The use of RPAS for the development of land surface models for natural resources management: a review

Abstract

The use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) as an aerial platform for obtaining data has become very popular among the scientific community, due to its simple operation, its low cost and its rapid implementation for the collection of data in inaccessible areas with limited financial resources. The aerial photographs obtained through these devices are ideal for the production of cartographic material such as digital elevation models (DEMs). These models represent surface terrain information in high resolution, through the generation of millimetre contour lines, useful for the urban modelling, simulation of natural disasters, environmental studies, among other purposes. In this sense, this study proposes a review regarding the potential use of RPAS in photogrammetric processes and the advantages provided by these devices in the management of natural resources. Basic concepts of photogrammetry are described and different studies on natural resources management are presented. The discussion of these investigations focuses on supporting the importance of this material in the areas of hydrology, geomorphology, as well as in other areas where a spatial component is required. Finally, the protocols and methodologies used in the photogrammetric processes are given.