Drone photographers have built up a lucrative business offering their services to construction and development firms, helping map sites and track progress on projects large and small. Some state licensing boards for engineers are pushing back, arguing that a new wave of aerial photography entrepreneurs are effectively stealing work from licensed professionals.
The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors, in a federal court document, acknowledges taking action against drone operators it believes cross the line into surveying work.