Managing your drone data through the data life cycle: RDA guidelines for FAIR and responsible UAV Use

The use of Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), also referenced as Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and more generally as drones, is increasingly prevalent across various scientific disciplines, enabling the collection of large volumes of data for diverse research applications. These technologies are revolutionising data collection by offering higher temporal and spatial resolutions and enabling data collection in hazardous and inaccessible areas. However, the volume of data generated and the absence of standardised workflows to document operations and data processing often complicate data sharing and publication. 

As part of the Research Data Alliance (RDA) Small Uncrewed Aircraft and Autonomous Platforms Data Working Group, we have developed guidelines on how best to improve the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability (FAIR, Wilkinson et al. 2016) of these data and processing workflows. The working group compiled use cases showcasing RPAS applications across various research disciplines, documenting best practices and identifying gaps and challenges researchers have while handling their RPAS-derived data. We paid specific attention to legal, privacy and ethical considerations. Drawing on these insights, the group has now developed guidelines and recommendations to improve RPAS data management throughout the research life cycle, from mission planning to data publication and archiving, linking to existing resources and examples from the scientific community.