The goal of this project is to utilize multiple unmanned aerial vehicles to
autonomously generate an image map of the Bradley University Alumni Quad. The proposal shows that
by switching to an autonomous, multiple-UAV system, the replacement of processes already benefiting
from the use of UAVs will result in increased safety and efficiency. Current processes may put people in
danger in the military; may use slower data acquisition methods and gain less information with existing
drones; or, may be cost-prohibitive by using more expensive aircraft. By using a combination of a single
higher - cost drone - equipped with GPS guidance for navigation and image processing techniques for
obstacle avoidance - with lower-cost drones set to follow the leader and maintain a flocking formation
amongst each other, this project can cheaply accomplish such aerial tasks as surveying a specified
region of land, among other potential areas of development. Furthermore, current research indicates that
the coordination of multiple slave drones with the implementation of a flocking algorithm is possible.
Impacts of this project include increased data on the health of crops, increased safety for first responders,
military, and police, and quicker problem solving for fire fighters and first responders.