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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Early Access

Advancements in UAV technology for forestry applications: A comprehensive review

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8169
Submitted
10 March 2025
Published
08-09-2025
Versions

Abstract

The rapid growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones have significantly revolutionized the methodologies of modern forestry. Traditional methods being dependent on low resolution satellite data and labour-intensive field work are now being substituted by high resolution drone-based data offering real time monitoring and increased operational efficiency. This review examines the extensive role of UAVs in modernising various forestry practices and its associated challenges. Different types of drones namely, fixed-wing, rotary-wing and hybrid models along with advance imaging systems and sensors such as multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal and LiDAR sensors. These technologies have been proven as inevitable source of forest inventory, health monitoring, wildfire detection and suppression, biodiversity assessment and precision forestry. UAVs Provide high resolution 3D Modelling, early disease detection and pest monitoring and improved seed dispersal through precision techniques. Apart from that usage of machine learning and deep learning technologies have enabled the usage of drone swarms enhancing large scale autonomous operation like real time environment monitoring. Despite their extensive advantages UAVs also have some minor disadvantages including regulatory constrains like lack of data processing, sensor limitation and high investment cost. In the Indian context though drone regulations are evolving there are some lacks on policy enforcement and legal framework. The review insists upon the need for unified legal frameworks, improved data-sharing methodologies and open-source software to support the wider adoption of UAVs in forestry. As drone technology continues to advance with blockchain interpretation, energy harvesting and user-friendly systems, its role in sustainable forest management is set to expand. UAVs are emerging as indispensable tools for efficient, responsive and ecologically responsible forestry practices.

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