest that as of mid-2025, no clear binding legal precedent currently prohibits Sonoma County from conducting blanket drone searches without warrants.
- In the realm of general news, a lawsuit was filed by a Sonoma County resident, Keni Mae Meyer, claiming that the county violated constitutional rights by conducting warrantless drone searches, though a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit due to insufficient factual detail in July 2025.
