Which technology is commonly used for aerial remote sensing?

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are widely utilized for aerial remote sensing due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to gather high-resolution data at varying altitudes. These flying devices can be equipped with various sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors to collect detailed information about the Earth's surface. They are particularly advantageous for applications that involve capturing data over specific areas that may be difficult to access or require high precision, such as agricultural monitoring, environmental assessments, and urban planning.

In contrast, satellites are often used for broader, large-scale observations and are capable of covering vast regions but may not provide the same level of detail at smaller scales as drones can. Ground-based sensors, while useful for local and detailed measurements, lack the aerial perspective needed for certain types of remote sensing analysis. Hot air balloons can be used for some remote sensing tasks, but they are less common and present challenges such as stability and predictability that UAVs have largely overcome. Therefore, drones represent a significant advancement in aerial remote sensing technology, offering an effective solution for a wide range of applications.