Advancing Topographic Mapping with UAVs: Technologies, Challenges, and Prospects

Abstract

UAV technology is currently routinely utilized to generate topographic maps. This paper summarizes recent publications on the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for terrain mapping based on the results of research published from 2010 to January 2025. The quantitative synthesis of the literature reveals that photogrammetry remains the most prevalent method, accounting for 64% of the studies, followed by LiDAR at 26%, while other emerging technologies comprise 9.8% of the research landscape. The obtained results showed that the UAV method with photogrammetry, lidar, and GNSS technologies are useful techniques for producing topographical maps. Also included in this study are some of the technology's drawbacks and advantages. Finally, the prospects of development of methods such as RTK/PPK integration for centimeter-level accuracy, AI-driven autonomous flight planning, multi-sensor fusion (combining thermal, multispectral, and LiDAR data), swarm UAVs, the integration of UAVs with IoT, smart sensors were also presented. This study provides a technical reference for advancing knowledge and comprehension of UAV applications in creating the topographic maps.