The access to geospatial data is the backbone to numerous research fields related to engineering. Thus, geosciences, civil engineering, geodesy coexist and overlap in certain aspects and areas. All civil engineering projects require reliable and accurate geospatial data, from the inception and design phase, to the on-site construction surveying and the later as-built survey and monitoring process. The role of geodetic engineering and specialists in the construction industry is of very great extent, that incorporates both technical aspects related to field data acquisition and precision measurements, as well as the legal aspects of the property law, boundaries and cadastre in general. Although the innovation level of construction surveying in civil engineering projects is mostly low, there is a huge potential to improve the level of data acquisition by means of modern instrumentation such as UAV photogrammetry and terrestrial or airborne LiDAR, automation in data processing, implementing GIS and spatial analysis as well as 3D modelling and reconstruction.

Thanks to the ongoing advances over the last few decades in terms of instrumentation, software and availability to open-source data, data acquisition has never been more accessible to the public and research sector. Geospatial techniques are efficient tools for mapping and providing accurate representation of the Earth’s surface, which is vital in any feasibility and planning process of civil applications. An accurate land survey and field data acquisition can help specialists, scientists, policymakers and stakeholders in the decision-making process, to better management, planning and design. Thus, new tools and best practices, both in terms of instrumentation and sensors for data capture and in their processing and modelling techniques, can be deployed to provide the most efficient solutions in a rapidly-evolving field. The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs), also known as drones, has increased tremendously in the last decade, and is considered a quantum leap for the industry. The cost reduction of these platforms, coupled with their ability to reach difficult to access areas make them the perfect tools for performing different civil applications. In addition, several sensors can be equipped in order to capture different field data that enable the creation of outputs and deliverables useful for the construction industry. Through the geomatic techniques of digital photogrammetry, remote sensing, laser scanning based on different types of sensors mounted on these vehicles, UASs provide a versatile and economical option for data acquisition. These implementations can range from the conventional topographic and cadastral mapping, to GIS spatial analysis, BIM implementations, 3D modelling and reconstruction, structural and land monitoring, construction site inspections and construction progress monitoring.

This Research Topic aims to present and promote original scientific contributions to the concepts, technologies, methods, and tools in the acquisition and processing of geospatial data in a wide range of civil engineering applications. This will provide a platform for bringing these current practices of geoscience in civil applications, as well as the advancements and future challenges to a much larger scientific community. Original articles and review articles are invited in the fields of geodesy, topography, geosciences and geomatics that provide solutions to support specific civil engineering applications. Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• New tools and techniques in field data acquisition useful in the construction industry, from the traditional topographic-geodetic instrumentations (total stations, GNSS systems etc.) to the modern solutions (UAV, terrestrial or airborne LiDAR, digital photogrammetry, SAR, satellite images, etc.);
• Improving the traditional topographic surveys with the help of geomatics tools with GIS & BIM implementation;
• Surveying methods, new developments in sensors, best practices and guidelines, for monitoring and documentation of the built environment;
• Advances in 3D modelling and reconstruction, heritage conservation and management;
• Mapping and monitoring in a rapidly urbanizing world;
• Integrating modern techniques of data acquisition in cadastre and technical documentation in order to increase productivity and mitigate field risk.

Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, 3D Modelling, Remote Sensing, Geosciences, GIS and Spatial Analysis, Geodetic and Topographic Instrumentation, Cadastre

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.