A new association seeks to represent businesses that use remote-controlled drones to provide mapping, aerial photography and a host of other services.

The Drone Service Providers Alliance "aims to represent small- and medium-sized drone service providers' interests before the FAA, industry standards groups, and to educate governments about the perspective of drone service providers," according to a statement on the group's website. The association is based in Lakewood, Colo, and has applied for 501(c)(6) tax status as a nonprofit trade group.

"Small- and medium-sized drone service providers constitute the vast majority of drone businesses in the United States," said Kenji Sugahara, co-founder and CEO of DSPA. "However, these businesses have lacked a clear and unified voice before policymakers."

Sugahara is chief pilot and co-founder of A-Cam Aerials, a drone photos and video service. Vic Moss, owner of Moss Photography, is co-founder and COO of the association.

An association for drone manufacturers and other industry players already exists in the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. But in recent years a number of smaller companies have launched to provide different drone-based services, although they all face rigorous federal regulations concerning the use of commercial aircraft.

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