A study of how unmanned aircraft systems can support the Kansas Department of Transportation's efforts to improve efficiency, safety, and cost reduction : final report.

Final reportPDFTech ReportK-TRAN: KSU-15-3C2058BenefitsCostsDrone aircraftLiterature reviewsRecommendationsState departments of transportationSurveysUnited StatesKansas. Dept. of Transportation. Bureau of ResearchMcGuire, MelissaRys, Malgorzata J.Rys, AndrewKansas State University. Transportation CenterKansas State University. Dept. of Electrical and Computer EngineeringKansas. Dept. of TransportationUS Transportation CollectionRegulations for using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are not yet standardized by the Federal AviationAdministration (FAA). This creates tedious obstacles for those who wish to utilize the technology. The goal of thisresearch is to provide a justified recommendation to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) on whether ornot it is beneficial to implement UAS into routine operations, as well as advice on specific UAS equipment that bestfits the needs of KDOT. This report includes a literature review which lists the commercial companies currently usingUASs after gaining a Certificate of Authorization (COA) exemption and research done by other DOTs. Potentialapplications of and concerns about UAS usage are also included in the literature review. Please note that in theliterature review, the term UAS and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are used interchangeably since the terms varywithin each source. A survey was created and sent to all state Department of Transportation offices. A SWOT(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats/Challenges) Analysis was carried out looking at different areas ofinterest for KDOT.Based on the literature review, survey responses, and SWOT analysis, the use of a UAS for KDOT\u2019soperations will improve safety, efficiency, and possibly reduce costs. Out of the nine areas considered forimplementing UAS, seven could realize benefits in safety, efficiency, and a possible cost savings. The recommendedUAS applications are in bridge inspection, radio tower inspection, surveying, road mapping, high-mast light towerinspection, stockpile measurement, and aerial photography. While UAS cannot replace many of the current activitiesthat KDOT performs, it could greatly enhance them both from a safety and technical point of view