Utilization of VTOL UnManned Aerial Vehicle with PPK Module for Geospatial Data Acquisition

Abstract

U ovom radu prikazana je primjena bespilotne VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) letjelice u svrhu prikupljanja geoprostornih podataka za potrebe geodetskih mjerenja. Istraživanje je provedeno na području katastarske općine Fuka, na površini većoj od 100 hektara, pri čemu je snimanje obavljeno u vremenskom razdoblju od jednog sata i trideset minuta. Primijenjena je metoda fotogrametrije u kombinaciji sa satelitskim određivanjem kontrolnih točaka pomoću (Global Navigation Satellite System ) GNSS prijemnika. Uz tehnički aspekt, u radu je prikazan i postupak usklađivanja s važećom pravnom regulativom, uključujući ishođenje odobrenja za snimanje iz zraka pri Državnoj geodetskoj upravi te rezervaciju zračnog prostora kod Hrvatske kontrole zračne plovidbe. Korišten je Marlyn Cobalt (Vertical Take-Off and Landing ) VTOL dron sa Septentrio (Post Processing Kinematic ) PPK modulom i kamerom Sony RX1RII, dok su za obradu podataka primijenjeni softverski alati Pix4D i 3D Survey. Dobiveni rezultati potvrđuju visoku točnost i učinkovitost korištenja bespilotnih sustava, čime je potvrđena njihova primjenjivost u svakodnevnim geodetskim poslovima. Također su analizirana ograničenja i izazovi povezani s ovakvim načinom rada. Posebno je važno istaknuti da je čitav projekt izveden u skladu s važećim zakonodavnim okvirom. Prikazan je postupak ishođenja odobrenja za snimanje iz zraka od strane Državne geodetske uprave te rezervacija zračnog prostora pri Hrvatskoj kontroli zračne plovidbe, što potvrđuje nužnost poznavanja regulatornih aspekata u operativnoj primjeni bespilotnih sustava. Time je potvrđeno da pored tehničkih kompetencija, uspješna provedba ovakvih projekata zahtijeva i administrativnu usklađenost.This paper presents the application of an unmanned Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aerial vehicle for geospatial data acquisition in geodetic surveying. The research was conducted within the cadastral municipality of Fuka, covering an area of more than 100 hectares, with data collection completed within a time frame of one hour and thirty minutes. The methodology employed combined photogrammetry with satellite-based positioning of control points using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. In addition to the technical aspects, the paper outlines the process of compliance with current legal and regulatory frameworks, including the acquisition of aerial survey approval from the State Geodetic Administration and the reservation of airspace through the Croatian Air Navigation Services. The Marlyn Cobalt VTOL drone equipped with a Septentrio Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) module and a Sony RX1RII camera was utilized for data capture. Data processing was conducted using Pix4D and 3D Survey software tools. The results demonstrate a high degree of accuracy and efficiency in the use of unmanned aerial systems, thereby confirming their suitability for routine geodetic operations. Furthermore, the study analyzes the limitations and challenges associated with this method of data collection. It is essential to emphasize that the entire project was executed under the applicable legislative framework. The procedure for obtaining aerial survey approval from the State Geodetic Administration and airspace reservation through the Croatian Air Navigation Services is detailed, underscoring the necessity of understanding regulatory aspects in the operational deployment of unmanned systems. This confirms that, in addition to technical expertise, successful implementation of such projects also requires administrative compliance