ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of some of the most common applications for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at various stages of maturity. The UAS applications range from simple video capture to precise scientific measurement. It also provides the broad cross section of the industries and missions. Photogrammetric principles lie at the core of numerous UAS applications, three of which are discussed here: aerial mapping, aerial surveying, and volumetric calculations. The topics included in the next few subsections will provide a fundamental understanding of basic platform control and sensor technology. To begin the discussion, the various methods of aircraft control and methods of conducting missions must be considered. The operation of the aircraft ranges from full manual control to stabilized or “remote control” and to automated flight profiles without direct flight path control. Under manual control the operator has direct, unassisted control of the aircraft’s flight path.
