The global aerial imaging market size is expected to be worth USD 2.39 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period and reach a value of USD 4.64 billion by 2029.
Aerial imaging combines the main features of high precision and cost-effectiveness for volume-based calculations, route design, urban planning, and updating existing maps. Also, the increasing popularity of location-based services and the growing areas of aerial imaging applications are major market drivers. Furthermore, incorporating advanced technologies, such as LiDAR systems, 360-degree vision cameras, and geographic information systems, should open the door to new growth opportunities in the global market.
The growth of the global aerial imaging market is underpinned by growing demand from various sectors. Agriculture uses aerial photography to observe effective changes in crop yield, crop health management, and improved soil condition. The defense sector needs aerial imaging services to protect border areas and prepare cartographic structures. Besides, applications for end-users like research and exploration, archaeological studies, mining, oil and gas, and resource management promote the implementation of these aerial imaging services.
The aerial imaging market is still in its initial growth phase, and the increase in application areas is expected to spur market growth during the outlook period. Furthermore, the development of electronic media, technological advancements in wireless applications, the adoption of smartphones, and the Internet of Things (IoT) applications have resulted in various companies offering location-based services.
Confidentiality issues and national security regulations are expected to negatively impact global aerial imaging market trends in the coming years.
REPORT METRIC |
DETAILS |
Market Size Available |
2023 to 2029 |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2029 |
CAGR |
14.2% |
Segments Covered |
By Platform, Imaging Type, End User, Application and Region |
Various Analyses Covered |
Global, Regional & Country Level Analysis, Segment-Level Analysis, DROC, PESTLE Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Analyst Overview on Investment Opportunities |
Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
Market Leaders Profiled |
PrecisionHawk, Getmapping, Cooper Aerial Surveys, Kucera International, DJI, GeoVantage, Fugro, DroneDeploy, 3D Robotics, Airobotics, Digital Aerial Solutions, Nearma, Eagle View Technologies, and Google. |
The UAV/drone segment is foreseen to register the most substantial share of around 78% in the global aerial imaging market by 2027 due to the wide adoption of aerial photography applications by the government and defense sectors. Furthermore, as drones offer a practical imaging alternative to capture aerial photographs in urban areas, government agencies are increasingly adopting these platforms for police and criminal investigation purposes.
Conversely, since helicopter-mounted camera platforms are costly compared to drones, their adoption of aerial imaging should experience a steady decline. This tremendous growth can be attributed to the advantages of oblique imaging to assess the heights of buildings during realistic 3D City Models' texture. The key advantage of using oblique images is the ability to visualize the ground elements generally obstructed in vertical views by taller structures or vegetation.
The disaster management applications in the global aerial imaging market are expected to show a lucrative CAGR of approximately 16% due to the increasing adoption of aerial imaging platforms to assess the extent of damage caused by natural disasters. As climate change has increased the number of natural disaster incidents worldwide over the past four decades, the need for effective damage assessment measures has increased significantly. As a result, drones are increasingly used after disasters, such as storms and forest fires, to respond to timely repair and rescue needs.
End-users of agriculture will see huge gains, due to technological advancements in drone rigs and sensor technologies to aid precision agricultural functions by mapping various parameters such as vegetation health, soil health, and fertility levels. Some of the applications in which aerial imaging aids are precision farming operations like irrigation scheduling, pesticide application, seasonal analysis, and evaluation of the effectiveness of crops.
The aerial imaging market in the Asia Pacific is expected to grow more than 16% during the outlook period, spurred by increased awareness of the value of aerial imaging among developing countries. Furthermore, the adoption of aerial photography platforms will rapidly increase in the region due to the increased affordability of aerial imaging capture due to the advent of low-cost drone platforms. Furthermore, with the widespread use of drones for aerial imaging in countries like China and Japan and the increasing popularity of smart cities in emerging economies like India, the market is expected to grow considerably in the APAC locale.
Some noteworthy players operating in the global aerial imaging market include PrecisionHawk, Getmapping, Cooper Aerial Surveys, Kucera International, DJI, GeoVantage, Fugro, DroneDeploy, 3D Robotics, Airobotics, Digital Aerial Solutions, Nearma, Eagle View Technologies, and Google. Cooper Aerial Surveys had the largest share of the Aerial Imaging Market in terms of sales and revenue in 2017.
In January 2019, AirSelfie confirmed the creation of its three novel airborne cameras, AIR 100, AIR ZEN, and AIR DUO, which are specially created to offer different imaging technology angles for flight capabilities. These new cameras are equipped with aerial imaging robotics and autonomous imaging mission technology. This new camera will capture images and videos without connecting them to smartphones.
In February 2018, Geomni launched a new mobile app for terrain imaging and drone inspection, allowing users to collect image data from their mobile devices and perform a full vehicle inspection. In addition, unnamed planes (UAVs) use compatible drones.
In July 2017, The Sanborn Map Company announced that it had entered into a multi-year contract with El Paso County in Colorado, United States, allowing county departments and municipalities to negotiate task orders with the company in the next five years. In addition, the contract allows the county to obtain services and products from UAS Sanborn.
In June 2017, Quantum Spatial announced that it had acquired a complete collection of aerial photography assets from Air Flight Services. This has added millions of photos to the Quantum library. In addition, the acquisition expanded Quantum Spatial's current collection by adding vertical and oblique images of Northern California, including Alameda and San Mateo.
By Platform
By Imaging Type
By Application
By End User
By Region
Frequently Asked Questions
Key drivers include advancements in drone technology, increased adoption of aerial imaging in disaster management and environmental monitoring, and the rising demand for high-resolution spatial data in urban planning and infrastructure development. Additionally, the integration of AI and machine learning in aerial imaging solutions is significantly enhancing data analysis capabilities.
Major end-users include agriculture, forestry, defense, and intelligence, as well as urban planning, energy, and mining sectors. In agriculture, for instance, aerial imaging is used for crop monitoring and precision farming, while in defense, it aids in surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Significant advancements include the development of high-resolution cameras, LiDAR technology, AI, and machine learning algorithms for data analysis. The integration of these technologies is enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of aerial imaging solutions.
Aerial imaging is crucial in disaster management for assessing damage, planning rescue operations, and monitoring affected areas. It provides real-time data and high-resolution images that help in making informed decisions during natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
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