Practicality of an Unmanned Aerial System in Golf Course Management.

Since the early 1970s images of the earth’s surface have been studied and compiled as a means of natural resource inventory and risk assessment.  In the mid-1990’s, advances in remote sensing technology and global positioning systems spurred a renewed interest in using imagery to better manage our natural resources via site specific management.  Currently, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) develops practical regulations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), remote sensing and site specific management practices will be more accessible than ever. UAS/UAVs show significant promise as a means to provide imagery at higher spatial and temporal resolution.  Our goal is to provide an overview of the utility of various UAS/UAVsfor precision golf course management.