드론 기술의 발전과 환경 모니터링, 건설, 농업 등 다양한 산업 분야에서의 활용이 항공 촬영 시장을 주도하고 있으며, Verified Market Research의 애널리스트에 따르면 항공 촬영 시장은 2024년 약 29억 1,000만 달러의 가치로 2032년까지 72억 9,000만 달러에 달할 것으로 예상됩니다.
LiDAR 및 지리정보시스템과 같은 첨단 기술의 통합은 시장의 잠재력을 높이고 있으며, 항공 이미지는 다양한 산업에서 효과적인 의사결정과 자원 관리를 위한 필수적인 도구가 되고 있습니다. 이에 따라 시장은 2026년부터 2032년까지 13.4%의 연평균 성장률을 보일 것으로 예상됩니다.
항공 촬영 시장 정의/개요
항공 촬영은 드론, 항공기, 인공위성 등을 이용하여 높은 위치에서 영상과 영상을 촬영하는 기술입니다. 이 기술을 통해 광활한 지역에서 고해상도의 사진과 데이터를 촬영할 수 있기 때문에 각 분야에서 폭넓게 활용되고 있습니다. 농업에서는 작물 모니터링 및 건강 상태 평가, 건축에서는 현장 조사 및 진행 상황 파악, 환경 모니터링에서는 토지 이용 현황 및 천연자원 평가, 재난 관리에서는 피해 상황 파악 및 복구 계획 수립에 도움이 됩니다. 또한, 항공 이미지는 도시 계획, 부동산 마케팅, 인프라 검사에 도움을 주며, 데이터 기반 의사결정을 위한 만능 도구로 활용되고 있습니다.
정밀농업과 작물 모니터링을 위한 드론의 채택은 항공 촬영 시장을 주도하고 있습니다. 미국 농무부(USDA)의 2021년 농장 컴퓨터 사용 및 소유 보고서에 따르면, 2021년에는 25%의 농장이 농업용으로 드론을 도입할 것으로 예상되며, 이는 2018년의 2%에서 증가한 수치입니다. 이러한 큰 성장은 드론 기술이 농업에 빠르게 받아들여지고 있으며, 이는 항공 촬영 솔루션에 대한 수요를 촉진하고 있습니다.
급속한 도시화와 효율적인 도시계획의 필요성이 항공 촬영의 필요성을 높이고 있습니다. 유엔 경제사회국에 따르면 2018년 55%에서 2050년까지 세계 인구의 68%가 도시에 거주할 것으로 예상됩니다. 이러한 도시화 추세는 도시 환경의 정확한 매핑과 모니터링에 대한 수요를 촉진하고 있으며, 이는 항공 촬영 시장을 견인하고 있습니다.
또한, 항공 이미지는 재난 관리 및 비상 대응 업무에 필수적입니다. 미국 지질조사국(USGS)에 따르면, 2006년부터 무인항공기 시스템(UAS)은 250회 이상의 비상 대응 비행에 활용되었으며, 2018년 USGS는 화산 폭발, 폭풍, 산불 등 재난 대응 활동에 UAS를 100회 이상 사용했습니다. 재난 관리에서 항공 촬영에 대한 의존도가 높아지면서 시장 확대의 주요 요인으로 작용하고 있습니다.
많은 잠재 고객들은 드론, 카메라, 소프트웨어를 포함한 항공 촬영 기술에 필요한 초기 투자를 할 여력이 없습니다. 또한, 일부 지역에서는 인프라가 제한되어 있어 항공 촬영 서비스 전개가 제한되어 있으며, 이러한 시장에서 사업자가 존재감을 드러내기가 어렵습니다. 이러한 비용 측면의 고려가 접근성을 제한하고 시장 전체의 성장을 저해하고 있습니다.
또한, 드론 기술에는 고유한 결함이 있기 때문에 프라이버시 및 보안에 대한 심각한 우려가 있습니다. 사용자들은 잠재적인 데이터 유출과 원치 않는 스파이 행위에 대한 우려가 커지고 있으며, 이는 항공 촬영 서비스에 대한 불신을 확산시키고 있습니다. 이러한 불신은 기업들이 항공 촬영 시스템을 도입하려는 의욕을 떨어뜨려 시장 성장을 저해하고 있습니다.
The development of drone technology and its uses in a number of industries, including environmental monitoring, construction, and agriculture, are driving the aerial imaging market. According to the analyst from Verified Market Research, the aerial imaging market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 7.29 Billion by 2032, over the forecast subjugating around USD 2.91 Billion valued in 2024.
The integration of advanced technologies such as LiDAR and geographic information systems is increasing the market's potential, making aerial imaging an indispensable tool for effective decision-making and resource management in a variety of industries. It enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% from 2026 to 2032.
Aerial Imaging Market: Definition/ Overview
Aerial imaging is the technique of taking images or movies from an elevated position, usually with drones, aircraft, or satellites. This technology allows for the capture of high-resolution photos and data over huge areas, making it useful for a wide range of applications across sectors. Agriculture, for crop monitoring and health evaluation; building, for site surveying and progress tracking; environmental monitoring, to assess land usage and natural resources; and disaster management, which aids in damage assessment and recovery planning. Furthermore, aerial imaging aids in urban planning, real estate marketing, and infrastructure inspection making it a versatile tool for data-driven decision-making.
The adoption of drones for precision agriculture and crop monitoring is propelling the aerial imaging market. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report for 2021, 25% of farms employed drones for agricultural purposes in 2021, up from 2% in 2018. This huge growth illustrates the fast acceptance of drone technology in agriculture, which is driving demand for aerial imaging solutions.
Rapid urbanization and the necessity for efficient urban planning are driving up the need for aerial imaging. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 68% of the global population is expected to reside in cities by 2050, up from 55% in 2018. This urbanization trend is driving the demand for accurate mapping and monitoring of urban environments, which is helping to drive the aerial imaging market.
Furthermore, aerial imaging is critical in disaster management and emergency response operations. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have been utilized in more than 250 emergency response flights since 2006. In 2018, the USGS used UAS more than 100 times for disaster response activities such as volcanic eruptions, storms, and wildfires. The growing reliance on aerial imaging for disaster management is a key driver of market expansion.
Many potential customers are unable to afford the initial investment required for aerial imaging technology, which includes drones, cameras, and software. Also, limited infrastructure in some places limits the deployment of aerial imaging services, making it difficult for businesses to establish a presence in those markets. These cost considerations restrict access and inhibit overall market growth.
Furthermore, the inherent flaws in drone technology present serious privacy and security concerns. Users are increasingly concerned about potential data breaches and unwanted spying, which has led to widespread distrust in aerial imaging services. This distrust discourages enterprises from adopting aerial imaging systems, impeding market growth.
According to VMR Analysis, the UAV/Drone segment is estimated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The government and defense industries' increased reliance on aerial imaging for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering has a substantial impact on the UAV segment. Drones are a feasible alternative for obtaining high-resolution photos in urban situations, increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness in a variety of governmental applications.
Drones provide a less expensive alternative to traditional aerial photography platforms such as fixed-wing planes and helicopters. Their lower running costs, ease of deployment, and ability to reach difficult-to-reach places make them an appealing option for businesses and organizations, encouraging wider adoption across a variety of industries.
Furthermore, Continuous advancements in drone technology, such as improved imaging sensors, longer battery life, and advanced data analytics capabilities, are propelling the UAV segment. These developments allow drones to record high-quality photographs with increased precision and efficiency, broadening their uses in industries including agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring.
The government segment is estimated to dominate the aerial imaging market during the forecast period. Governments around the world are increasingly using aerial imaging for surveillance, reconnaissance, and disaster management. The requirement for improved situational awareness and effective emergency response methods has resulted in increasing investments in aerial imaging technologies, making this sector a key driver of market growth.
Substantial government budgets for infrastructure projects demand accurate mapping and monitoring skills. Aerial imaging provides important data for urban planning, construction oversight, and resource management, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and within budget, strengthening the government's reliance on these services.
Furthermore, governments are using aerial imaging to monitor the environment and address climate change, land use planning, and resource management. This technology facilitates in the collection of critical data on natural resources and ecosystems, allowing for informed decision-making and compliance with environmental rules, thus solidifying the government's dominant position in the aerial imaging market.
According to VMR analyst, the North American region is estimated to dominate the aerial imaging market during the forecast period. The United States, being a prominent actor in North America, has a substantial defense budget, which includes advances in aerial imaging technology. According to the US Department of Defense's fiscal year 2022 budget request, USD 874 Million was set aside for unmanned aircraft systems, which frequently include enhanced aerial imaging capabilities. This large investment emphasizes the relevance of aerial imaging in military applications while also driving regional market growth.
Furthermore, North American farmers are increasingly adopting aerial imaging for precision agriculture. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Economic Research Service, precision agriculture technology such as aerial imaging is employed on approximately 70% of corn and soybean acres in the United States. Also, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), 92% of farmers who use drones claim increased farm efficiency. This widespread usage in agriculture is a significant driver of the aerial imaging market in North America.
The Asia Pacific region is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing unprecedented urban growth, which is increasing the demand for aerial imaging in urban planning and infrastructure construction. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the region's urban population is projected to increase from 2.3 billion in 2019 to 3.5 billion by 2050. This represents a rise in urbanization from 50% to 66%. Rapid urbanization needs sophisticated mapping and monitoring technologies, which are driving the regional aerial imaging market.
Furthermore, the agricultural sector in Asia Pacific is progressively adopting aerial imaging technologies for precision farming. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the use of drones in agriculture has increased significantly in nations such as Japan. As of 2022, drones were used to spray nearly 40% of Japan's rice paddies, up from 5% in 2016. This quick adoption trend reflects the increasing demand for aerial imaging solutions in the region's agricultural industry.
The competitive landscape of the aerial imaging market is characterized by a dynamic interplay of technological breakthroughs and diversified applications across many sectors. As the industry grows, businesses are concentrating more on differentiating their offers through improved image quality, creative imaging techniques, and bespoke solutions for specific industries including agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring.
Some of the prominent players operating in the aerial imaging market include:
Terra Flight Aerial Imaging, Inc.
Fugro Ltd
Nearmap Ltd.
Eagle View Technologies, Inc.
Digital Aerial Solutions LLC
Aerial Imaging Productions LLC
Cooper Aerial Surveys Co.
Landiscor Real Estate Mapping
Kucera International, Inc.
GeoVantage, Inc.
Global UAV Technologies Ltd.
Eagle Aerial Solutions
Aerobotics Ltd.
Airobotics GmbH
SkyIMD, Inc.
In January 2022, Iris Automation, Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI), and Drone America collaborated to explore the potential and opportunities for long-range autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using Doosan's hydrogen fuel cell technology.
In December 2021, the US Navy and Boeing began testing the MQ-25 T1 test asset, an unmanned aerial refueler. The successful testing phase marks a significant step toward the potential integration of unmanned vehicles for refueling operations in military contexts.
In July 2021, SenseFly introduced the eBee TAC, an advanced fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for covert tactical mapping missions in security and governmental sectors. The eBee TAC equips field personnel with reliable, accurate location data and maps, enhancing situational awareness and enabling precise decision-making in dynamic environments.