Inside Unmanned Systems Wins Prestigious Jesse Neal Award
Inside Unmanned Systems Wins Prestigious Jesse Neal Award

Three other entries qualify as finalists

The editorial and design staff of Inside Unmanned Systems has been honored for the “Best Single Issue of a Tabloid/Newspaper/Magazine” in its revenue category at the 68th Jesse H. Neal Awards celebrating business-to-business media. The ceremony took place recently in New York.

“Excellent editorial craftsmanship, engaging photography and graphics. Topical coverage!” the judges commented about IUS’ “Science and Research” issue.

Inside Unmanned Systems is published by Autonomous Media. “I want to congratulate our team of journalists, editors and designers, whose vision, creativity and execution in technical storytelling has been acknowledged as best-in-class,” publisher Richard Fischer said. “This award validates our commitment to our global audience: to deliver content that explicates complex solutions, advances technical knowledge, and deepens understanding in the art and science of unmanned and autonomous capability and benefit.”

Within the cited issue, an “Up Close With…” package delved into expertise from NOAA (the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration). In-depth analysis explored UAS solutions across multiple domains: soaring with HAPS/HALE stratospheric solar UAVs, probing hurricanes and other sky phenomena via unmanned technologies, deploying sub-surface drone missions to learn about algae, microbes and oil spills. Other stories spot-lit UAS defending nature by facilitating species counts and thwarting poachers, and captured intriguing ways drone researchers are mimicking the eon-tested, flight-friendly characteristics of creatures from swifts to insects.

Dedicated technology coverage included analysis of the sensors and other solutions that empower UAS. Specific stories drilled down into the PNT needed to collect effective climate data, what informs reliable and affordable positioning, and the specifics of robust, precise servos.

Finally, our columnists inventoried a roster of research programs, showed how major government research organizations are moving autonomy forward and delved into major market trends.

“This award,” executive editor Abe Peck said, “is founded not only on the work of our talented staff, but on input from highly competent sources and, most of all, advancements across the entire unmanned space.”

Additionally, the magazine’s “Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Package” and its “Sensors: A Force Multiplier” feature were named finalists across three categories.

For more information, contact advertising services manager Gina McGuiness, [email protected].




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Aerial Photo and Drone Video Contest! SkyPixel and DJI Call for Entries to SkyPixel’s 7th Anniversary Aerial Photo and Video Contest

drone video contest

Drying nature: SkyPixel 2017

SkyPixel and DJI Call for Entries for one of the biggest aerial photo and drone video contests around: the SkyPixel 7th Anniversary Aerial Photo & Video Contest.  Compete for prizes that total more than $97,000 USD – and the glory.  Find contest rules on SkyPixel here.

This year’s aerial photo and drone video contest will run from December 21, 2021 to February 21, 2022.

The drone video contest consists of 6 categories:

  • Nature: Go out in the wild and capture the true beauty of nature.
  • City: Document vibrant moments in the city and get immersed in energy, history, and humanity.
  • Travel: Share a weekend getaway or an unforgettable adventure around the globe (people must be included in the video).
  • FPV: Share an immersive flying experience and bring your audience even closer to the action and excitement.
  • Sport: Capture moments in movement, showing the power and energy of people engaged in sports.
  • Showreel: Shoot, edit and create a short video showcasing your very own memorable moments from 2021.

NOTE: All videos submitted must contain at least 30 seconds of aerial footage and must not exceed five minutes in length.

The aerial photo contest consists of 4 categories:

  • Portrait: Capture a person’s expression, action or life’s passion in the vast beauty of their surroundings
  • Nature: Capture a moment in time to reveal the true beauty of nature
  • Architecture: Discover amazing structures from a new perspective
  • Sport: Capture the energy and excitement of athletes.

NOTE: All photos must be shot on a drone, and each image must be at least 3 MB with a resolution of at least 300 dpi. EXIF data should be retained.

“There is no restriction on the type or brand of drones used and participants can submit as many photos or videos as they wish. Submissions will be assessed by the Judging Panel of incredible professionals in the industry, including Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Alex Mellis, Pieter de Vries, Stefan Foster, Karim Iliya, and Yunshan Yu,” says the press release.

This year, SkyPixel and DJI will give away more than 54 awards with a total value over USD 97,000. The grand prize winners in the photo and video category will each receive a DJI coupon of USD 7,500 which can be used for any DJI product. Prizes in other award categories include DJI Mavic 3, DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo, DJI RS 2 Pro Combo, DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo, and other cool DJI products.

While artists can use any drone, there will be a special award for one aerial photographer and one drone video winner who used a DJI Mavic 3 to shoot their pieces.  “Winners will each get to choose any DJI product valued under USD 6,000. In addition, all submissions shot on a Mavic 3 get a chance of getting selected by the editor and winning a 15% off coupon for DJI Mavic 3 accessories.”

Awards will be announced on March 22, 2022.

Check out previous winners from 2019, 2018, and 2017!