Using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for remotely sensing physical disorder in neighborhoods

Anthony Grubesic, Danielle Wallace, Alyssa Chamberlain, Jake R. Nelson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Place and local milieu have always been important considerations in the study of human behavior. However, place is typically measured with secondary data in aggregate form, obfuscating crucial, hyper-local information on neighborhood ecological conditions contributing to larger social, criminological, and public health processes. Hyper-local information, which is rarely available via traditional neighborhood audits or secondary data, should include information on neighborhood aesthetics (e.g., architecture, trees, public art), physical disorder (e.g., litter, unkempt lots, building decay), pedestrian safety (e.g., lighting, curb cuts), and related street characteristics. When this information is absent, the ability to connect and interpret the underlying effects of place on social problems is severely compromised. Using two neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona as case studies, we employ a novel strategy to collect hyper-local ecological information on physical disorder using unmanned aerial systems (UAS). We compare the collected data to more widely available sources and methods, including systematic social observation, as well as the use of satellite and street imagery. Finally, we discuss the operational challenges, constraints and data quality issues that emerge from implementing a UAS-based approach.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)148-159
Number of pages12
JournalLandscape and Urban Planning
Volume169
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Drones
  • Physical disorder
  • Remote sensing
  • Spatial analysis
  • Unmanned aerial systems
  • Urban

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nature and Landscape Conservation
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Ecology
  • Urban Studies

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