Open source UAV platform development for aerial photography

Abstract

Aerial photography is an important layer in Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and generally provides the base layer from which many other digital map layers are derived. Capturing these photos from a traditional full-sized airplane is a complex and expensive process. The recent development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and associated technology are providing an alternative to the traditional aerial mapping process. UAVs produced by popular commercial vendors are effective at capturing photos, but are highly expensive to acquire, and equally expensive to maintain.

This research project demonstrates the development and successful implementation of a relatively inexpensive ($2000) unmanned aerial vehicle capable of acquiring high-resolution digital aerial photography. The UAV was developed using open source technology and commercially available components. The methods outlined encompass the platform selection, component inventory, design, construction, configuration, implementation, and testing of the UAV, as well as an analysis of the photography produced by the process. This approach can be used by others to implement similar UAV projects.