Tallinn tests system to distinguish unauthorised from authorised drones

Tallinn is launching a pilot project designed to create a more unified overview of drones using urban airspace. HexTech Solutions is integrating its radar solution with the Estonian Air Navigation Services' drone map to distinguish between authorised and unknown aircraft in real time. The project will culminate in an analysis of whether the solution should be permanently implemented in Tallinn.

Tallinn is beginning to test a new drone traffic management solution that consolidates data from different systems into a single interface and enables rapid identification of whether a drone flying in the city's airspace is registered and authorised or represents an unknown object.

Integration of two systems

Within the Tallinnovation programme, HexTech Solutions is developing a pilot solution that will for the first time combine drone datasets from two different platforms. The company's radar system will be integrated with the Estonian Air Navigation Services' (EANS) UTM drone map. This will display both planned and real-time flights in a single view.

This will give city and state authorities the ability to quickly assess whether a drone is operating legally or is an unknown object. Currently, resolving drone incidents requires the use of multiple separate systems, which slows response time, strains patrol services, and increases false alarms.

Benefits for the city and drone operators

City authorities see clear practical value in the project. Decisions can be made faster and on the basis of more accurate information, which speeds up response to genuine risks. Patrol services will need to monitor mainly those drones whose status is unclear in the system, reducing unnecessary workload.

It is also hoped that trust will improve between drone operators and the state: registered flights will be automatically identified in the system. This will encourage operators to register flights correctly and will help raise awareness of safe and responsible drone use in the city.

Testing without personal data

During the pilot project, a test environment will be created where the solution's functionality and user logic will be evaluated without using actual personal data. This will allow the technology to be tested safely and will clarify the legal preconditions for its broader implementation.

HexTech Solutions calls on all drone operators to register their flights on the EANS UTM platform, or Estonia's drone map. This increases transparency of flight activity, supports safety, and helps resolve incidents more quickly.

At the end of the project, an analysis and recommendations will be prepared on whether and how to implement the solution permanently in Tallinn.