Validation of surveillance applications and low-cost drone for mapping and exploitation of forest areas in urban environment

Τhe municipalities of big cities utilize public green areas within the urban fabric, in order to create a small-scale natural environment for the community. The methods and the instruments for surveying and implementing topographic projects differ in quality, accuracy, time and cost. The purpose of the present research is to compare three different surveying methods according to these factors, and to test the adequacy of the results for highlighting best available techniques in forest urban areas. The results of measurements derived from a total station and unmanned aircraft were compared. Measurement errors were combined with the time required to complete the survey and the cost of each instrument and associated software for data processing. Based on the results, the time and cost of each application has shown that low-cost methods give sufficient results that can be used for the design and implementation of forest urbanization studies. The prospects for utilizing these methods of measuring and surveying urban forested areas are multiple and constantly improving with the development of technology.