Whether you call them “drones” or “UAV” (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or just consider them toys, they are still a new technology that is causing a stir throughout the world. They can be called a lot of things but are they reasonably capable of collecting survey-grade data? That still seems to be up in the air.
Some folks are discussing the accuracy of this type of photogrammetry, while others are discussing the costs. Furthermore, we have the FAA looking at regulation options and even entertaining the possibility of having an air traffic control systemspecifically for these types of aircraft.
Have you used drones for collecting survey data?