Location optimization of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone port for coastal zone management: The case of Guangdong coastal zone in China

Abstract

Coastal zones host diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources but have become increasingly vulnerable in recent decades due to human activities and climate change. Effective management of coastal risks and sustainable development requires a continuous and efficient unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) network to monitor coastal resources, natural hazards, and pollution events. Drone ports, as operational hubs for UAVs, provide essential support for autonomous monitoring, power management, and data synchronization. Optimizing the location of drone ports can significantly enhance monitoring efficiency, particularly in long, narrow coastal areas. This study proposes a technical framework for determining the optimal placement of drone ports within a coastal UAV monitoring network, tailored to the monitoring demands of coastal zone management (CZM). Using the Guangdong Province coastal area in China as a case study, we developed an optimization model for drone port locations. The study also emphasizes the need for technological adaptation to meet the specific demands of CZM applications, adhere to local UAV regulations, and navigate complex coastal environments. The innovations of this study lie in the development of a universal UAV network capable of supporting various CZM applications. The UAV network provides high-resolution data with high frequency and rapid response, and it can be seamlessly integrated with other monitoring technologies. These advantages enhance the ability to acquire fine-scale data, improving the effectiveness of coastal resource management and better informing adaptive strategies for local CZM sectors.