Book excerpt: In the public imagination, drones are tools of the military and law enforcement. However, there are many sectors in which government at all levels—local, state, and federal—has the potential to leverage drone technology. In this book, readers will be exposed to the history of drone use, as well as currently developing and theoretical future uses of drones. From scientific surveys, to enforcing statutes and environmental regulations on public lands, to helping with traffic management, weather analysis, disaster response, and search and rescue, the possibilities remain endless.