Introduction to UAS

Topic 1A: UAS Basics

Published

August 17, 2026

Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems

Outline

Overview of UAS technology, system’s classifications
UAS components and operations
UAS applications

Lecture

Lecture Slides: Introduction to UAS

Supplemental materials

Drone Mapping Software - Searchable list of software
RPV, UAV, UAS, RPAS…or just drone? - Editorial by Stuart I, Granshw, 2018 discussing the origin and usage of the language used to describe Drones, UAV, etc (Granshaw 2018)

Systems

Fixed wing and VTOL hybrid

eBee X by AgEagle (successor of the senseFly eBee used in earlier offerings of this course)
WingtraOne GEN II

Rotary wing

DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise / Multispectral
DJI Matrice 4 Series
Skydio X10 (NDAA-compliant, Blue UAS listed)
Freefly Astro (NDAA-compliant, Blue UAS listed)

Assignment

Assignment 1A: UAS systems and applications - select one UAS, research it, and present it to the class. See the assignment page for the full list of required elements, presentation format, and submission instructions.

References

Granshaw, Stuart I. 2018. “RPV, UAV, UAS, RPAS … or Just Drone?” The Photogrammetric Record 33 (162): 160–70. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/phor.12244.