4. The future of photogrammetry

4.1 New aerial applications for drones

The use of drones for aerial photography goes back a long way, but it wasn't until the development of MEMS and guidance software including a GNSS receiver that we saw devices with satisfactory ergonomics that didn't require specific piloting skills. As early as 2008, SenseFly's SwingletCam made it possible to shoot and land without any external help, at a very affordable cost. And with similar software quality, many other drones have been marketed, in aircraft or multicopter format, with or without a stabilized camera pod, making aerial imaging extremely inexpensive and easy to use. But at the same time, legislation has become progressively stricter, to avoid the risk of accidents. And privacy protection is likely to create an additional layer...