Date of Award:

8-2024

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Scott E. Budge

Committee

Scott E. Budge

Committee

Jacob Gunther

Committee

Don Cripps

Abstract

In recent years, the use of small drones, also categorized as small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAV), has surged. They are used for tasks like surveying land, collecting data from a distance, and performing maneuvers for military operations. These drones are popular because they are affordable, small, easy to use, and can navigate well in complex areas. These factors make them a cheap and quick option for tasks like surveying and surveillance when compared to traditional methods.

This thesis introduces a system that uses algorithms to figure out where the drone is. Typically, this relies on sensors and GPS, but GPS can sometimes be unreliable for certain uses. To address this, the system uses complex algorithms by using motion sensors along with a camera and a specialized mapping sensor. By combining these technologies, the system can estimate the drone’s location. Compared to relying solely on GPS, this system provides a reliable estimate close to GPS.

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