When the Wind Blows: Exposing the Constraints of Drone-Based Environmental Mapping
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60460709%3A41330%2F25%3A106128" target="_blank" >RIV/60460709:41330/25:106128 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ntls.70003" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1002/ntls.70003</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ntls.70003" target="_blank" >10.1002/ntls.70003</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
When the Wind Blows: Exposing the Constraints of Drone-Based Environmental Mapping
Original language description
Drones have become indispensable for high-resolution, on-demand remote sensing, yet their valid operational window is far narrower than often portrayed. Using meteorological data from 31 locations in the Czech Republic since 2016, we demonstrate that weather constraints-including precipitation, wind and temperature extremes-collectively limit feasible flight days to roughly 25% per year. Although an overall 0.8 degrees C rise in average temperature since 2019 has slightly reduced cold-weather issues, it has introduced more frequent heatwaves and increased wind variability, offsetting potential gains. High wind gusts, precipitation and temperature can degrade sensor accuracy and distort imagery even when conditions permit flight. Radiometric data collection-often conducted near solar noon-can be disrupted by clouds, haze or gusts, complicating efforts to obtain consistent, high-quality measurements. Despite these pervasive effects, many drone-based studies lack detailed weather documentation, hindering data reproducibility and comparisons. Weather nowcasting and adaptive mission planning offer ways to mitigate data gaps, but questions remain about ensuring sustained, high-quality coverage in variable climates. By acknowledging and addressing inherent weather constraints, the remote sensing community can more realistically harness drones' potential and refine operational guidelines for long-term environmental monitoring. Highlights: Meteorological constraints are a strong reality check. Climate trends alter but don't solve drone limitations. Future improvements must go beyond hardware enhancements.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
10511 - Environmental sciences (social aspects to be 5.7)
Result continuities
Project
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Continuities
S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
NATURAL SCIENCES
ISSN
2698-6248
e-ISSN
2698-6248
Volume of the periodical
5
Issue of the periodical within the volume
2
Country of publishing house
US - UNITED STATES
Number of pages
4
Pages from-to
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UT code for WoS article
001477824400001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105004185040