Paladin launches Terrain Follow to keep drones at a steady height above changing ground

# Follow is

Paladin introduced Terrain Follow, a flight capability that keeps a Paladin drone at a constant height above the ground as terrain elevation changes. Operators set a target altitude measured as above ground level (AGL). When the drone moves over higher or lower ground, the system raises or lowers the aircraft to maintain that preset AGL.

# How it works in practice

Operators configure a mission in Paladin's Watchtower platform and choose an AGL value, for example 200 feet AGL. During the mission the drone monitors changes in the underlying terrain and automatically adjusts its altitude to keep the chosen clearance. Terrain Follow operates for both fully autonomous missions and when a pilot is flying manually through Watchtower.

# Why teams would use it

Terrain variations add workload and risk during missions. Paladin positions Terrain Follow to reduce the need for continuous manual altitude corrections so pilots can focus on higher-value tasks:

• Maintain attention on live video feeds and mission objectives.
• Reduce repetitive control inputs that can lead to human error.
• Fly more consistent, smoother paths across ridges, slopes, or industrial sites.

Paladin calls out applications where changing elevation is common, including mountainous areas, sloped terrain, industrial facilities, and long infrastructure corridors.

# Operational benefits listed by Paladin

• Smoother mission execution through automated altitude adjustments.
• Reduced risk of human error by removing repetitive altitude tasks.
• Easier operation in complex environments where elevation changes frequently.
• Greater mission coverage because areas that were operationally demanding become easier to manage.

# Where it fits in Drone as First Responder workflows

# Availability and next steps

Terrain Follow is available to Paladin clients through the Watchtower platform. Paladin invites interested agencies to book a demo with their team to see the feature in action.

# Bottom line

Terrain Follow automates a common, repetitive piloting task—maintaining a fixed clearance over changing ground—so operators can focus on mission outcomes. For teams operating in variable terrain or along extended corridors, the feature promises more consistent coverage and fewer manual altitude interventions.