Human-robot interaction observations from a proto-study using SUAVs for structural inspection

Small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs) have been used for post-disaster structural inspection in the aftermaths of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Berkman Plaza II parking garage collapse [Pratt et al. 2008; Murphy 2006; Murphy et al. 2008]. Video and photos captured from SUAVs provided responders with unique vantage points; unfortunately, interpretation and use of the imagery proved difficult for experts both on- and off-site [Pratt et al. 2008]. This was mostly attributed to spatial data confusion and excess, as inconsistent labeling conventions appeared in post-Katrina missions.