Unmanned aerial vehicles in land surveying

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones have now become an essential component of surveying as they can capture accurate and instant aerial photographs. Sophisticated drones possess high-resolution cameras and laser scanners that allow them to create three-dimensional models of landscapes, scan extensive areas and monitor buildings and structures. Among the main advantages of drone technology in geodesy is that they can reach remote, hard-to-reach areas, such as mountain or forest areas, where traditional measurement methods are limited. Drones avoid endangering employees as they never have to be in perilous or out-of-reach locations.