sUAS Applications in Geography

The use of small unoccupied aerial systems (sUAS) for acquiring close-range remotely sensed data has increased in the past 5 years, with applications in nearly all subdisciplines of Geography. This edited volume showcases the various ways in which sUAS are used.

Format: Hardback
Length: 331 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The use of small unoccupied aerial systems (sUAS) for acquiring close-range remotely sensed data has experienced a significant surge in the past five years. Initially, early research primarily centered on physical systems and photogrammetric techniques. Nevertheless, as sUAS technology continues to advance and more sophisticated payloads, such as lidar and multispectral cameras, are employed, applications have expanded to nearly all subdisciplines within Geography. This edited volume aims to showcase the diverse range of ways in which sUAS are utilized in geographic research, encompassing geomorphology, environmental and hazard monitoring, biogeography, and urban and sociocultural geography.

Geomorphology:

Geomorphology is the study of landforms and their processes, and sUAS have revolutionized the field by providing cost-effective and high-resolution data collection. With their ability to capture aerial images and videos at a scale that is difficult to achieve with traditional ground-based methods, sUAS have enabled researchers to study landforms in greater detail and at a wider scale. For example, they can be used to map the extent and distribution of vegetation cover, identify erosion patterns, and monitor changes in land surface elevation.

Environmental and Hazard Monitoring:

sUAS have also been extensively used in environmental and hazard monitoring. They can be used to collect data on air quality, water quality, and soil quality, which can help identify potential environmental threats and monitor the impact of human activities on the environment. For example, they can be used to monitor forest fires, track wildlife populations, and assess the extent of coastal erosion.

Biogeography:

sUAS have played a crucial role in biogeography by providing a cost-effective and efficient means of collecting data on plant and animal populations. With their ability to capture high-resolution images and videos of vegetation and wildlife, sUAS have enabled researchers to study the distribution and abundance of species, as well as their interactions with their environment. For example, they can be used to map the distribution of invasive species, track the movement of migratory birds, and monitor the habitat of endangered species.

Urban and Sociocultural Geography:

sUAS have also been used in urban and sociocultural geography to study the spatial and social dynamics of cities and communities. They can be used to collect data on urban planning, transportation, and land use, which can help inform decision-making processes and promote sustainable development. For example, they can be used to map the extent of urban sprawl, monitor traffic patterns, and assess the impact of urbanization on social and economic inequality.

Conclusion:

The use of small unoccupied aerial systems (sUAS) for acquiring close-range remotely sensed data has significantly increased in the past five years, and has expanded to nearly all subdisciplines within Geography. This edited volume showcases the diverse range of ways in which sUAS are utilized in geographic research, encompassing geomorphology, environmental and hazard monitoring, biogeography, and urban and sociocultural geography. As sUAS technology continues to advance and more sophisticated payloads are developed, it is likely that applications in these fields will continue to expand and evolve.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031019753
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022