The Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring plays a central role in diagnosing the impacts on the climate and other environmental receptors. Today, most monitoring and data collection systems are based on a combination of ground measurements, surveys made by sensors mounted on manned aerial platforms, and satellite observations. Each of these systems has space-time constraints that could be overcome with the use of drones. In this context, remotely piloted aircraft systems, also called drones or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), have considerable potential to radically improve environmental monitoring. This paper intends to provide an overview of the various fields of UAS use in the context of environmental monitoring. The recent advances in sensor technology are highlighted by analyzing the different types of instruments on the market and their characteristics, including their use. Then, the various applications in which drones can be used are explored, indicating the strengths and limitations encountered thus far by the use of this technology.