Flight Mission Planning Methodology in UAV Surveying

The risk associated with hydrological and geological threats, such as floods and landslides, is significant for the safety of people. The improper disposal of solid waste in the streams of the city of Cartagena and internal channels can obstruct water flow. Therefore, it is crucial to implement innovative solutions in risk management, based on new ways of characterizing these channels, such as the use of remote sensing technologies, like drone photogrammetry. The implementation of drone flight protocols is a crucial stage in UAV surveying applications for achieving accurate measurements, building reliable information, and avoiding cost overruns and delays during the data acquisition process. In this article, we execute a drone flight mission protocol that allows mapping a study area and capturing a set of images that serve as input datasets for 3D reconstruction models and Deep Learning (DL) models. The proposed approach focuses on mapping ground control points (GCPs) or targets through tests with a DJI Drone within Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar campus in Cartagena, Colombia. A flight protocol, starting with the study and identification of the area was followed. The proposed protocol showed good detection capacity for smaller objects, like the GCPs and obstructive elements that could be found in a water channel, owing to Ground Sample Distances (GSD) in the order of milimeters. This approach allows for more precise planning and a more efficient response in planning methodologies to address the risk associated with hydrological and geological threats in the city of Cartagena.