Economics of mapping using small manned and unmanned aerial vehicles

Specific professional bids to perform aerial data collection using large manned aerial vehicles (LMAV), small manned aerial vehicles (SMAV), and small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were used to generate general bid models. From these bid models, it was determined what collection methods were competitive for particular jobs based on the project area, distance from the airport or office, and the modeled bids from competing methods. This approach is followed by a discussion of each platform’s limitations and versatility. Results indicate that UAS and SMAV and can compete efficiently on aerial photogrammetric mapping up to at least 1,000 acres when the equipment gets enough usage. It is conjectured that this methodology will exert significant downward pressure on the cost of high-end sensors.