summary and thesis statement #draft 1

Summary of drones and why Mavic 3 E

The Mavic 3 Enterprise is a versatile, compact drone designed for various applications like mapping, asset inspection, real estate photography, and more. The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (Mavic 3E) is a professional-grade drone designed for mapping, surveying, and inspection, offering a balance between portability, performance, and affordability compared to larger enterprise drones. 

According to DJI Enterprise (2022), Mavic 3 E allows sharp captures and eliminates motion blur and ensures accurate data capture for high-precision mapping. Moreover, the enhanced low-light capabilities make it effective for missions in challenging lighting conditions, and from a far distance, making it a more viable choice.  The drone is equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, advanced AI features, and an upgraded transmission system, ensuring stable connectivity even in complex environments. 

However, it lacks a built-in RTK module, and while its sensor is excellent, it may not match the higher-resolution payloads of larger drones like the Matrice series. Additionally, DJI drones are not NDAA-compliant, which may limit their use in certain government or security-sensitive operations.

Thesis statement

The Mavic 3 Enterprise represents a significant advancement in drone technology as compared to other survey drones, offering enhanced capabilities in industrial applications through its improved imaging systems, increased flight time, and rugged design.

References:

Enterprise, D. (n.d.). Top 7 features of the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series. Insights Home.  https://enterpriseinsights.dji.com/blog/mavic-3-enterprise-series-top-features

Z., Liao, A., Chen, Z., & Zeng, X. (2024). Accuracy assessment of Mavic 3 industrial UAV based on DJI Terra and Pix4Dmapper. Accuracy Assessment of Mavic 3 Industrial UAV Based on DJI Terra and PiX4DMapper, 13. 

https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3035344 

Research pathway

We chose the topic of drones because of their

1. High efficiency - Drones cover large areas in a fraction of the time compared to ground-based methods.

2. Cost saving - Eliminate the need for extensive manpower and heavy equipment

3. High resolution data - equipped with advanced cameras and sensors

4. Accessibility - Drones can easily access challenging or hazardous terrains, ensuring safety and feasibility in remote areas. 

5. Versatility - They support various applications, including topographic surveys, contour mapping, and volumetric analysis.

6. Real time data collection -  Drones provide immediate insights, allowing surveyors to make informed decisions quickly.

We chose DJI Mavic 3 E specifically is because it outperform other drones in terms of image quality and high performance even in extreme weather conditions. 

The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise excels in land surveying with its RTK module for centimeter-level accuracy, 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera, and 45-minute flight time, enabling precise and efficient data collection. Its foldable design ensures portability, while advanced obstacle avoidance enhances reliability. Seamless integration with DJI software streamlines workflows, making it a versatile, affordable, and user-friendly choice for professional surveyors

In conclusion, with these more advanced and efficient functions, DJI Mavic 3 E certainly makes the process of land surveying easier and more accurate. 

The prompt to chatgpt - What is the function and features of DJI Mavic 3 E in the engineering field for industrial use. 

Reflective thinking - Reflection

Ideal	Punctual for all the classes
Reality(gap)	I often overslept for morning classes and hence report late to class for 5-10 minutes.
Causes/Conditions	The bed is too comfortable and always wanted to sleep a little longer.
Effects/Results	I get out of bed slightly later and I miss out the first important 15 minutes of the class.
Goal	Be punctual and be present for the whole class duration to maximize learning.
Possible change	I will set more alarm clocks to kick me out of the bed.
Testing the hypothesis > solution	I have decided to set 5 alarms starting 15 minutes earlier.
Outcome of change	The approach works and have been on time for 3 days straight!

Self introductory letter

 Dear Professor Blackstone, 

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Kai Jie, and I am currently a Year1 student at Singapore Institute of Technology, majoring in Civil engineering. I am writing to introduce myself and share my enthusiasm for this module. 

A few years back, I was still a curious student after O level, free to do what I wanted to and experience new things I had never tried before. My academic journey began with a deep passion for the biotechnology, a medical field that has always fascinated me with its potential to transform lives. However, as I progressed in my studies, I found myself facing challenges that made me reflect on my strengths and where I could make the most impact. This introspection led me to switch to engineering, a discipline where I discovered a strong alignment with my skills and interests. While my passion for biotechnology remains, I am excited to channel my enthusiasm for innovation and problem-solving into the engineering field, where I feel empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully.

I enjoy staying active and healthy through a mix of exercising routines, whether it’s hitting the gym or exploring the outdoors for a refreshing run. Whenever I have completed hours of continuous studying, I like to have a game of League of Legends to reward myself and relief my stress. Thus this routine keeps me on the track, and prioritize finishing my work before playing. 

My strength is being able to voice out my opinion and stand up to things that are wrong. Moreover, I often see the big picture and observe what have to be focused and improved on. Hence, this saves me the trouble of starting on an idea that may not be fundamentally right and discovering its cons afterwards and redoing over and over again. For example during the brainstorming of ideas in a small group, I contribute ideas and consider factors that are favorable to us in order to proceed smoothly. On the other hand, I seldom step out of my comfort zone, which is my greatest weakness. However when time arises and there is a need to step up, I will still do my best and accomplish what is assigned to me. 

In a nutshell, I hope this module sharpens my English skills and in the long run shape me into a confident speaker. 

Best regards,

Kai Jie 

(Year 1 undergraduate)

Edited with Charmaine's and Wen Han's comments on 20 January 2025

Edited with Aravin's and Yi Zhe's comments on 21 January 2025

Commented to Aravin's, Charmaine's and Kai Sheng's blog on 19 January 2025. 

The Importance of communication skills for engineers

“Employers identify communication as one of the basic competencies every graduate should have, asserting that the ability to communicate is valuable for obtaining employment and maintaining successful job performance.”

Sherwyn Morreale, Michael Osborn & Judy Pearson,

Professors of Communication (2000)Sherwyn Morreale, 

Communication is a cornerstone of maintaining successful job performance because it 

1. Ensures clarity - Important to provide constructive feedback and help everyone align their efforts with intended objectives. Moreover, to convey and transmit clearly what the intended purpose of the speech is to others and making them take in information constructively on what had been shared by the end of the day. 

2. Builds relationships with people around us.

3. Facilitates collaboration - Good communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing duplication of efforts and conflicts to increase productivity. 

4. Enhances efficiency - Miscommunication can lead to inefficiencies, rework, or wasted resources. 

In conclusion, organizations can create a more cohesive, efficient, and high-performing work environment.