Optimizing Aerial Surveying Operations with an MDP-Based Scheduling Model for a Single Aircraft

This study presents a dynamic scheduling model for single-aircraft aerial surveying, formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) to maximize productivity while minimizing operating costs. The model enables decision-makers to determine whether the aircraft should survey, idle, or relocate based on real-time environmental and operational conditions. By incorporating uncertainties such as weather variations, the approach ensures that actions align with the objective of optimizing efficiency. The structured decision-making framework systematically addresses unpredictable conditions and improves resource allocation. The results demonstrate that the proposed model provides a solution for decision-making under uncertainty, particularly in dynamic operational environments.