Lesson 4 Introduction

Welcome to Lesson 4! In this lesson, you will practice planning and designing a UAS mission. For this lesson, we will focus on imaging sensor (digital cameras), as it is widely used for geospatial projects. Successful execution of any mapping project requires a tremendous amount of planning prior to mission execution. Planning must be done by an experienced person who is familiar with all aspects of mapping. Mission planning includes the following categories:

1. defining products specifications;
2. studying area maps;
3. planning the aerial imagery;
4. planning the ground controls;
5. selecting procedures, personnel, and production instruments;
6. estimating costs;
7. developing a delivery schedule.

You will understand and become familiar with the main parameters that need to be considered when selecting a UAS for geospatial business activities. You will also recognize the main manufacturers of UAV, aerial acquisition sensors, and processing software. There are not many materials in the course textbooks that directly deal with these subjects, but one can indirectly derive some information from them. In addition, several research studies were conducted by private or public groups on the status of market and future prediction.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming the most dynamic growth sector, and based on a research study conducted by the Teal Group Corporation, it is expected that the global UAV market will top US $54 Billion in the next decade or so.

Lesson Objectives

At the successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

• understand basic requirements for mission planning;
• understand sensor internal geometry;
• describe factors affecting flight plans such as way points, product resolution and accuracy, aircraft speed, etc.;
• practice flight planning for a UAS mission;
• understand calibration requirements for imaging sensors and auxiliary systems.
• understand the major considerations in selecting a UAS for geospatial business;
• differentiate between the main providers of UAS;
• discriminate between the main providers of aerial sensors for UAS;
• recognize the main providers of software for UAS data processing.

Lesson Readings

• Chapters 3,11, 12 and 18 of the textbook: Elements of Photogrammetry with Applications in GIS, 4th edition
• Chapter 4 and 8 of the textbook: Fundamentals of capturing and processing drone imagery and data  
• Yastikli, N., et al., "In-Situ Camera and Boresight Calibration With Lidar Data"
• Merchant, D., et al., "USGS/OSU Progress With Digital Camera In Situ Calibration Methods"
• Drone Analyst's "Five Things to Consider when Adopting Drones for Your Business"

Lesson Activities