Drone mapping in inner areas: Strengths and limitations

Abstract

Precise and comprehensive metric documentation of inner areas presents unique challenges due to their inherent characteristics and variability. While achieving a complete digital record demands the use of various instruments and tools, not limited solely to on-site data collection but also encompassing the integration of existing cartographic resources, a relatively "new" mapping tool has proven to be especially valuable in projects that lie between cartographic mapping and single building documentation: drones. This manuscript discusses both the operational and regulatory aspects of employing drones to capture images and process them with photogrammetric techniques to create digital records for inner areas, with a particular focus on a research project on some inner areas of Southern Calabria. In addition to addressing technical limitations and challenges, the pilot, who is also considered a photogrammetry expert in this paper, must also understand the project's requirements by establishing a dialogue with other specialists who will utilize the photogrammetric outputs. Compared to more traditional and standardized cartographic mapping initiatives covering large areas or restoration and preservation projects focused on individual buildings, the documentation of inner areas using drones occupies an intermediate stage that still lacks a well-defined workflow.