Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

Aerial photography taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle must be taken from at or below what height above ground level?

1. 300 ft

2. 500 ft

3. 400 ft

4. 600 ft

The correct answer is: 400 ft

Aerial photography taken from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is subject to regulations that limit their operational altitudes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States generally allows recreational and commercial drones to operate at altitudes below 400 feet above ground level (AGL). This limit is established not only for the safety of the airspace but also to minimize the risk of interfering with manned aircraft. Choosing a height of 400 feet aligns with these regulatory standards, ensuring compliance while enabling effective aerial imaging for surveying and mapping purposes. This altitude provides a good balance between capturing detailed imagery and maintaining a safe distance from potential air traffic, which typically operates at higher altitudes. Therefore, when performing aerial photography using UAVs, maintaining an altitude at or below 400 feet is both a regulatory requirement and a best practice for safety.