A Comprehensive Review: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Surveillance Systems

Bharani H D, Aishwarya N, Dhanushree Y, I Sameera Muskan, Ajay Kumar Dwivedi and Vivek Singh*

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Nagarjuna College of

Engineering and Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
er.ajaykumardwivedi@gmail.com, *vivek.10singh@gmail.com
*Corresponding Author

ABSTRACT: Due of their adaptability and potential applications, drones and other UAVs have garnered study
interest from many sectors. Due of their versatility and ability to do previously impossible or difficult jobs, drones
are becoming more popular. However, drone interface and control methods have limited their innovation. Modern
communities increasingly use effective surveillance technologies to maintain peace, safety, and order. A drone-
based surveillance system might meet this need. The varieties of drones and their use in surveillance are covered
in this article.

INTRODUCTION
A large percentage of the US is drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). "Drone" means "Dynamic Remotely
Operated Navigation Equipment.[1]" These gadgets are widely employed for civilian and military surveillance.
They monitor and research people, activities, infrastructure, and the environment. Drones are beneficial for
environmental monitoring, traffic control, construction observation, and border surveillance [2]. Their main
benefit over conventional approaches is their capacity to effectively cover huge and inaccessible regions, decrease
human interaction, and operate safely in dangerous settings [3].
UAVs with high-tech sensors, cameras, and communication devices can provide real-time data to a ground control
center [4]. Because drones can send data in real-time, analysts and decision-makers may swiftly review and
acquire data from huge or inaccessible places [5]. They must be used in current surveillance systems since they
give real-time data [6].
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fly without a pilot. Manually flown from the ground or autonomously using
GPS and pre-programmed routes [7]. Their sensor and networking capabilities make them versatile. Safety and
surveillance are fast-growing unmanned aerial vehicle subsectors [8]. UAVs can safely and efficiently reach risky
places during crises like network failures, gas spills, and wildfires [9].
This study discusses UAV video surveillance issues and summarizes past investigations. Additionally, it suggests
video surveillance UAV research paths.

TYPES OF DRONES

Fixed-wing drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles with fixed wings resemble airplanes. Their inflexible wings provide lift, allowing them
to fly across large regions [10]. Their form makes them excellent for mapping, surveillance, and environmental
evaluations, which need vast aerial coverage [11]. Unlike rotary-wing drones, fixed-wing UAVs can fly for many
hours.
Due to the lift from their forward movement, these drones need less energy to remain airborne. Fixed-wing drones
are useful for agricultural, disaster management, and infrastructure inspection applications because of their
adaptability. They demand bigger takeoff and landing zones, which may be a problem in small spaces [12].
Although they are far more economical, fixed-wing drones aren't quite as agile as rotary-wing ones. Because of
this, they can't hover or do anything else that requires precise navigation. Drone pilots need more experience and
training than average pilots due to the increased complexity of flight dynamics and landing procedures. Recent
advancements in autonomous navigation and control technologies have made fixed-wing UAVs more user-
friendly and affordable [13]. Figure 1 depicts the fixed-wing drone.

Figure 1. Fixed wing Drone

Single-Rotor Drones

Similar to helicopters, single-rotor drones have a large main rotor and a somewhat smaller tail rotor. Because of
this, the drone can maintain its balance. Due to their design, these drones can fly for longer and lift heavier loads
than multi-rotor models [14]. Drones like this, powered by gas motors, can fly for longer periods of time and are
therefore ideal for tasks like agricultural spraying, transporting bulky objects, and aerial LiDAR scanning [15].
When it comes to tasks requiring bigger payloads and greater flying range, single-rotor drones are superior than
multi-rotor drones.
This is due to single-rotor drones' low weight-to-power ratio. A single-rotor drone requires more maintenance and
is more complicated mechanically. This is true despite its numerous benefits. Larger rotor blades are more prone
to develop mechanical difficulties, requiring constant modifications [14]. Long blades make the drone dangerous
during takeoff, landing, and ground handling. Despite these limitations, single-rotor drones are widely used in
industry, where payload capacity and efficiency are crucial [12]. Figure 2 shows a single-rotor drone.

Figure 2. Single Rotor Drone

Fixed-Wing Hybrid VTOL Drones

As seen in Figure 3, fixed-wing hybrid VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) drones combine the best features
of fixed-wing and multi-rotor designs, allowing for efficient long-range flight and easing vertical takeoff [16].
Thanks to their dual capacity, these drones are very versatile and can operate successfully in a wide range of
environments, from crowded cities to remote locales. They excel at tasks that need a combination of long flight
times and accurate landings, such as environmental monitoring, large aerial surveys, and drone deliveries [17].
To ensure stable flight and smooth transitions between vertical and horizontal flight, hybrid VTOL drones use
advanced autopilot systems [18].
Hybrid vertical takeoff and landing technology offers several advantages, but it is still in its early phases of
development. Perhaps these drones aren't yet ready for use as fixed-wing aircraft for long-duration flights or as
specialized multi-rotor drones for hovering tasks. Adding two types of flight makes them more complicated, which
makes them harder to mechanically build and, maybe, more expensive to maintain. Notwithstanding the
challenges that may arise, their versatility makes them an appealing prospect for drone industry innovation.

Figure 3. Hybrid VTOL Drone

Multi-Rotor Drones

Regarded for their simplicity and user-friendliness, multi-rotor drones are among the most common and adaptable
types of UAVs (see figure 4). Many rotors, often four, provide drones, and quadcopters in particular, remarkable
mobility and control [19]. Because of this, they are perfect for tasks like aerial filmmaking, photography,
surveillance, and inspections of infrastructure [20]. Because of their stable hovering and vertical takeoffs and
landings, they are able to navigate crowded or limited spaces with ease, such as cities or inner sites [21]. Their
level of stability and control makes them perfect for jobs that need careful observation or navigating through
challenging surroundings.
Multi-rotor drones have a 20–30-minute flying endurance, which may be modified by payload weight and
weather. Their dependence on power makes them unfit for heavy loads. These restrictions notwithstanding,
commercial and recreational users adore them for their price, adaptability, and simplicity of use [22].

Figure 4. Multi-Rotor Drone

Table 1. Advantage and disadvantage of different types of drones

Drone type Advantages Disadvantages Applications
Single-rotor Can hover, operates in small More complex to operate, Aerial LiDAR scanning, heavy
spaces, carries heavier loads, higher chance of mechanical cargo transport
long flight duration issues
Multi-Rotor User-friendly, agile in confined Shorter flight duration, limited Aerial photography,
spaces, precise camera control capacity for carrying loads inspections, package delivery
Fixed-wing Covers vast areas quickly, long Requires larger areas for takeoff Mapping, pipeline monitoring,
flight endurance and landing, cannot hover and delivery over long distances
Fixed-wing hybrid Combines vertical take- Not as efficient at hovering or Delivery services, long-range
off/landing with extended flight fast flight, technology still surveillance
times evolving

APPLICATIONS OF DRONES IN SURVEILLANCE

FIRE DETECTION

Drones are a novel fire detection technology that might enhance early warning, emergency response, and fire
monitoring [23]. Drones using gas detectors, thermal imaging cameras, and powerful computer vision algorithms
may identify fires early in inaccessible locations like woods, industrial zones, and cities [24]. This helps authorities
to react rapidly to fires, minimizing damage and deaths.
Drones are revolutionizing fire detection and surveillance. They swiftly and effectively cover large, inaccessible
regions. Drones may operate in risky circumstances like dense smoke or high heat, endangering ground workers
[25]. They also provide firefighters with real-time data to assist them combat fires. After the fire is out, drones
help analyze the damage, find soldering hotspots, and improve response techniques [26].
AI and machine learning are expected to improve drones' abilities to autonomously monitor fire-prone areas and
predict outbreaks based on ecological information. In the future, drones will be crucial for fire control.

CROP SURVEILLANCE

According to projections, agriculture will emerge as the most prominent industry in which specialist drone
technology will be used. Recent developments in remote sensing technology have enabled a wide range of
applications, including crop categorization, cloud monitoring, and land mapping [27]. These innovations have
been the driving force behind this expansion.
By way of illustration, the use of technologies such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
improves visibility into the health of crops and fields, which can reduce the amount of time required for reaction
in critical circumstances. Drones can autonomously assess the region and provide actionable maps, emphasizing
areas of concern, as opposed to physically traversing across fields [28]. Because they must be installed on tripods,
poles, or other structures, traditional surveillance instruments, such as stationary cameras, often have
shortcomings that restrict their usefulness. Despite the fact that helicopters are able to provide great overhead
views, they are expensive. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), on the other hand, provide an option that is both
more mobility and more economical. They can overcome the limits of both fixed equipment and costly aircraft.
In addition, drones are increasingly being utilized for spraying and other health inspections, which enables farmers
to safeguard their crops from pests and treat other concerns in a timely manner. Farmers have swiftly realized the
efficiency and cost-effectiveness of drones in supporting larger yields and better-quality crops [29]. Drones have
been used to support these kinds of crops. As a consequence of this, it is anticipated that the demand for drones
in the field of precision farming will dramatically increase over the next several years.

URBAN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Through the provision of useful data that can be used to improve public transit and road networks, urban traffic
management is a vital component in the advancement of smart mobility. When, for instance, precise information
on the number of cars that pass through a particular crossroads, including the points at which they enter and depart,
is available, it is possible to optimize the timing of the traffic lights in an effective manner. One of the most
important aspects of changing a conventional city into a smart and autonomous city is the implementation of
efficient road traffic management [24].
There are constraints associated with traditional technologies, such as sensors or cameras that are immobile. Their
fixed placements may make it difficult for them to efficiently track vehicles, and problems such as vehicle
obstruction can further impede their ability to capture accurate data [30]. UAVs come into action at this point in
the game. Drones are able to readily follow cars from an overhead viewpoint, which allows them to overcome the
issue of obstructed vistas and provide a full picture of the flow of traffic from above.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Due to global warming, natural catastrophes are becoming more frequent and intense. 1.7 billion people were
harmed, 700,000 perished, and 1.4 trillion USD were wasted between 2004 and 2014, according to UNDSR data.
Government leaders must respond decisively and effectively after all of the foregoing instances.
Lifesaving disaster management requires the ability to swiftly gather and integrate disaster data. Unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs) are cheaper and more resource-efficient than helicopter surveys [31]. Since they can take high-
resolution photos and videos in regions people and aircraft can't, drones may film vital disaster relief footage [32].

CONCLUSION

UAVs for surveillance systems provide revolutionary opportunities across numerous industries by improving
operational efficiency, security, and safety. Thermographic imaging, gas detection, and real-time data transmission
assist drones solve fire detection, agricultural monitoring, disaster response, and urban traffic management
challenges. UAVs improve situational awareness and decision-making by providing varied and efficient aerial
monitoring. Each drone type has perks and limitations that make it suited for various jobs. These drones are fixed-
wing, single-rotor, hybrid, and multi-rotor. Diversity enhances drones' adaptability. These technologies will make
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) more efficient and cost-effective surveillance systems. UAV intelligence and
autonomy should be the focus of future study. AI and ML can improve UAV operations and prediction, thus they
benefit from these breakthroughs. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in surveillance systems have a bright future
if the public and commercial sectors achieve their rising efficiency and safety standards. This will create smarter,
more resilient communities.

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