What Types of Aerial Imagery Can Be Captured with Drones During a Survey Mission?

Drones offer a wide range of possibilities when it comes to capturing aerial imagery. From visible light to infrared, drones can be used to capture a variety of images and data. However, it is important to note that not all drones are equipped to handle the challenges that come with a survey mission. If you are new to the world of drone mapping, you may be surprised to see the cost of some of the more advanced drone models.

The Part 107 study materials on drone licensing cover the legal requirements and best practices for executing a drone mission. The data collected during the drone survey will be transformed into real-world measurements and distances. A drone carrying out an aerial photogrammetric study takes a series of superimposed images with a high-resolution camera. This allows for accurate measurements and distances to be calculated from the images. In addition to visible light imagery, drones can also be used to capture infrared imagery. This type of imagery is useful for detecting changes in temperature or vegetation health.

Thermal imaging can also be used to detect structural damage or other anomalies that may not be visible in visible light imagery. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is another type of imagery that can be captured with drones. LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances and create 3D models of the terrain. This type of imagery is useful for creating detailed topographical maps or for measuring elevation changes. Finally, multispectral imagery can also be captured with drones. Multispectral imagery combines visible light, infrared, and other bands of light to create detailed images that can be used for agricultural applications or for monitoring environmental changes.