Comparison of terrain measurements of unmanned aerial vehicles with different sensor sizes in a forest area (Ilgaz sample)

This study examines the comparison of field measurements using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with different sensor sizes in forestry. Forestry is an important industry that includes a variety of topics such as tree growth, forest fires, and monitoring of forestry activities. UAV devices are increasingly being adopted as an alternative to traditional measurement methods used in forestry. In this study, field measurements of the same area obtained using UAV devices with different sensor sizes were compared. The aim of the study is to compare the capabilities and measurement sensitivities of UAV devices with different sensor sizes to make measurements that may be needed in the forestry sector. Differences in sensor sizes have an impact on the accuracy, resolution, and usability of the obtained data. Therefore, three different experimental approaches were used to determine the effects of different sensor sizes on field measurements. In this study, in the comparison of Digital Terrain Model (DTM) data sets obtained from UAV devices, measurement deviations, which are described as statistically different, were determined in the evaluation made by using the paired t-test. In the light of the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that the use of low-cost and more sensitive RTK-capable UAV devices is more appropriate. It is thought that this information will be useful to increase the efficiency of forestry activities and to take advantage of the technological environment for more effective management in forestry.