Drone-Assisted Inspection of Bridges and Heritage Structures

This book offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary analysis of the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones, in the inspection of bridges and heritage structures. It integrates structural engineering, heritage conservation, and occupational risk prevention, presenting both theoretical foundations and practical applications. The work explores the evolution of inspection methods, the advantages and limitations of drone technologies, and their legal, ethical, and environmental implications. It provides detailed guidance on flight planning, sensor selection, and data acquisition, and examines the integration of drone-generated data into BIM models and digital twins. Featuring more than sixty technical illustrations and multiple case studies—including historic and submerged structures—the book demonstrates how RPAS enhance diagnostic precision, reduce risk, and support sustainable, non-invasive conservation strategies.