Practical Mapping Use: Connecting UAS Classes to Geospatial Missions

When conducting geospatial mapping and photogrammetry with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), selecting the appropriate platform involves balancing multiple factors. These include the engineering class of the aircraft (such as its size and flight endurance), the type and capabilities of the onboard sensors, and the required accuracy for the mission. All of these considerations must be aligned with FAA Part 107 regulatory requirements and the specific airspace environment of the site.

  • For large-area mapping, fixed-wing UAS are often more efficient due to their longer endurance. However, these missions may be restricted by visual line of sight (VLOS) limitations, potentially necessitating segmented flight planning or securing a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver.
  • Multirotor platforms excel at capturing high-resolution data over smaller areas and offer greater maneuverability for precise coverage. However, they may require several flights and frequent battery changes to achieve full area coverage.
  • When operating near critical infrastructure or within controlled airspace, operators must obtain FAA preflight authorizations and implement robust procedural controls, regardless of the UAS platform used, to ensure regulatory compliance and safety.

References and Suggested Reading

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Regulations (Part 107) overview page.
  • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). 14 CFR Part 107—Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (definitions and operating rules).
  • FAA. Part 107 Waivers guidance page.

 

To Read

  1. Chapter 2, of textbook 2, Introduction to UAS Systems (Aerospace Series)
  2. Crouch, C. Integration of Mini-UASs at the Tactical Operations Level: Implications of Operations, Implementation, and Information Sharing

To Do

  1. Read the paper “Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Remote Sensing and Scientific Research: Classification and Considerations of Use by Watts, et al”. Highlight agreements and differences in the UAS classifications system between the one adopted in the paper and the one given in this lesson. Post your opinion in the discussion forum for Lesson 1. Respond to at least one posting from your peers. (3 points)