This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating geographic information system (GIS) tools, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data, and traditional navigation techniques for route modelling and movement across unfamiliar terrain. Navigation in areas with limited visibility, complex terrain, and insufficient landmarks requires reliable spatial information and preliminary analysis of the intended route. The study aims to assess whether preliminary geospatial route modelling combined with UAV-derived information can improve navigation efficiency compared with conventional map-and-compass techniques.
A pilot field experiment was conducted with 17 participants who completed two comparable 3 km routes containing six control points. The conventional approach relied on a topographic map, compass, and terrain landmarks, whereas the integrated approach additionally involved preliminary GIS-based route modelling, electronic maps, and UAV imagery. Navigation effectiveness was assessed using route completion time, deviation from the planned route, number of navigation errors, requests for assistance, correctly reached control points, and independent route completion.
The integrated approach reduced the average route completion time from 62 to 43 minutes and route deviation from 51 to 19 m. Navigation errors decreased from 3.6 to 1.6 per route, while correctly reached control points increased from 77% to 94%. The proportion of participants who completed the route independently increased from 62% to 88%.
The results demonstrate the potential of combining GIS-based route modelling and UAV data with traditional navigation techniques to improve route planning and navigation across unfamiliar terrain.
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