Tags: Drone, Earth Observation, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Publication: TheVerge.com
Publication Date: 11/11/2012

The latest image posted on Dronestagram dates 7th November. Depicted is a satellite image from a village in Yemen that was striked using drones. Image credit: Dronestagram

The popular smartphone app Instagram, which allows users to give a vintage look to the photos they take with their devices, has a new controversial user: James Bridle. The artist, known for his "new aesthetic" research, has started an Instagram account under the name "Dronestagram" to post satellite images of U.S. drone strikes in Asia and the Middle East.

Using satellite data from Google Maps and contextual information from sources such as the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Dronestagram seeks to make the attacks known to a larger audience, usually disconnected from this type of information. By using Instagram for this project, Bridle has access to its more than 30 million users.

Drones have been a controversial issue due to its operations secretive nature. Projects such as Dronestagram and Drones+, the app banned by Apple that alerts users whenever drone strikes are reported, are individuals’ efforts to widen the knowledge and open up the discussion around Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and its attacks.

 Full story