What are the practical applications of drones in transportation planning?

Drones are not just toys or gadgets for hobbyists. They are also powerful tools for transportation planning, especially in urban areas where mobility, safety, and sustainability are key challenges. In this article, you will learn about some of the practical applications of drones in transportation planning, and how they can help planners collect data, monitor traffic, evaluate alternatives, and engage stakeholders.

1 Data collection

One of the main benefits of drones is their ability to collect data in a fast, accurate, and cost-effective way. Drones can capture high-resolution images, videos, and maps of transportation networks, infrastructure, and land use, as well as environmental and social indicators. This data can help planners analyze current conditions, identify issues, and measure performance. For example, drones can help planners assess road safety, pavement quality, congestion levels, parking demand, and accessibility. Drones can also collect data in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, such as tunnels, bridges, or disaster zones.

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Steve Trumm

Founder, company owner & SME
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They are a surveillance and policing tool. I have zero doubt that governments will continue on the path to digital surveillance of the population and will happily add drones to their arsenal. The data we gather by professional and hobbyist use will also provide a wealth of data ideal for and of great interest to military, police, government, local authorities and big business…I feel that these interests are a considerable threat to civil liberties. That said, the use of drones has of course many benefits…it’s the abuse of their use and data I fear.

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2 Traffic monitoring

Another practical application of drones is traffic monitoring. Drones can provide real-time information on traffic flow, speed, volume, and incidents, as well as vehicle types, occupancy, and emissions. This information can help planners optimize traffic management, improve signal timing, reduce delays, and enhance safety. For example, drones can help planners detect and respond to crashes, roadworks, or special events, as well as monitor and enforce traffic rules. Drones can also complement or replace traditional traffic sensors, such as cameras, loops, or radars, which can be expensive, unreliable, or intrusive.

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3 Alternative evaluation

A third practical application of drones is alternative evaluation. Drones can help planners compare and test different transportation scenarios, such as new routes, modes, or policies, and evaluate their impacts on mobility, safety, and sustainability. Drones can simulate and visualize the effects of these alternatives on traffic flow, travel time, accessibility, emissions, and noise. For example, drones can help planners estimate the demand and feasibility of new transit lines, bike lanes, or carpool lanes, as well as the potential benefits and costs of congestion pricing, parking fees, or tolls.

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Steve Trumm

Founder, company owner & SME
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Fixed cameras are far more suitable for this role, but I’m sure some enthusiastic Chief Constable or council leader somewhere will find a drone based income stream they can leverage.

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4 Stakeholder engagement

A fourth practical application of drones is stakeholder engagement. Drones can help planners communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders, such as public agencies, private sector, community groups, and citizens, and involve them in the planning process. Drones can provide interactive and immersive experiences, such as virtual tours, 3D models, or augmented reality, that can help stakeholders understand the existing and proposed transportation systems, and provide feedback and input. For example, drones can help planners showcase the vision and goals of a transportation plan, solicit opinions and preferences, and address concerns and questions.

Drones are not only useful for transportation planning, but also for transportation delivery. Drones can also transport goods and people, such as medical supplies, food, or emergency services, in a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly way. However, drones also pose some challenges and risks, such as privacy, security, safety, regulation, and ethics, that need to be addressed and balanced with their benefits. Therefore, drones require careful and responsible planning, design, and operation, to ensure that they serve the public interest and enhance the quality of life.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the practical applications of drones in transportation planning?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Data collection

2 Traffic monitoring

3 Alternative evaluation

4 Stakeholder engagement

5 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

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What are the practical applications of drones in transportation planning?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Data collection

2 Traffic monitoring

3 Alternative evaluation

4 Stakeholder engagement

5 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

Rate this article

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