Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Use by Nongovernmental Organizations for Post-Disaster Needs Assessments

Abstract

Increasing use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the commercial sector is forecasted to have significant economic impact. However, the economic impact of UAS in the humanitarian sector is largely unknown. One UAS application with economic promise in the humanitarian field is providing aerial data for post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA). The author applied financial cost-effectiveness analysis to examine the economic competitiveness of using small UAS for PDNA by humanitarian non­ governmental organizations (NGO). Results showed that UAS have economic advantages in small-scale PDNA conducted by NGOs.