UAV photogrammetry as a multidisciplinary approach in engineering design and sustainable land management

The aim of the paper is to describe an integrated methodological approach of photogrammetric survey from UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) that can be used in the field of engineering planning and design. In particular, a process is described in which the outputs from photogrammetric processing are implemented in different analysis or 3D modelling platforms to support all design activities in the field of engineering and in particular in the field of civil and environmental design. This approach was applied to an area of considerable landscape-environmental interest characterised by the presence of an estuary and a masonry bridge. The outputs of the photogrammetric processing have therefore constituted a valid support at cartographic level and for the production of two-dimensional CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawings, as well as in the design of a cycle path, in the assessment of hydraulic risk or in the BIM (Building Information Modeling) design of the road infrastructure. The adopted methodology made it possible to obtain a high-performance and geometrically accurate dataset, characterised by high resolution, quickly and with low investment costs. In addition, by using UAV platforms, it was possible to reach inaccessible areas, limiting the risk of the operators specialised in surveying and optimising the time of operations, while still guaranteeing a complete product without loss of information necessary for BIM, GIS (Geographical Information System) and CAD procedures.