Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) for Resource Inventory Mapping of the University of Uyo Campuses, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for resource inventory and mapping across the University of Uyo’s three campuses in Nigeria. Using Sensefly eBee X and DJI Mavic 2 Pro drones, 1,962 georeferenced images were captured over 1,093.354 hectares. Data processing via Pix4Dmapper generated high-resolution orthomosaics (6.74–7.28 cm/pixel), Digital Surface Models (DSMs), Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), and 3D point clouds. These outputs were integrated into a GIS environment to digitize facilities, utilities, and green spaces, resulting in detailed thematic and guide maps at scales of 1:7000 and 1:7500. Ground truthing validated the spatial models, ensuring a reliable inventory of academic, administrative, and recreational infrastructure. The findings establish a comprehensive geodatabase that enhances campus management, maintenance, and future development planning. Compared to traditional surveying, the UAV-GIS approach proved more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective, providing a scalable solution for institutional resource mapping. The study recommends institutionalizing routine UAV surveys, integrating the datasets into university management systems, and training personnel to leverage these technologies for sustainable infrastructural planning.