The geospatial industry is revolutionizing infrastructure-related endeavors by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). From topographic map development for urban planning to orthomosaic map composites, UAVs enable contractors and developers to accelerate data collection and processing through all phases of the construction life cycle. UAV technology has reached a point where operators can follow standardized collection practices to gather consistent and reliable information.

UAV data can vary in accuracy and precision in accordance with the demands of a given application. This paper will emphasize the need for understanding project requirements to assess the appropriate type of UAV data collection. This paper also addresses trends in aerial data mapping, industries that UAVs are impacting, and the regulatory framework for working with UAVs and UAV data.