DRONE ENABLED

URBAN PLANNING
Transforming Cities from Above

Dr. Kola Lawal, FNITP

Department of Urban and Regional Planning
The Polytechnic, Ibadan
01
INTRODUCTION
Definition of drone-enabled urban planning.
 DRONE ENABLED URBAN PLANNING
• Drone-enabled urban planning refers • Drone-enabled urban planning can
to the use of unmanned aerial enhance the accuracy, speed, and
vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to collect, comprehensiveness of data collection
analyze, and visualize data for and analysis, enabling informed and
planning and managing urban evidence-based decision-making.
environments.
• Drones can also facilitate public
• Drones can capture high-resolution participation, stakeholder engagement,
images, videos, and other sensor data and collaborative decision-making by
from different angles and heights, providing visual and interactive
providing valuable insights into representations of planning scenarios
various aspects of urban and options.
development.
• Drone technology has emerged as a powerful tool
in urban planning, providing accurate and timely
data that can help in the planning and management
of cities.
• Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are
remotely operated aerial vehicles that can capture
high-resolution images and videos of urban areas
from various angles and altitudes.
• This data can then be processed and analyzed using
Geographic Information System (GIS) software,
which can create detailed maps and models of cities
that can be used for a range of urban planning
purposes.
Drone technology offers significant benefits in urban planning,
including providing high-resolution data that can be used in
creating detailed maps of cities, identifying areas of urban sprawl,
and monitoring traffic congestion. Drones can also be utilized in
disaster management, enabling quick and accurate assessment of
the impact of disasters on cities. Additionally, drone technology can
be utilized in monitoring and managing urban infrastructure,
including roads, water supply, and waste management.
WHAT IS A DRONE?
• A drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is
an aircraft that can fly without a human pilot on board.
• Drones are typically controlled remotely by a human
operator or autonomously through pre-programmed
instructions or sensors.
• Drones can range in size from small handheld models to large
commercial or military systems that can fly at high altitudes
and for long distances.
• Drones can be equipped with various sensors, cameras, and
other payloads, such as thermal imaging, LiDAR, GPS, or
communication devices, that allow them to collect and
transmit data from different perspectives and locations.
APPLICATION OF DRONE BASED URBAN PLANNING
1. Mapping and Surveying: Drones can be used to create high-
resolution aerial maps and 3D models of cities, providing urban
planners with detailed information about the terrain,
infrastructure, and other features of a city. This information can be
used to identify areas for development, plan transportation
networks, and assess environmental impact.
2. Environmental Monitoring: Drones equipped with sensors can be
used to monitor air quality, noise pollution, and other
environmental factors. This information can be used to inform
urban planning decisions and mitigate the impact of development
on the environment.
APPLICATION OF DRONE BASED URBAN PLANNING

1. Infrastructure Inspection: Drones can be used to

inspect infrastructure such as bridges, highways, and
buildings. This can help identify areas in need of repair
or maintenance, improving safety and reducing costs.
2. Emergency Response: Drones can be used for search
and rescue missions, providing real-time information to
emergency responders during disasters and other
emergency situations.
ROLES OF DRONES IN URBAN PLANNING
• Drones can provide a new perspective on urban planning by
capturing high-resolution images, videos, and other sensor data
from different angles and heights.
• Drones can be used to map and monitor land use, infrastructure,
environment, and social dynamics, providing valuable insights into
urban development patterns, challenges, and opportunities.
• Drones can also be used to assess the impact of urban planning
decisions, such as the construction of new buildings or roads, on
the surrounding environment, such as noise, air quality, or
vegetation.
ROLES OF DRONES IN URBAN PLANNING
• Drones can enhance the accuracy, speed, and comprehensiveness of
data collection and analysis, enabling planners and decision-makers to
make more informed and evidence-based choices.
• Drones can also facilitate public participation, stakeholder engagement,
and collaborative decision-making by providing visual and interactive
representations of planning scenarios and options, which can increase
transparency, accountability, and trust in the planning process.
• However, the use of drones in urban planning also requires careful
consideration of ethical, legal, and technical issues, such as data privacy
and security, regulatory compliance, community acceptance, and
technical capacity.
Innovations in Drone-Based Urban Planning
1. LiDAR Technology: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology uses
lasers to create high-resolution 3D maps of terrain and infrastructure.
This technology is particularly useful for urban planning, as it can create
detailed maps of cities that can be used for various applications. For
example, LiDAR maps can be used to assess the feasibility of development
projects, plan transportation networks, and monitor environmental
impact.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI algorithms can be used to analyze drone
data and provide insights that would be difficult or impossible to obtain
through manual analysis. For example, AI algorithms can be used to
identify patterns in traffic flow, predict urban growth, and detect areas at
risk of flooding or other natural disasters.
Innovations in Drone-Based Urban Planning
• Autonomous Drones: Autonomous drones equipped with AI
algorithms can operate without human intervention, performing
tasks such as data collection, analysis, and mapping. This
technology can greatly increase the efficiency of urban planning
processes, allowing planners to collect and analyze data more
quickly and accurately.
• Swarm Technology: Swarm technology involves a group of drones
working together to perform complex tasks. This technology is
particularly useful for mapping large areas, as it can cover more
ground in less time than a single drone. Swarm technology can also
be used for infrastructure inspection and emergency response.
 TYPES OF DRONES
FIXED-WING DRONES HYBRID DRONES
Fixed-wing drones are unmanned aerial vehicles Hybrid drones are unmanned aerial
that have fixed wings and are designed to fly in a vehicles that combine the features of
straight line. Fixed-wing drones are typically fixed-wing and rotary-wing drones. Hybrid
used for longer flight times and larger coverage drones are typically designed to take off
areas, making them ideal for mapping and and land vertically like rotary-wing
surveying applications in urban planning. drones, but can then transition to fixed-
Fixed-wing drones can fly for several hours and wing flight for longer range and
cover distances of up to 100 kilometers in a endurance.
single flight
MULTI-ROTOR DRONES
Rotary-wing drones, also known as multirotor
drones, are unmanned aerial vehicles that use
rotating blades to generate lift and maneuver
through the air. Rotary-wing drones are typically
used for shorter flight times and smaller
coverage areas, making them ideal for
inspections and monitoring applications in urban
planning.
TYPES OF DRONES
TYPE PROS CONS USES PRICES

MULTIROTOR Accessibility Short flight Aerial inspection $5k-$65k

FIXED-WING Fast flight Expensive Aerial mapping $25k-$120k

SINGLE-ROTOR Long endurance Harder to fly Aerial scanning $25k-$300k

HYBRID Long endurance In development Drone delivery In development

PARTS OF A DRONE
MOTOR PROPELLER
The Moon is Earth’s Neptune is far away
only natural satellite from Earth

NUT RECEPTOR
Mercury is the closest Jupiter is the biggest
planet to the Sun planet of them all

LANDING GEAR CAMERA

Venus has extremely Saturn is a gas giant
high temperatures with several rings
LET’S FLY
 DRONE FLIGHT MODES
SEMI AUTONOMOUS
MANUAL FLIGHT MODE
FLIGHT MODE 01 Semi-autonomous flight mode is a
flight mode that combines manual and
Manual flight mode is the most autonomous flight modes. In this flight
basic flight mode for drones. In this
mode, the pilot manually controls 03 mode, the pilot manually controls the
drone's movements for the most part,
the drone's movements using a but the drone can also perform certain
remote control. tasks automatically

AUTONOMOUS
FLIGHT MODE 02
Autonomous flight mode is a flight mode
in which the drone is programmed to
follow a predetermined flight path without
the need for manual control. This flight
mode is made possible by the use of GPS
(Global Positioning System) and other
navigation systems.
POPULAR DRONES MANUFACTURERS
● DJI: is one of the leading drone manufacturers in the world,
offering a range of drones for both consumer and professional use.
Their Phantom series of drones is popular among consumers, The
Phantom 4 Pro features a 20-megapixel camera capable of
shooting 4K video at 60fps, and an extended flight time of up to 30
minutes.
● Parrot: is a French drone manufacturer that offers a range of
drones for both consumer and professional use. Their Bebop
series of drones is popular among consumers, The Bebop 2 Power
features a 14-megapixel camera capable of shooting 1080p video
at 60fps and has a flight time of up to 30 minutes.
● Yuneec: is a Chinese drone manufacturer that offers a range of
drones for both consumer and professional use. Their Typhoon
series of drones is popular among consumers, with the Typhoon H
Plus features a 20-megapixel camera capable of shooting 4K video
at 60fps and has a flight time of up to 25 minutes.
DRONE
PROCESSING
SOFTWARE
Cloud-Based Software
Desktop-Based Software
DRONE
PROCESSING
SOFTWARE
DRONE
PROCESSING
SOFTWARE
DRONE FLIGHT
PLANNING
PROCESS
Flight Planning and Execution Process
The drone flight planning and execution procedure typically involves the following
steps:
• Determine the mission requirements: Determine the purpose of the flight,
the area to be covered, and any specific requirements for data collection or
payload delivery.
• Check airspace regulations: Check the local airspace regulations and obtain
any necessary permits or authorizations for the flight.
• Assess the site: Assess the site for potential hazards, such as obstacles or
weather conditions, and identify a safe and suitable takeoff and landing area.
• Plan the flight path: Plan the flight path, taking into account the mission
requirements, the site assessment, and any applicable regulations. This includes
setting the altitude, speed, and direction of the drone, as well as defining
waypoints or areas of interest to be covered.
• Configure the drone: Configure the drone, including setting up the camera or
payload, checking the battery level, and calibrating the sensors and GPS.
Flight Planning and Execution Process
• Conduct pre-flight checks: Conduct pre-flight checks, including a visual
inspection of the drone, a check of the radio link and telemetry data, and a test
flight to verify the stability and control of the drone.
• Launch the drone: Launch the drone and monitor its flight path and data
collection in real-time.
• Conduct the mission: Conduct the mission according to the planned flight
path, making adjustments as necessary based on real-time data and observations.
• Monitor the drone: Continuously monitor the drone during the flight to
ensure it stays within the planned flight path and avoids any obstacles or hazards.
• Return the drone: Return the drone to the designated landing area and ensure
it is safely and securely landed.
• Post-flight checks: Conduct post-flight checks, including a review of the data
collected, a check of the drone for any damage, and a review of the flight logs.
• Data analysis: Analyze the data collected to achieve the mission objectives,
such as creating a map or 3D model, or extracting specific information from the
data.
Some key issues:
Some key issues:
 Ground control points (GCPs)
Ground control points (GCPs) are identifiable and measurable
points on the ground that are used to ensure accurate
georeferencing of aerial imagery captured by drones or other
remote sensing platforms.

Some key issues:

 Overlap in Flight Planning
Overlap in flight planning refers to the amount of overlap
between successive images captured by the drone during a flight.

Some key issues:

DRONE DATA DroneDeploy is a popular
software platform for processing
PROCESSING – drone imagery and data. Here
are the general steps for
DRONE DEPLOY processing drone images with
DroneDeploy
1. Plan your flight: Before capturing any images, plan your drone flight using the
DroneDeploy app or website. You can set the altitude, speed, and camera settings for
your mission.
2. Capture images: Fly your drone to capture images of the area you want to map. Make
sure to fly in good weather conditions and at the right time of day for optimal
lighting. Follow the flight plan you created in step 1.
3. Upload images: After your flight, upload the images to the DroneDeploy platform.
The platform will automatically stitch the images together to create a map of the
area.
4. Create a map: Once the images are uploaded, the DroneDeploy platform will
automatically process them to create a 2D or 3D map of the area. You can customize
the map settings, such as the resolution and the layers displayed.
5. Analyze data: After creating the map, you can analyze the data to extract insights
and information. DroneDeploy offers various tools for analyzing vegetation health,
calculating volumes, and measuring distances.
6. Export data: Finally, export the data from DroneDeploy in the desired format for
further analysis or integration into other software. The platform supports various
export formats, such as GeoTIFF, PDF, and OBJ.
DRONE DATA OUTPUT
Integrating Drone Data with GIS
and Other Planning Tools

Drones have emerged as a valuable tool

for collecting high-resolution spatial data
in various fields, including urban planning,
land use mapping, and infrastructure
development. The data collected by
drones can be used to generate 2D and 3D
maps, point clouds, and orthomosaics,
among others. Integrating drone data with
Geographic Information System (GIS) and
other planning tools can enhance the
quality and accuracy of the data, making it
more useful for urban planning.
APPLICATION OF DRONE IN URP
SURVEYING WITH DRONES
Surveying is the process of measuring and mapping the physical
features and boundaries of an area. Drones have become popular
tools for surveying because they can quickly and accurately
capture high-resolution images and videos of large areas
APPLICATION OF DRONE IN URP
MAPPING WITH DRONES
Mapping is the process of creating accurate and detailed
representations of physical features and geographical
boundaries. Drones have become popular tools for mapping
because they can capture high-resolution images and videos of
large areas quickly and efficiently.
APPLICATION OF DRONE IN URP
MONITORING WITH DRONES
Drones have become popular tools for monitoring urban areas
because they can capture high-resolution images and videos of
large areas quickly and efficiently. making them suitable for
monitoring a wide range of physical and social conditions, such as
traffic, pollution, and public safety. One example of the use of
drones for monitoring in urban planning is the monitoring of traffic
patterns and congestion.
The Use of Drones in Urban Planning
i. Urban Planning: Drones can create high-resolution maps and 3D
models of urban areas, providing detailed information on the built
environment, infrastructure, and land use. This information can be used
to inform urban planning decisions and identify potential areas for
development.
ii. Environmental Monitoring: Drones can be used to monitor
environmental conditions in urban areas, such as air and water
quality, noise pollution, and vegetation cover. This information can be
used to identify areas of environmental concern and inform land use
decisions.
iii. Infrastructure Planning: Drones can be used to inspect and monitor
infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This information
can be used to identify areas in need of maintenance or repair and
inform infrastructure planning decisions.
The Use of Drones in Urban Planning
1. Surveying: Drones can be used to survey urban areas, providing
high-resolution images and data that can be used to create
detailed 3D models of urban spaces. These models can be used
by urban designers to plan and design new infrastructure
projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
2. Mapping: Drones can be used to map urban areas, providing
accurate and up-to-date information about the layout and
features of urban spaces. This information can be used to
identify areas that require improvements.
3. Visualizing: Drones can be used to create visualizations of urban
spaces, providing designers with a realistic and immersive view
of the space they are designing. This can help designers to
better understand how their designs will look and function in
real-life settings.
The Use of Drones in Urban Planning
i. Site Inspections: Drones can be used to inspect development
sites, providing high-resolution images and real-time data on
the site's condition and any potential issues that may need to be
addressed.
ii. Environmental Impact Assessments: Drones can be used to
conduct environmental impact assessments of proposed
developments, providing high-resolution images and data on
the potential impact of the development on the surrounding
environment.
iii. Planning Applications: Drones can be used to gather data and
images for planning applications, providing a more
comprehensive view of the proposed development and its
impact on the surrounding area
The Use of Drones in Urban Planning
1. Traffic monitoring: Drones can be used to monitor traffic flow,
congestion, and accidents in real-time. Drones equipped with
cameras and sensors can collect data and provide insights that
can help traffic managers to make informed decisions.
2. Emergency response: Drones can be used for emergency
response in urban areas. In situations where it is difficult or
dangerous for human responders to access the disaster site,
drones can provide situational awareness and locate survivors.
Drones equipped with medical supplies and defibrillators can
also provide emergency medical services.
3. Goods delivery: Drones can be used for goods delivery in urban
areas. Drones equipped with packages can deliver goods to
customers in congested areas, reducing the need for road
transportation.
CHALLENGES FACED BY URBAN PLANNERS IN
INTEGRATING DRONES IN URBAN PLANNING

DATA TECHNICAL REGULATORY

MANAGEMENT CAPACITY COMPLIANCE
Collecting, processing, storing, Operating and maintaining Flying drones in urban areas is
and sharing large amounts drones requires specialized skills, subject to a range of
data is challenging equipment, and infrastructure regulations and policies

COMMUNITY COST ETHICAL & SOCIAL

ENGAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS IMPLICATIONS
Drones can be ensure that their use aligns with
privacy, safety, noise,
expensive to purchase, the values, goals, and needs of
and other issues the communities they serve
operate, and maintain
FUTURE OF DRONE IN URBAN PLANNING

INCREASED INTEGRATION WITH

AUTOMATION OTHER TECHNOLOGY
Drones becoming more autonomous Drones can be integrated with other emerging
and intelligent, reducing the need for technologies such as artificial intelligence,
human operators and enabling real- machine learning, and blockchain to enhance
their capabilities and create new COLLABORATION
time data collection and analysis. opportunities for urban planning AND INNOVATION
Drones enable new forms of
collaboration and innovation
among urban planners,
ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL architects, engineers, and other
SENSOR stakeholders, facilitating
SUSTAINABILITY participatory planning, co-
Sophisticated sensors that can Drones reduce the carbon footprint
capture high-resolution imagery, design, and community
of urban planning activities, support
lidar data, thermal data, and other engagement.
green infrastructure, renewable
types of data for monitoring urban energy systems, and circular
features and phenomena economy principles in urban areas.
THANKS!
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
[email protected]
08066715525

@tplklaw

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