Methods of flight-path planning for UAV photogrammetry missions with consideration of aircraft dynamic properties

The authors' intention of presenting this paper is to share experience of photogrammetry missions carried by the UAV. Relevant knowledge was gained by participation in the Polish- Norwegian Research project named MONICA (oriented on aerial monitoring of impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystems). The basic aim of the photogrammetry mission is to provide the ortophotomap which consists of a set of merged ortophotos. There are several factors that contribute to achieving successful results from photogrammetry missions, namely parameters of a photogrammetric grid together with an orientation and a quality of the ortophotos. The effectiveness of photogrametry work depends on dynamic properties of the UAV and the accuracy of the flight trajectory over the intended photogrammetric grid. This accuracy is influenced by the elements such as wind and turbulence. Another important problem in question is programming the turns at the ends of the photogrammetric-grid lines by inserting the net of some additional points in those lines. It helps the autopilot to follow a fixed flight path after each turn. In relation to that, the authors present some methods of flight-path planning with either their advantages or disadvantages.