Ohio Department of Transportation – Increasing Safety and Efficiency with Ohio’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Center

In 2020, the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Center flew over 2,000 flights, an increase of over 35 percent from the previous year. The $1.5 million UAS Center monitors traffic signals, traffic flow, construction progress, and more. All of this greatly increases safety by reducing the number of Ohio DOT staff needed in traffic areas. UAS also reduces the number of staff needed to perform inspections, saving time and money. The use of UAS has allowed the Ohio DOT to share the technology with other agencies in the state, streamlining communications and processes and strengthening cooperation. This technology is having a positive effect throughout the state and prioritizing safety and training.