Application of Conventional UAVs for the Identification and Classification of Dense Green Spaces

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to show the usefulness of conventional UAVs for the identification, inventory, and classification of trees in the context of dense green spaces. The aim is to demonstrate the potential of low-cost drones (with traditional red, green, blue [RGB] sensors) to identify and classify trees in public parks. A case study is discussed on Turó Parc in Barcelona, in which a 3D model was developed and an exercise to identify and classify the vegetation was carried out using the information provided by a UAV. The example confirms that conventional drones could be useful for studying green urban spaces characterized by a high density of plant species. Non-professional UAVs have a potential that should not be undervalued, as they enable three-dimensional point clouds to be obtained of high spatial density.