Aerial Imaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 2.9 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 6.36 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 16.98 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Aerial Imaging Market Analysis
The Aerial Imaging Market size is estimated at USD 2.9 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 6.36 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 16.98% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Aerial imaging and its evolution into video imagery have been captured using various small aerial platforms for over three decades. Small-scale platforms such as radio-controlled model aircraft, helicopters that use small 35 mm SLR, and light-weighted video cameras have been used to acquire color, panchromatic, color infrared (CIR), and multispectral aerial photography for a wide range of applications.
• The market has been augmented by the technology development of ready-to-fly (RTF) devices, soft-copy photogrammetry software, low-cost digital cameras, image processing, GPS, thermal, multispectral, hyperspectral, and LiDAR sensors. UAVs have become a sophisticated means of acquiring high-resolution photographic and 4K video datasets for small-area coverage studies.
• Aerial imaging uses GPS, which aids in precise location. For instance, farmers use GPS targeting to monitor the health of the crops, identify problem areas, and spray fertilizer. Energy and power site management benefits from the precision of aerial imaging, as it can be repaired from weather damages and targeted more accurately.
• Police departments also use maps that are being created using aerial imagery. The department uses it for the movement of essential items, placing physical distancing markers, workforce allocation, deciding where to set up isolation centers, marking nearby hospitals and police stations from hotspots, and the shortest routes for easy movement in an emergency.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased demand for aerial imagery. This imagery is used to study the virus's economic impact and remotely monitor infrastructure and facilities. The demand increased from various industries, including government, energy, power, oil, and gas. Also, the imagery monitored supply chain situations during the pandemic's peak.
• Although the trend of drone surveying is already becoming mainstream, the pandemic tipped the scale in its favor substantially. UAVs have become a go-to technology during the COVID-19 pandemic because they can accomplish tasks without contact. They have played a crucial role in surveying and mapping areas where hospitals and COVID-19 test centers can be built and monitoring such sites.
Aerial Imaging Market Trends
The Government is Expected to be the Largest End User of Aerial Imaging
• Aerial imaging has become vital for various municipal, state, and federal government planning applications. It has also become an integral aspect of the mapmaking process. Aerial images reflect a location's physical and cultural environment at a particular moment.
• When properly understood, these aerial photographs give geographers, historians, ecologists, geologists, urban planners, archaeologists, and other experts a graphical foundation that is frequently important to their research. Lawyers increasingly use aerial photography to decide matters involving property disputes, riparian rights, and transportation rights-of-way. Recently, genealogists have employed aerial photography to discover and find ancestral locations.
• Government drone use is quickly rising due to the number of departments with drone projects and applications. Ambitious government organizations and departments are experimenting with new job areas, from transportation and public works to planning and environmental services.
• The US government has experimented with new weaponry that may be deployed on the battlefield. Gaining an edge on the battlefield is crucial to a war's survival and success. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been the most significant invention in military conflict in recent decades, if not the preceding century.
• For example, the United States Geological Survey's Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center has recently partnered with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Vision Group at the International Computer Science Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, will create deep learning algorithms and tools for the automatic identification, enumeration, categorization, and annotation of sea ducks and other marine creatures from digital aerial imagery.
• Most individuals utilize aerial images, whether they realize it or not. Aerial imagery may help individuals and organizations of all sizes and sectors save time and money, from basic applications like Google Images or Google Earth to complicated applications like police agencies using it to reduce crime.
• Airborne waterfowl population surveys can influence harvest and other regulatory decisions, environmental evaluations, and impact estimates of prospective wildlife exposure to offshore energy development projects in the United States. High-resolution digital images collected during aircraft surveys of the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf and the Great Lakes will provide data for algorithm development and baseline information on animal distributions and abundance.
• Aerial pictures can help governments, professional response and recovery organizations, communities, and people anticipate, respond to, and recover from the consequences of expected imminent or actual hazard occurrences or circumstances. The increasing aerial photography usage in many government sectors has increased the demand for aerial pictures worldwide.
North America to Hold a Significant Market Share
• North America is one of the major investors and adopters of the studied market due to the high level of research done by the regional companies and the increasing adoption of the technologies among the regional end-user industries.
• Aerial imaging extracts information on land cover, vegetation, soil, and geology maps using spatial data captured from orthographic images. It is also used in government-based applications such as inland and property information, archaeology, environment studies, and disaster and emergency response management. Aerial imaging is then used to develop plans, maps, and forecasts crucial for accurately presenting the Earth's surface. Also, aerial imaging is gaining prominence among engineers, planners, and developers in land mapping and development.
• Market expansion is the primary factor driving the increased adoption of aerial imaging platforms in disaster management, military, forestry, and urban planning applications. The use of aerial imaging and mapping platforms is growing among urban planners in road planning and real estate management, and they are used in land use calculations. The region exhibits a strong uptake of aerial imaging platforms due to major aerial imaging solution providers focusing on new product developments powered by AI and machine learning technologies.
• In addition, agriculture in North America has become chiefly industrialized and reliant on an integrated system of supporting agribusinesses; however, original traditions are still practiced in Mexico. Most farmers in the United States and Canada rely primarily on technology. Technology companies have been working to provide insights to farmers through multiple data sources, including sensors, in-field cameras, aerial imagery gathered by drones and airplanes, and satellite imagery data. These imagery data sources require powerful computing resources, massive data storage capabilities, and time to generate insights.
• Moreover, the demand for aerial imaging in the region's construction activity is increasing continuously. For instance, with drone technology, field engineers can track job progress and monitor these inconsistencies more efficiently.
• Additionally, with the US government's historic infrastructure bill, the construction industry braced for a substantial boost in investment by increasing government spending on the construction industry. Contractors and surveyors are expected to be in great demand to oversee various civil construction projects around the country, with USD 110 billion set aside for roads, bridges, and other significant infrastructure projects.
• Factors such as the growing use of technologies and the number of government construction projects that have boosted the demand for the benefits of technologies for the inspection, monitoring, and surveillance of the site area are critical reasons for the market's growth.
Aerial Imaging Industry Overview
The aerial imaging market is fragmented, with many industry players exploring the market potential. This industry's marketing and advertising level is also growing, while the firm concentration ratio is moderate and growing. Some of the major players in the market are Terra Flight Aerial Imaging Inc., Fugro Ltd, Nearmap Ltd, Eagle View Technologies Inc., and Digital Aerial Solutions LLC.
• February 2023 - Ondas announced the creation of Ondas Autonomous Systems to oversee the integrated drone operations of wholly owned subsidiaries American Robotics and Airobotics. In the rail, energy, mining, agricultural, public safety, critical infrastructure, and government markets, Ondas Networks and Ondas Autonomous Systems provide users with increased connection, data gathering capabilities, and data collection and information processing capabilities.
• April 2024 - Bowman Consulting Group Ltd, a national engineering services firm specializing in infrastructure solutions, finalized an agreement to acquire Surdex Corporation, known for its geospatial and engineering services, offering a range of digital ortho imagery at various altitudes, LiDAR technology, digital mapping, hydrography, and disaster mapping. Originally an aerial photography company, Surdex has evolved into digital imagery and mapping. The company boasts a fleet of ten aircraft, including single- and twin-engine models and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enabling them to cater to the geospatial needs of public and private sector clients.
Aerial Imaging Market Leaders
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Terra Flight Aerial Imaging Inc.
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Fugro Ltd
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Nearmap Ltd
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Eagle View Technologies Inc.
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Digital Aerial Solutions LLC
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Aerial Imaging Market News
• May 2023: Inspired Flight Technologies and Phase One launched a novel plug-and-play solution that combines aerial photography with flexible operations to satisfy various surveying and inspection demands. Phase One is a major global developer and manufacturer of medium- and large-format aerial photography systems. At the same time, Inspired Flight Technologies is a commercial small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) company.
• March 2023: UP42, a geospatial developer platform and marketplace, significantly expanded its aerial imagery and elevation data portfolio through a partnership with Vexcel, a photogrammetric and remote sensing company. Vexcel's aerial data collection initiative is significant worldwide, capturing ultra-high-resolution imagery (at 7.5 to 15 cm resolution) and geospatial data in more than 30 countries.
Aerial Imaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.4 Assessment of Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Rise of Location-based Services
5.1.2 Increasing Demand from Diversified Applications
5.2 Market Restraints
5.2.1 Security and Privacy Issues
5.2.2 Stringent Government Regulations
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Platform Type
6.1.1 Fixed-wing Aircraft
6.1.2 Helicopters
6.1.3 UAVs/Drones
6.1.4 Other Platform Types
6.2 By Application
6.2.1 Geospatial Mapping
6.2.2 Infrastructure Planning
6.2.3 Asset Inventory Management
6.2.4 Environmental Monitoring
6.2.5 National and Urban Mapping
6.2.6 Surveillance and Monitoring
6.2.7 Disaster Management
6.2.8 Other Applications
6.3 By End-user Industry
6.3.1 Construction
6.3.2 Aerospace and Defense
6.3.3 Government
6.3.4 Oil and Gas
6.3.5 Energy and Power
6.3.6 Agriculture
6.3.7 Other End-user Industries
6.4 By Geography
6.4.1 North America
6.4.2 Europe
6.4.3 Asia-Pacific
6.4.4 Rest of the World
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles
7.1.1 Terra Flight Aerial Imaging Inc.
7.1.2 Fugro Ltd
7.1.3 Nearmap Ltd
7.1.4 Eagle View Technologies Inc.
7.1.5 Digital Aerial Solutions LLC
7.1.6 Dronegenuity
7.1.7 Cooper Aerial Surveys Co.
7.1.8 Landiscor Real Estate Mapping
7.1.9 Kucera International Inc.
7.1.10 GeoVantage Inc. (Aeroptic LLC)
7.1.11 Global UAV Technologies Ltd (High Eye Aerial Imaging Inc.)
7.1.12 Eagle Aerial Solutions
7.1.13 Aerobotics, (Pty) Ltd
7.1.14 Airobotics GmbH (ONDAS Holdings)
7.1.15 SkyIMD Inc.
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET
Aerial Imaging Industry Segmentation
Aerial photography is mainly used for geospatial mapping, media and entertainment, environmental studies, and other areas. It involves taking pictures of a flying object or aircraft. The various platforms for aerial photography include helicopters, UAVs/drones, balloons, blimps, rockets, kites, parachutes, airships, or any flying aircraft. The study tracks the revenue accrued from the different application types used across industries, such as government, aerospace, construction, and agriculture, among others worldwide.
The aerial imaging market is segmented by platform type (fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs/drones), application (geospatial mapping, infrastructure planning, asset inventory management, environmental monitoring, national and urban mapping, surveillance and monitoring, disaster management), end-user industry (construction, aerospace and defense, government, oil and gas, energy and power, agriculture), by geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the segments.
| By Platform Type | |
| Fixed-wing Aircraft | |
| Helicopters | |
| UAVs/Drones | |
| Other Platform Types |
| By Application | |
| Geospatial Mapping | |
| Infrastructure Planning | |
| Asset Inventory Management | |
| Environmental Monitoring | |
| National and Urban Mapping | |
| Surveillance and Monitoring | |
| Disaster Management | |
| Other Applications |
| By End-user Industry | |
| Construction | |
| Aerospace and Defense | |
| Government | |
| Oil and Gas | |
| Energy and Power | |
| Agriculture | |
| Other End-user Industries |
| By Geography | |
| North America | |
| Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | |
| Rest of the World |
Aerial Imaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the Aerial Imaging Market?
The Aerial Imaging Market size is expected to reach USD 2.9 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 16.98% to reach USD 6.36 billion by 2029.
What is the current Aerial Imaging Market size?
In 2024, the Aerial Imaging Market size is expected to reach USD 2.9 billion.
Who are the key players in Aerial Imaging Market?
Terra Flight Aerial Imaging Inc., Fugro Ltd, Nearmap Ltd, Eagle View Technologies Inc. and Digital Aerial Solutions LLC are the major companies operating in the Aerial Imaging Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Aerial Imaging Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Aerial Imaging Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Aerial Imaging Market.
What years does this Aerial Imaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Aerial Imaging Market size was estimated at USD 2.41 billion. The report covers the Aerial Imaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Aerial Imaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Aerial Imaging Industry Report
The Aerial Imaging Market Analysis & Growth report provides a comprehensive industry overview, segmented by platform type, application, end-user industry, and geography. The market report covers fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs/drones, detailing their use in geospatial mapping, infrastructure planning, asset inventory management, environmental monitoring, national and urban mapping, surveillance and monitoring, and disaster management. End-user industries such as construction, aerospace and defense, government, oil and gas, energy and power, and agriculture are analyzed for their market size and market share.
This industry report includes a market forecast outlook, providing a detailed market analysis and market data for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The report highlights market trends, market growth, and market leaders, offering insights into the industry's growth rate and market value. Industry statistics and industry research are presented, along with a market review and market segmentation.
A sample of this industry analysis is available as a free report PDF download, offering a glimpse into the market predictions and industry outlook. The report also includes an industry analysis, industry information, and industry research, ensuring a thorough understanding of the market dynamics. With a focus on market forecast, market overview, and market segmentation, this report provides valuable industry insights and market predictions.
