An Application of Aerial Drones in Zoning and Urban Land Use Planning in Canada
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AN APPLICATION OF AERIAL DRONES IN ZONING AND URBAN LAND USE PLANNING IN CANADA A Preliminary Review of Current Policies, Restrictions and Planning Direction for Aerial Drones in Canadian Cities By Nathan Alexander Lindo Jenkins B.Sc.(Env.), University of Guelph, 2013 A Major Research Paper presented to Ryerson University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Planning In Urban Development Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2015 © Nathan Jenkins 2015 Author’s Declaration for Electronic Submission of a MRP I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this MRP. This is a true copy of the MRP, including any required final revisions. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this MRP to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this MRP by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I understand that my MRP may be made electronically available to the public. ii AN APPLICATION OF AERIAL DRONES IN ZONING AND URBAN LAND USE PLANNING IN CANADA A Preliminary Review of Current Policies, Restrictions and Planning Direction for Aerial Drones in Canadian Cities © Nathan Jenkins, 2015 Master of Planning In Urban Development Ryerson University ABSTRACT The rapidly changing technology of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), or drones, has potential uses in many aspects of urban life, including in the planning profession. Compared with current alternatives, UAVs could potentially provide a superior low cost, adaptable and accurate data gathering tool for planners. Presently however, government regulations on the use of UAV’s in Canada, especially in urban areas, are very loosely defined with a general focus on safety rather than fostering innovation towards a more efficient system. Urban planning professionals need well-reasoned, flexible, UAV- specific regulations that will address the complex issues related to the urban use of drones, in order to derive the maximum public benefit from use of this technology in planning. Key Words: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Drone, Aerial Survey, Municipal Zoning Bylaws, Aerial Photography, Remote Sensing, Urban Design, Privacy, Public Safety iii Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1 Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................ 3 1.0 Brief Overview of UAVs ...........................................................................................................3 1.1 A History of UAVs .......................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1.1 Radio Control ......................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1.2 Military Applications .............................................................................................................................. 5 1.1.3 Cellular Phone Influences ...................................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Description of UAVs ...................................................................................................................................... 8 1.3 Classification of UAVs .................................................................................................................................. 10 1.4 Types of Unique and Primary Data Retrievable by UAVs ............................................................................ 13 Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................... 16 2.0 The Players and Concerned Parties in the Use of UAVs ........................................................... 16 2.1 The Government ......................................................................................................................................... 16 2.2 The Courts ................................................................................................................................................... 19 2.4 The Private Sector – Companies, Commodities .......................................................................................... 20 2.5 The Public .................................................................................................................................................... 26 Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................... 28 3.0 Use of UAVs in Urban Planning .............................................................................................. 28 3.1 Practicality ................................................................................................................................................... 28 3.2 Drones for Good Award .............................................................................................................................. 30 3.3 Construction Industry Uses with Potential Planning Implications .............................................................. 33 3.4 Urban Design Tool ....................................................................................................................................... 37 3.5 Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring Tool ................................................................................ 40 3.6 Benchmarking and Review Tool .................................................................................................................. 46 Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................... 48 4.0 The Government’s Role to Streamline Regulations and Guidelines ......................................... 48 Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................... 52 5.0 Drone Urban Management Systems ...................................................................................... 52 5.1 Designated Height Restrictions and Restricted Landing Zones ................................................................... 52 5.2 Designated Travel above Roadways and Public Spaces .............................................................................. 53 5.3 Aerial Zoning Regulations for Drones .......................................................................................................... 56 3.3.1 Where to use? When? ......................................................................................................................... 56 5.3.2 Mega-Regions and Provincial Zoning for a Prosperous Integrated Region ......................................... 58 iv Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................... 61 6.0 How to Use a Drone: Systems and Regulations to Addressing Safety and Privacy .................... 61 6.1 Drone Safety Hazards in an Urban Setting .................................................................................................. 61 6.1.1 Collision Hazards .................................................................................................................................. 61 6.1.2 Environmental Hazards ........................................................................................................................ 63 6.1.3 Transmission and Interference Hazards .............................................................................................. 63 6.1.3(A) Intentional Hazards ..................................................................................................................... 65 6.1.4 Safety Benefits ..................................................................................................................................... 65 6.2 Privacy Concerns ......................................................................................................................................... 66 6.3 Potential Safety and Privacy Regulative Precautions .................................................................................. 70 6.3.1 Collision Detecting Systems ................................................................................................................. 71 6.3.2 Drone Licensing.................................................................................................................................... 72 6.3.3 Active Monitoring of UAVs to Enforce Restrictions in Urban Spaces .................................................. 72 6.3.4 Privacy Regulations .............................................................................................................................. 73 6.3.4(A) Special Phone Call Line for Perceived Violation of Privacy and Personal Property .................... 73 6.3.4(B) Privacy Speed Limits ................................................................................................................... 73 Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................... 74 7.0 Current Regulations and Legislations ..................................................................................... 74 7.1 Federal Restrictions and Guidelines ...........................................................................................................