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Detroit goes big on drones — and DJI pilots can cash in

Detroit is taking to the skies in a big way, and DJI drone pilots are at the center of the action. Thanks to a new partnership between Spexi and Airspace Link, the city is embracing drones as a key part of its transportation future. This collaboration isn’t just about incorporating drones into everyday life — it’s also unlocking new earning opportunities for local drone pilots flying DJI Mini 2, Mini 3, and DJI Mini 3 Pro drones.

By combining Spexi’s ultra-high-resolution drone imagery with Airspace Link’s AirHub Portal, Detroit is laying the groundwork for smart, efficient aerial infrastructure. City planners can now access detailed aerial data to optimize projects, cut costs, and improve efficiency. First responders also benefit, as they can pinpoint emergencies faster and deploy resources more effectively.

“From the Motor City to the epicenter of drone innovation, Detroit has long been a symbol of progress and ingenuity in transportation,” says Bill Lakeland, CEO of Spexi. “By leveraging Airspace Link’s intuitive data hub, we can more widely deliver Spexi Networks’ ultra-high resolution imagery to stakeholders across the Detroit area, enabling safer, more efficient transportation technology through the use of drones.”

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Spexi takes security seriously, using blockchain technology to create tamper-proof records of aerial imagery. This ensures data integrity and gives stakeholders a transparent, immutable audit trail for every image collected. The combination of cutting-edge drone technology and blockchain security makes Detroit’s drone expansion not just innovative but also trustworthy and future-proof.

Moreover, this partnership isn’t just great for laying the groundwork for the “highways of the future” — it’s also a game-changer for local DJI drone pilots. Through Spexi’s Fly-to-Earn program, pilots who own a DJI Mini 2, DJI Mini 3, or DJI Mini 3 Pro can now earn money by capturing high-resolution imagery for the platform.

How much can pilots make? Reports suggest earnings of $40 to $70 per hour, with some pilots bringing in over $1,000 in just a week. That’s a serious financial boost for drone enthusiasts looking to turn their passion into profit.

“Working together allows us to bring more innovative solutions to our customers and even more opportunities for drone pilots across the United States,” says Alec Wilson, COO of Spexi.

The initiative is a key part of Detroit’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, which aims to accelerate commercial drone development, attract startups, and create new jobs. The city is positioning itself as a national leader in aerial mobility, proving that its legacy of transportation innovation is far from over.

“Detroit is our home city and has always been at the forefront of innovation in mobility,” says Michael Healander, CEO and cofounder of Airspace Link. “We’re proud to continue that legacy by helping to establish it as a leader in drone technology integration.”

As Detroit pioneers the next phase of urban transportation, one thing is clear: drones aren’t just the future — they’re already here.

More: Reckless DJI drone pilot to pay $65K for LA wildfire interference

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Avatar for Ishveena Singh Ishveena Singh

Ishveena Singh is a versatile journalist and writer with a passion for drones and location technologies. She has been named as one of the 50 Rising Stars of the geospatial industry for the year 2021 by Geospatial World magazine.