Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for High-Resolution Environmental Monitoring: A Review of Applications and Future Directions

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionized environmental and geographical surveying in recent years. Their ability to capture high-resolution imagery and data in a cost-effective and efficient manner has led to their widespread use in various environmental monitoring applications. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art in UAV applications for environmental and geographical surveying. We first discuss the various types of sensors and platforms used for data acquisition, including RGB cameras, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, LiDAR, and thermal cameras. We then review the range of applications for which UAVs have been used, including mapping, monitoring vegetation, water quality analysis, wildlife tracking, and disaster response. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with UAV-based monitoring, such as data processing and analysis, regulatory frameworks, and technical constraints. Finally, we conclude with an overview of the future directions and potential advancements in UAV technology that could further improve their utility for environmental and geographical surveying. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive resource for researchers and practitioners interested in the use of UAVs for environmental and geographical surveying.