ASSESMENT OF UAV AND GNSS IN ROUTE SURVEY TOWARDS VERTICAL ALIGNMENT DESIGN FROM OLORUNDA JUNCTION THROUGH BALOGUN VILLAGE TO OLORUNDA VILLAGE, OYO, OYO STATE

This project titled “Assessment of the Suitability of UAV and GNSS in Route Surveying (From Olorunda junction through Balogun village to Olorunda Village)” focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies for route surveying. Route surveys are essential in engineering and transportation planning, as they provide accurate spatial data required for route alignment and design. However, traditional surveying methods are often timeconsuming, costly, and require intensive manpower, hence the need for more efficient alternatives. The problem addressed in this study is the delay, limited data coverage, and high operational cost associated with conventional ground-based route surveying. The main aim is to assess the suitability and efficiency of UAV and GNSS techniques for route survey applications. The specific objectives include acquiring spatial data using UAV and GNSS, processing the datasets, and comparing their performance in terms of accuracy, time, cost, and data density. The methodology involved reconnaissance of the 5.4 km study route, acquisition of aerial imagery using UAV at an altitude of 60 meters with 60% side overlap and 80% forward overlap, and collection of ground control points using GNSS referenced to Minna Datum, UTM Zone 31 North. The data were processed, analyzed, and compared to determine the most effective method. The findings revealed that UAV-based data acquisition was faster, more cost-effective, and provided higher data density, while GNSS produced superior coordinate accuracy suitable for control establishment. The integration of both UAV and GNSS proved to be efficient, reliable, and suitable for modern route surveying, combining speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness in mapping and route design.