Evaluating Large-Scale UAS Technologies and Current Implementation Practices for State DOT Infrastructure Operations

The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) in transportation operations has expanded rapidly over the past decade. State departments of transportation (DOTs) now routinely deploy small UASs for asset inspection, mapping, and incident management. However, most operations remain limited to small-scale, pilot-controlled flights under visual line-of-sight (VLOS) conditions. The next major advancement involves the integration of large-scale (group 3+) UASs capable of extended range, higher payloads, and broader data collection, transforming how agencies monitor and maintain transportation infrastructure. Larger UASs equipped with advanced sensors, automated navigation, and real-time data analytics offer significant potential benefits for DOTs. These systems could enable persistent infrastructure monitoring, automated right-of-way surveys, and rapid disaster response across large geographic areas. When deployed strategically, fleets of UASs could conduct scheduled bridge inspections, detect pavement distress, or assess storm damage in near-real time. While the private sector and federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are advancing research in large-scale UAS technologies, few studies have assessed how these capabilities align with state DOT operational needs and regulatory environments. Key challenges remain in areas such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) authorization, cybersecurity, airspace integration, data management, and interoperability with existing DOT information technology systems. The objective of this research is to evaluate large-scale (group 3+) UAS technologies and assess how these systems can be effectively integrated into state DOT support operations. The research will identify current and emerging UAS platforms suitable for infrastructure inspection, traffic monitoring, emergency response, and environmental assessment. This research will review existing implementations by U.S. state DOTs, universities, and other public agencies, identifying best practices, operational benefits, budgeting, funding acquisition, challenges, and gaps in policy, technology, and workforce capability. Key outcomes will include operational frameworks for safe deployment and actionable recommendations for regulatory alignment, interagency coordination, and technology adoption strategies.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6030

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $500,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  03-158

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Mohan, Sid

• Start Date: 20261001
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asset management; Implementation; Infrastructure; State departments of transportation; Unmanned aircraft systems
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Maintenance and Preservation; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01991790
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: 03-158
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 3 2026 11:09AM