In response to the rapidly evolving technology and applications UAS technology, this book discusses both UAV and similar systems' platforms and environmental applications. The platforms and sensors provide the setting while the applications chapters are focused on the environment from monitoring to mapping. The book also addresses the constraints placed on the use of the technology in some circumstances e.g. safety, invasion of privacy etc. The book provides a comprehensive overview on a rapidly developing area of technology.

David R. Green is the Director of the Aberdeen Institute for Coastal Science and Management (AICSM), Director of the M.Sc. Degree Programme in Geographical Information Systems, and Director of the UAV Centre for Environmental Monitoring and Mapping (UCEMM) (www.abdn.ac.uk/research/ucemm) at the Department of Geography and Environment, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom. He is past Chairman of the Association for Geographic Information (AGI); past Editor in Chief of The Cartographic Journal; past-President of the EUCC-The Coastal and Marine Union; past-Vice-Chair of the European Centre for Nature Conservation Scientific Committee (ECNC); Currently a Director and Chair of EGCP Ltd., and Chair of the CoastGIS 2018 Conference. He is a specialist in the environmental applications of geospatial technologies with interests in geographical information systems, remote sensing (terrestrial and bathymetric), cartography/digital mapping, Internet and mobile GIS, coastal and marine resource management, hydrography, marine spatial planning (MSP), and UAV technology. He has published a number of books on Coastal Zone Management and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). David is also Editor in Chief of the Journal of Coastal Conservation, Planning and Management (Springer).

Billy J. Gregory is a powerboat instructor, sailing instructor, skier and CAA qualified commercial drone pilot. Having flown fixed-wing radio-controlled model aircraft for many years, he began flying small multi-rotor UAVs. As an associate of UCEMM (UAV Centre for Environmental Monitoring and Mapping) at the Department of Geography and Environment, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom (www.abdn.ac.uk/research/ucemm) he has been involved with a number of UAV-based research projects and helps to train both MSc and PhD students looking to use drones in their projects. In 2018 he set up DroneLite (www.dronelite.co.uk) a small drone company which is based in Forres, Scotland, UK. He continues to combine his interests in watersport activities with flying both multi-rotor and fixed-wing drones for a variety of aerial photographic and video projects, and participating in small drone workshops, training events, and conference organisation.

Alex Karachok was born in Toronto, Ontario. He has many hobbies, the most significant being geology and photography. Alex acquired his first mini-camera in 2011 and his fist drone in 2014. From there, he has developed a passion for photography. In 2018, he was astounded by one his scout leaders flying a Mavic pro. This led him to eventually selling his new game console for a DJI Spark. He now lives with his parents, younger sister and dog in Oakville, Ontario. He owns a DJI Osmo Pocket and edits his own footage from both the drone and the Osmo hoping to become a filmmaker and to use drones in the field of geology. Alex is also an associate of UCEMM (UAV Centre for Environmental Monitoring and Mapping) (www.abdn.ac.uk/research/ucemm) at the Department of Geography and Environment, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom focusing on raising awareness and educating school age pupils in safe, legal and responsible drone flying. He is also an Honorary Pilot for DroneLite.

Introduction. From radio controlled model aircraft to drones. Aquatic vegetation monitoring with UAS. UAV for riverine environments. Low-cost UAVs for environmental monitoring, mapping, and modelling of the coastal zone. UAS applications to coastal environments. UAV image acquisition using structure from motion to visualise a coastal dune system. Monitoring, mapping, and modelling saltmarsh with UAVs. Autonomous UAV-based insect monitoring. UAV imagery to monitor, map, and model a vineyard canopy. Forest ecosystem monitoring using UAS. Monitoring oil and gas pipelines with small UAV systems. Drone-based imaging in archaeology. UAS applications in the built environment. The application of UAVs to inform coastal area management. From land to sea. A question of UAS ground control. Launch and recovery system for improved fixed-wing UAV deployment. Epilogue.