This document discusses the use of drones at Smith College and their potential applications in academia. It provides: - A brief history of drone use at Smith College from 2011-2015, including initial fieldwork using drones in Belize and Massachusetts. - Initial questions about using drones to map coral reef systems, spatial extent mapping, and correlating aerial imagery with underwater surveys. - Opportunities that drones provide such as low-cost, high resolution imagery that can be acquired quickly and automatically. - Plans to develop an AIRlab to transfer drone technology to local organizations and address ethics through principles like respecting privacy and individuals.