Comparison of 3D Versus 4D Path Planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

  • Halil Cicibas Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara
  • Kadir Alpaslan Demir Department of Software Development, Turkish Naval Research Center Command, Istanbul
  • Nafiz Arica Graduate School of Applied and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.66.9575
Keywords: Unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV, path planning, modelling, simulation, 3D path planning, 4D path planning

Abstract

This research compares 3D versus 4D (three spatial dimensions and the time dimension) multi-objective and multi-criteria path-planning for unmanned aerial vehicles in complex dynamic environments. In this study, we empirically analyse the performances of 3D and 4D path planning approaches. Using the empirical data, we show that the 4D approach is superior over the 3D approach especially in complex dynamic environments. The research model consisting of flight objectives and criteria is developed based on interviews with an experienced military UAV pilot and mission planner to establish realism and relevancy in  unmanned aerial vehicle flight planning. Furthermore, this study incorporates one of the most comprehensive set of criteria identified during our literature search. The simulation results clearly show that the 4D path planning approach is able to provide solutions in complex dynamic environments in which the 3D approach could not find a solution.

Author Biographies

Halil Cicibas, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara

Mr Halil Cicibas received his Master in C4I Systems from Institute of Naval Sciences and Engineering, in 2011. Currently, he is working as an Information Systems Manager at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters and pursuing his PhD at the Middle East Technical University. His research interests include: C4I systems, information systems, modelling and simulation of unmanned systems path planning.

Kadir Alpaslan Demir, Department of Software Development, Turkish Naval Research Center Command, Istanbul

Dr Kadir Alpaslan Demir, received MS (Computer Science) and MS (Software Engineering) during 2003 - 2005, and PhD (Software Engineering), in 2008. Currently, working as an Assistant Program Manager at Turkish Naval Research Center Command. His research interests include: Project management, software engineering, information systems, project management measurement and metrics development, UAV systems simulation, systems and software modelling, process improvement, R&D and innovation management. 

 

Nafiz Arica, Graduate School of Applied and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul

Dr Nafiz Arica received both MSc and PhD in Computer Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU), in 1995 and 1998, respectively. He is now working as an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Engineering and Director of Graduate School of Applied and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University. His current research interests include: Object detection, recognition and tracking, path planning for unmanned vehicles and facial expression analysis.

Published
2016-10-31
How to Cite
Cicibas, H., Demir, K. A., & Arica, N. (2016). Comparison of 3D Versus 4D Path Planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Defence Science Journal, 66(6), 651-664. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.66.9575
Issue
Vol 66 No 6: Cyber Security
Section
Computers & Systems Studies
Copyright (c) 2016 Defence Science Journal

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