In technical fields like surveying, geospatial data, and reality capture, using the right words matters. Clear language helps teams work better together, builds client trust, and keeps projects running smoothly. One common example of confusing terminology: drone vs. UAV vs. UAS. What’s the difference?
The term “drone” is widely known by the public. Most people picture an unmanned aircraft, either flown remotely or flying autonomously. While it’s usually associated with aircraft, “drone” is also used for land and water-based vehicles. Water-based drones can be called Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), or Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROUVs)—an etymological web we’ll have to untangle another time. Land-based drones are typically called Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)—think of NASA’s Mars Rover. As you can see, “drone” is a broad, general term, with the main defining feature being that it’s unmanned.
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a more technical term. As the name suggests, it refers specifically to an unmanned, aerial vehicle-the aircraft itself, without including any supporting equipment.
UAS (Unmanned Aerial System), on the other hand, includes the UAV plus everything needed to operate it: the ground control station, communication systems, software, payloads like lidar scanners or cameras, etc.
In the geospatial industry, understanding the difference between drone vs. UAV vs. UAS is important. Regulations often refer to UAS because the rules apply to the full system, not just the drone. Contracts and purchasing documents also specify UAS when they mean both the aircraft and the associated operational components.
And while you’re sorting out your geospatial terminology, be sure to check out our post on the difference between lidar and laser scanning.
