Oct 7
What is UAV? Mapping and Photogrammetry with UAV
- Hakan GÜNGÖR
- Oct 7
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
In our country, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM), the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the Chamber of Surveying and Cadastre Engineers of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects define UAVs as aircrafts that can be remotely controlled without a pilot or that can fly autonomously, and that are formed by the combination of integrated systems.
UAVs have revolutionized mapping and data collection in recent years. Especially when equipped with advanced surveying techniques like photogrammetry and LIDAR, UAVs are no longer just aerial imagery tools but a crucial component of geospatial data production.
Contents
What is a UAV?
A UAV is a technological flight system that can be remotely controlled or autonomously operated for a specific mission . It is typically used for aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, mapping, or target engagement. These vehicles, either piloted from the ground or performing pre-programmed missions, serve a variety of military, civilian, and scientific purposes. They may be equipped with cameras, sensors, or other equipment and are typically used to examine hazardous, difficult-to-access, or large areas.
What Does UAV Stands For?
UAV stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Similarly, field personnel, equipped with a UAV, are also known as UAV pilots, UAV operators, and UAV software developers. Additionally, UAVs are defined globally as "drones". Some sources also use terms like "RC Air Vehicle" or "Remote Control Air Vehicle."
How to Do Mapping with a UAV?
The following methods are generally used in UAV-supported mapping systems:
Photogrammetry: Overlapping photographs taken at regular intervals by UAVs are converted into 2D orthophotos and 3D models using software. It is particularly preferred for building analysis, land planning, and urban modeling.
LiDAR Scanning : Creates a three-dimensional image of the surface using laser pulses. It can detect structures beneath vegetation. It is used in areas such as forest density, soil modeling, and mining site analysis.
Thermal and Multispectral Imaging: Thanks to cameras sensitive to heat and light spectrum, factors such as energy analysis, plant health and water stress can be monitored.
Areas of Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
As unmanned aerial vehicle technology develops, it has begun to be used in many sectors. While the most advanced drones are generally produced for military purposes, other sectors are also investing in this field.
Military Objectives
Armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are often used in the military. UAVs are preferred by many countries because of their ability to operate at various altitudes for extended periods. Militaries widely use unmanned aerial vehicle technology for enemy surveillance, target acquisition, and mapping. Generally, unmanned aerial vehicles can collect images, audio, and various data for intelligence gathering.
More advanced armed unmanned aerial vehicles ( UCAVs ) play a role in both detecting and destroying targets. The high potential of unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous systems has led to millions of dollars in R&D investments in many countries. Currently, branded combat drone competitions such as Teknofest are also held. Unmanned autonomous combat aircraft projects are expected to become quite widespread in the near future.
Emergency, Disaster Detection and Management
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also play a crucial role in identifying areas that have been and haven't been damaged, particularly during disasters like earthquakes and floods. UAVs stand out as a fast and convenient solution when roads are damaged or congested.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, which are extremely useful after devastating disasters like earthquakes and floods, also play a role in preventing disasters like fires and monitoring risks. Institutions and organizations in various countries frequently use unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with thermal sensors and cameras for fire detection and prevention.
Because UAVs are not easily affected by disasters, they are used in the field to collect mobile data during times of crisis. This makes unmanned aerial vehicles a widely used tool in disaster/emergency management.
Agriculture and Agricultural Sector
Today, with advancements in geolocation and imaging technologies, agricultural UAVs are becoming increasingly widespread. Thanks to UAVs, particularly those with high payload capacity, man-powered agricultural tasks like spraying and fertilizing can now be carried out easily and quickly using unmanned aerial vehicles. Thanks to UAVs, operations in the agricultural sector can now be carried out with greater precision.
In addition to simple tasks like pesticide and fertilization, new technologies like plant health and soil fertility monitoring are among the areas currently receiving significant investment. As in every field, the integration of artificial intelligence into unmanned aerial vehicles is expected to further enhance the role of UAVs in agriculture and farming, reducing human labor.
Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Another common use of unmanned aerial vehicles is in mapping and geographic information systems. The mapping and geographic information systems sector, which frequently used satellite technologies before UAVs, is also undergoing development.
While satellite services are a frequently used solution for mapping large areas, they are not available for specific and smaller areas due to their high cost. The use of UAVs is particularly prominent for mapping services that require more frequent updates in smaller areas.
While satellites are still a common solution for mapping very large areas, the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles are rapidly increasing. Advances in camera, fuel, battery, and engine technologies, in particular, indicate that UAVs will play a larger role in mapping and geographic information systems services in the near future. Because they offer a low-cost and rapid solution for providing these services, UAVs are highly likely to surpass satellites.
You can contact us to review the services we offer as Cartographero in this field and get detailed information.
Security and Surveillance Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Today, the detection of migrant movement around the world and border violations by various countries can be easily made with the help of unmanned aerial vehicles. Many countries use this method for border surveillance and the detection of violations.
In addition, UAVs play an active role in monitoring crowded areas and traffic monitoring. In our country, unmanned aerial vehicles are actively used for traffic enforcement, including seat belt monitoring and criminal prosecution. In African countries, where civil unrest and violence are common, domestically developed UAVs developed by many Turkish companies are deployed.
Cargo and Logistics
Although a new and developing field, UAVs have been introduced for short-distance deliveries in various countries. They are particularly used for activities such as transporting medical supplies and urgently needed goods.
Unmanned aerial vehicles actively serve in cargo transportation, as they provide access to mountainous, rural, or naturally obstructed areas where land transportation is not possible.
As a result, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used for various purposes in many sectors, both military and civilian. Beyond those mentioned in this article, UAVs have many other uses, including aerial photography, live broadcasts, environmental and wildlife monitoring, and seeding. There's no doubt that UAVs will serve much larger roles in the future and will have functions that touch every aspect of our lives.
UAV License
If you have a UAV weighing 500 grams or more, you must have a special license issued by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation to legally fly it. There are multiple UAV licenses, and these are classified according to their weight:
UAV 0 license: Vehicles weighing between 500g and 4kg
UAV 1 license: vehicles between 4 kg and 25 kg
UAV 2 license: vehicles between 25 kg and 150 kg
UAV 3 license: Vehicles weighing more than 150 kg
How to Get a UAV License?
You can apply for training through the official website of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation or through organizations authorized by the agency. Training times for becoming a UAV pilot vary depending on the type of UAV license you're applying for:
12 hours for UAV 0 license
36 hours for UAV 1 license
90 hours for UAV 2 license
150 hours for UAV 3 license
Which is the first unmanned aerial vehicle?
The world's first unmanned aerial vehicle was developed in Britain and the United States during World War I. The British Aerial Target, a small radio-controlled aircraft, was first tested in March 1917, and the American aerial torpedo known as the Kettering Bug was first flown in October 1918. Although both showed promise in flight tests, neither was used operationally during the war. The development and testing of unmanned aerial vehicles continued throughout the interwar period.
In 1935, the British produced a series of radio-controlled aircraft for use as training targets. The term " drone " is thought to have been coined around this time, inspired by the name of one of these models, the DH.82B Queen Bee. Radio-controlled drones were also produced in the United States and used for target practice and training.
Why Cartographero?
Cartographero is not just a company that captures UAV imagery; it is an engineering-focused solution partner that transforms this data into a meaningful digital mapping infrastructure.
Institution-specific geographic data analysis and thematic maps
Spatial decision support systems that can be integrated into all sectors
Certified flights and data security in compliance with legal regulations
Integrated infrastructure with advanced products such as web maps, GeoPDF and dashboard
Whether you're an agricultural landowner, a public institution manager, or an energy company manager, collecting data with a drone is just the beginning. Cartographero is here to help you make sense of it.
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