Greater opportunity for scientific research using unmanned aircraft

Unmanned aircraft are creating new opportunities for scientific research. A fixed wing airplane, for example, can be used to compile detailed 3D models of a specific area for research into erosion, or to map larger areas. An octocopter can help with research into precision farming, vegetation or forests, for example, and can be used to survey specific marine areas, such as coral reefs. Aerial research using these aircraft has huge advantages (in terms of time and cost) over research carried out from the ground or via satellites.