Most monitoring and data collection systems are based upon a combination of ground-based measurements, manned airborne sensors and satellite observations. These data are utilized in describing both small- and large-scale processes, but have spatio-temporal constraints inherent to each respective collection system. Therefore, it is crucial to overcome the limitation of current monitoring platforms in order to improve our understanding of environmental systems.
In this context, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have considerable potential to radically improve environmental monitoring. UAS-mounted sensors offer an extraordinary opportunity to bridge the existing gap between field observations and traditional air- and space-borne remote sensing, by providing high spatial detail over relatively large areas in a cost-effective way and an entirely new capacity for enhanced temporal retrieval. Moreover, they offer high versatility, adaptability, and flexibility compared with manned airborne systems or satellites, and have the potential to be rapidly and repeatedly deployed for high spatial and temporal resolution data.
In addition, recent advances in sensor technologies and analytical capabilities are rapidly expanding the number of potential UAS applications. For instance, UAS-based environmental monitoring applications range in a wide range, including: land cover mapping; vegetation state, phenology, and health; precision farming/agriculture; monitoring crop growth, and invasive species infestation; atmospheric observations; disaster mapping; soil erosion; mapping soil surface characteristics; and change detection.
A review of the available technologies and potential in the use of UAS is given in the recent manuscript published on Remote Sensing: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/10/4/641