Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Geographic Data Capture in Edo North Nigeria

Abstract

Data capture is one of the most time-consuming Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tasks. The method and quality of data collection are critical. These include GPS, LiDAR, Total Station and Aerial Photogrammetry. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become more common in recent years, with more applications. More ways to collect geographic data using UAVs will emerge as technology advances. UAV photogrammetry, for example, uses a UAV with a camera and photogrammetric software to create three-dimensional models and orthophotos of the ground surface. This research uses UAV photogrammetry to capture the terrestrial environment for agricultural purposes in selected areas in Edo-North, Nigeria. The aim is to review how UAVs are currently used to collect geographic data and how they can replace or complement traditional methods. A coupled UAV is used in this study. Our literature review focuses on three main areas: environmental monitoring, urban environment and infrastructure, and natural resources. Literature reviews show that using a UAV can replace or complement other surveying and data collection methods. The use allows proximity to objects without settling to the ground, and access to dangerous, difficult areas from a distance. Data can be collected more quickly, cheaply, and frequently. The measurement stage saves time, but the post-processing stage takes longer than the terrestrial methods.

Keywords: UAV, GIS, Elections, Photogrammetry, Surveying, Edo-North