Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or “drone technology activity in GIS,” is a trending topic amid several disciplines, most of which are held together with the GIS. Drones are excellent for taking high-quality aerial photographs and video and collecting vast amounts of imaging data. These high-resolution images can be used to create 3D maps and interactive 3D models, which have many beneficial uses.
Since unmanned aerial vehicles use GPS (the Global Positioning System), they can be programmed and maneuvered accurately to precise locations.
While there are numerous pros to using drones, there are also several perceived challenges to their deployment. Legislative Uncertainty is the major holdup for the green flag on commercial use. Privacy -one of the most common concerns from the public about UAVs is privacy. Drones can collect data and images without drawing attention.
Activities of UAS in GIS
Agriculture
Drones give farmers the convenience of being able to inspect crops from new perspectives and with frequency never before possible. Because they are able to pinpoint problem areas in the field, they’re able to remedy diseases and defects before they become costly.
Emergency Services
The data collected by UAVs can be reviewed easily, unlike human observations. In law enforcement, drones play mainly a surveillance role. They are the eyes for monitoring infrastructure and pursuing suspects.
Atmospheric Science
The benefits drones provide in data collection make them not only impeccable for observing the surface of the earth, but also the atmosphere. NASA drone Global Hawk has been used to look for hurricane activity. The images collected by drones like this one become a powerful source of data once for GIS.
HOW UAS AND GIS WILL SERVE IN THE FUTURE
GIS technologies and UAS are intertwined and their benefits serve multiple applications altogether.
Remote Sensing
UAS technologies will allow us to more efficiently produce better mapping. Coupled with LiDAR and other scanning methods, GIS analysts smaller and specialists will have at their disposal robust data. This will institute a new standard for 3D modeling. The remarkable advantage of UAS already proven to be effective in the public sector will undoubtedly shift to the private market. There will be a better update of topographic mapping, live video feeds, and 3D story maps.
Warfare
Developments in nanotechnology and highly advanced weaponry, drones in the future will make science fiction become a reality. Evidence of Nano drones can already be found on the web, not to mention drones that can open doors. A quick search on the web proves that prototype drones equipped with small arms are also being researched. These drones could be huge assets in hostage situations and urban counter-terrorism.
CONCLUSION
The use of UAS activity in GIS will continue to improve and it uses more globally. It is inevitable that regulations will continue to be put in place that will at least provide routes for the private sector to exploit drone technology. The future applications are numerous, and essentially every scenario would involve GIS to most efficiently manage the resources being used.
