UAS Applications and Use Cases 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which UAS application generates a three-dimensional representation of terrain by measuring the time it takes for laser pulses to return to the sensor?
- Photogrammetry
- LiDAR scanning (Correct answer)
- Multispectral imaging
- SAR imaging
Correct answer: LiDAR scanning
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) emits laser pulses and measures return time to create highly accurate 3D point clouds of terrain and structures.
Question 2: A coastal municipality wants to monitor beach erosion after a storm. Which UAS-generated product best quantifies volumetric sand loss?
- Orthomosaic photograph
- Digital elevation model (DEM) (Correct answer)
- NDVI map
- Thermal image
Correct answer: Digital elevation model (DEM)
A digital elevation model captures terrain elevation data, allowing surveyors to compare pre- and post-storm DEMs to calculate exact volumetric changes.
Question 3: When UAS are used for bridge inspections, which type of flight path is typically programmed to ensure complete coverage of the structure's underside?
- Crosshatch pattern at constant altitude
- Manual freestyle flight
- Automated waypoint mission following the bridge geometry (Correct answer)
- Circular orbit at fixed radius
Correct answer: Automated waypoint mission following the bridge geometry
Automated waypoint missions are programmed to follow the bridge's specific geometry, ensuring systematic and complete coverage of complex structural surfaces.
Question 4: Which sector uses UAS to perform 'flare stack inspections' as a safer alternative to scaffolding or rope access?
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Oil and gas (Correct answer)
- Telecommunications
Correct answer: Oil and gas
The oil and gas industry uses UAS to inspect flare stacks, which burn off excess hydrocarbons, eliminating the need for workers to access these extremely hazardous structures.
Question 5: A wildfire agency wants to use a drone to drop fire retardant on a hotspot. Under current FAA regulations, this operation primarily requires the drone to carry what?
- A strobe light for visibility
- A payload release mechanism approved for the operation (Correct answer)
- Anti-collision transponder
- Parachute recovery system
Correct answer: A payload release mechanism approved for the operation
Dropping objects from a UAS requires that no hazard is created to persons or property below, and operations typically rely on an approved payload release mechanism.
Question 6: In the context of UAS-based corridor mapping, which industry most commonly uses this technique to survey long, linear features?
- Retail logistics
- Pipeline and utility infrastructure (Correct answer)
- Indoor warehousing
- Maritime shipping
Correct answer: Pipeline and utility infrastructure
Pipeline and utility companies use corridor mapping to efficiently survey long linear assets like pipelines, power lines, and railways for damage or encroachments.
Question 7: A news organization wants to use a UAS to cover a breaking news event. Which restriction most commonly affects news UAS operations in urban areas?
- Prohibition on broadcasting live video
- Controlled airspace requiring authorization near airports (Correct answer)
- Restriction on use of thermal cameras
- Requirement for a film permit from the FAA
Correct answer: Controlled airspace requiring authorization near airports
Breaking news often occurs in urban areas near airports, requiring the operator to obtain airspace authorization via LAANC or waiver before flight.
UAS Applications and Use Cases 3
Which UAS application generates a three-dimensional representation of terrain by measuring the time it takes for laser pulses to return to the sensor?