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. 2024 Feb 8;10:e1776. doi: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1776

Table 7. An overview and summary of UAV applications for smart cities and their possible benefits.

UAV application UAV function Possible benefits
Advertisement Used in advertising to capture aerial footage and photos for commercials product. UAVs can reach places that are difficult to access.
UAV-based tourism Involve more people in digital tourism. UAVs can reach remote and hard-to-access locations.
Security and monitoring Assure public safety and security. UAVs can monitor large areas, such as borders, coastal regions, and industrial sites.
UAV-based cinematography UAVs can fly in tight spaces. Enhance the visual impact of a film.
UAV-based product delivery UAVs can deliver products quickly. Reduce delivery times and improve customer satisfaction.
Traffic control Provide a unique viewpoint on traffic monitoring. Assist in the optimization of road traffic systems.
Cargo services Deliver a wide range of cargo. It can help to improve supply chain operations by providing real-time tracking.
Fire fighting Improve firefighting response and conduct rescue operations. Drones can visit areas that are tough to get to and carry out data collection tasks that are hard for people to do.
UAV-based taxi Provide faster transportation. Improving accessibility.
Fog computing Optimize energy usage in smart cities. Provides real-time monitoring of energy consumption.
Disaster management Deliver emergency supplies. Play a vital role in surveying the affected areas and assessing the damage caused by a disaster.
Infrastructure inspection Inspect and assess the condition of infrastructure. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can access hard-to-reach areas and provide real-time data and images.
Search and rescue Conducting rescue operations. More efficient than traditional manned-held operations.
Power line monitoring Play an essential role in power line monitoring in smart cities. Inspections can be performed without putting human inspectors at risk, especially in hazardous environments.