Aerial Imaging Global Market Report 2024

Aerial imaging involves capturing pictures or images from an airborne craft, where cameras are attached to various vehicles such as helicopters, parachutes, aircraft, kites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and more. This practice aids in risk assessment, resource planning, engineering, and various other applications.

The main types of imaging in the aerial imaging market include vertical imaging and oblique imaging. Vertical aerial imaging is captured from an aerial vehicle with the camera axis directed as vertically as possible. Vertical photographs are often used to create orthophotos, also known as orthophoto maps, which are geometrically corrected to be usable as maps. Platforms for aerial imaging include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and drones, and others, with end-users spanning government, energy, military and defense, agriculture and forestry, archaeology and civil engineering, oil and gas, and more. Aerial imaging finds applications in geospatial mapping, infrastructure planning, asset inventory management, environmental monitoring, national and urban mapping, surveillance and monitoring, disaster management, and other diverse areas.

The aerial imaging market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides aerial imaging market statistics, including aerial imaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an aerial imaging market share, detailed aerial imaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the aerial imaging industry. This aerial imaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The aerial imaging market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.45 billion in 2023 to $3.96 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%. The growth observed during the historical period can be attributed to factors such as increased infrastructure development, the rise of precision agriculture practices, the expansion of global connectivity and remote work, regulatory support, and overall economic growth and industrial expansion.

The aerial imaging market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.02 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4%. The projected growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rise in the urbanization sector, the growing real estate industry, increasing initiatives for smart cities, the rise in the tourism and entertainment sector, and a growth in disposable income. Noteworthy trends expected in this forecast period encompass the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the adoption of 3D modeling and photogrammetry, the application of augmented reality (AR), the implementation of 5G connectivity, and the development of customized solutions within the aerial imaging industry.

The prevalence of natural disasters is anticipated to drive the expansion of the aerial imaging market. Natural disasters, sudden and catastrophic occurrences such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods often caused by climate variations, lead to significant damage and loss of life. Aerial imaging plays a vital role in swiftly initiating on-ground actions, surpassing manual detection, analysis, and response, thereby reducing further damage and response time. The surge in natural disasters is projected to generate an increased demand for aerial imaging solutions to effectively manage such situations. As per the World Economic Forum, over the past two decades, 7,348 disasters resulted in 1.23 million casualties. Notably, China, the US, and India reported 577, 467, and 321 disasters, respectively. The Assam earthquake in April 2021 in India resulted in two deaths, 12-13 injuries, and significant property damage, underscoring the need for enhanced aerial imaging to handle such crises. Hence, the escalating incidents of natural disasters are expected to steer the growth of the aerial imaging market.

The expanding construction industry is poised to act as a driving force for the advancement of the aerial imaging market. The construction industry encompasses a wide array of activities associated with the planning, design, execution, renovation, and maintenance of physical structures and infrastructure. Aerial imaging serves as a valuable tool within the construction sector, aiding in enhancing project efficiency, safety, and decision-making processes. It offers a comprehensive and precise view of construction sites, significantly contributing to successful planning, execution, and management of construction projects. Notably, according to reports from the United States Census Bureau in September 2023, the value of residential and non-residential construction in the US surged by over 8% between 2020 and 2021. Moreover, data published by Oxford Economics in September 2021 revealed global construction output reaching US$10.7 trillion in 2020, projected to witness a substantial 42% growth by 2030, reaching US$15.2 trillion. Hence, the thriving construction industry is anticipated to fuel the growth of the aerial imaging market.

Significant companies operating in the aerial imaging market are spearheading innovation, exemplified by the development of cutting-edge technologies like Atva, aiming to offer more sustainable solutions for aerial cargo transport. Atva stands out as a versatile compact hybrid VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) drone designed to redefine aerial cargo transport, mapping, and surveillance through its eVTOL technology. In October 2023, ePlane's Amber Wings, an India-based developer of unmanned aerial vehicles, introduced Atva, a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries and make a positive global impact. Equipped with various sensors, including a high-resolution camera, Atva can be utilized for mapping, surveillance, and cargo transport applications. Its camera capabilities allow detailed mapping of extensive areas or monitoring and surveying specific locations.

Prominent companies in the aerial imaging sector are actively pursuing a strategic partnership approach to deliver comprehensive solutions to their clientele. These strategic partnerships involve companies pooling their strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. For instance, in January 2023, SkyFi, a US-based software firm specializing in earth observation data, formed a partnership with Blue Nose Aerial Imaging, a US-based professional drone company. This collaboration aims to broaden their perspective and analytical capabilities, enabling them to offer customers a more comprehensive and robust collection of earth observation imagery. Furthermore, this strategic alliance seeks to expand the range of product offerings available to their customers.

In December 2022, Thoma Bravo, a US-based private equity company, completed the acquisition of Nearmap Ltd. for $1.055 billion. This acquisition is geared towards Thoma Bravo's ambition to enhance its market reach, unlock the full potential of Nearmap Ltd., expedite its growth trajectory, and delve into new developments within the market. Notably, Nearmap Ltd. is an Australia-based company specializing in aerial technology and the development of aerial imaging technologies.

Major companies operating in the aerial imaging market include Digital Aerial Solutions LLC, Airobotics Ltd., Cooper Aerial Surveys Co., EagleView Technologies Inc., Fugro N.V., SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., 3D Robotics Inc., Aeromao Inc., Aerovel Corporation, AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc., Airware Inc., Datumate Ltd., Delair Tech SAS, DroneDeploy Inc., Esri Inc., FLIR Systems Inc., Geomni Inc. (a Verisk Analytics business), Intel RealSense Group, MicaSense Inc., Nearmap Ltd., Optelos Corporation, Parrot Drones SAS, Phoenix LiDAR Systems Inc., Pix4D SA, PrecisionHawk Inc., Quantum Spatial Inc. (Aerometric Inc.), Quantum-Systems GmbH, senseFly SA (a Parrot company), sensemetrics Inc., SimActive Inc., Skydio Inc., SlantRange Inc., Trimble Inc., YellowScan SAS

North America was the largest region in the aerial imaging market in 2023. The regions covered in the aerial imaging market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the aerial imaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK and USA.

The aerial imagining market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing aerial imaging solutions such as LiDAR technology and photogrammetry for aerial survey scans of terrain to provide actionable data that can be analyzed to enhance security systems and to perform a specific task. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The aerial imaging market also includes sales of aerial vehicles such as helicopters, satellites, planes, and UAVs. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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