Patent Publication Number: US-10334164-B2

Title: Virtual 360-degree view of a telecommunications site

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present patent/application is continuation-in-part of and the content of each are incorporated by reference herein: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Filing Date 
                 Ser. No. 
                 Title 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Jul. 7, 2017 
                 15/644,144 
                 DETECTING CHANGES AT CELL SITES  
               
               
                   
                   
                 AND SURROUNDING AREAS USING  
               
               
                   
                   
                 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES 
               
               
                 May 17, 2017 
                 15/597,320 
                 MODELING FIBER CABLING  
               
               
                   
                   
                 ASSOCIATED WITH CELL SITES 
               
               
                 Apr. 6, 2017 
                 15/480,792 
                 SUBTERRANEAN 3D MODELING AT  
               
               
                   
                   
                 CELL SITES 
               
               
                 Mar. 27, 2017 
                 15/469,841 
                 CELL SITE AUDIT AND SURVEY VIA  
               
               
                   
                   
                 PHOTO STITCHING 
               
               
                 Jan. 25, 2017 
                 15/415,040 
                 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR  
               
               
                   
                   
                 OBTAINING ACCURATE 3D MODELING  
               
               
                   
                   
                 DATA USING MULTIPLE CAMERAS 
               
               
                 Oct. 31, 2016 
                 15/338,700 
                 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR  
               
               
                   
                   
                 OBTAINING ACCURATE 3D MODELING  
               
               
                   
                   
                 DATA USING UAVS FOR CELL SITES 
               
               
                 Oct. 3, 2016 
                 15/283,699 
                 OBTAINING 3D MODELING DATA USING  
               
               
                   
                   
                 UAVS FOR CELL SITES 
               
               
                 Aug. 19, 2016 
                 15/241,239 
                 3D MODELING OF CELL SITES TO  
               
               
                   
                   
                 DETECT CONFIGURATION AND SITE  
               
               
                   
                   
                 CHANGES 
               
               
                 Jul. 15, 2016 
                 15/211,483 
                 CLOSE-OUT AUDIT SYSTEMS AND  
               
               
                   
                   
                 METHODS FOR CELL SITE  
               
               
                   
                   
                 INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE 
               
               
                 May 31, 2016 
                 15/168,503 
                 VIRTUALIZED SITE SURVEY SYSTEMS  
               
               
                   
                   
                 AND METHODS FOR CELL SITES 
               
               
                 May 20, 2016 
                 15/160,890 
                 3D MODELING OF CELL SITES AND  
               
               
                   
                   
                 CELL TOWERS WITH UNMANNED  
               
               
                   
                   
                 AERIAL VEHICLES 
               
               
                 Apr. 14, 2015 
                 14/685,720 
                 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE-BASED  
               
               
                   
                   
                 SYSTEMS AND METHODS ASSOCIATED  
               
               
                   
                   
                 WITH CELL SITES AND CELL TOWERS 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunication site monitoring systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for a virtual 360-degree view of a telecommunications site, such as a cell site, for purposes of site surveys, site audits, and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Due to the geographic coverage nature of wireless service, there are hundreds of thousands of cell towers in the United States. For example, in 2014, it was estimated that there were more than 310,000 cell towers in the United States. Cell towers can have heights up to 1,500 feet or more. There are various requirements for cell site workers (also referred to as tower climbers or transmission tower workers) to climb cell towers to perform maintenance, audit, and repair work for cellular phone and other wireless communications companies. This is both a dangerous and costly endeavor. For example, between 2003 and 2011, 50 tower climbers died working on cell sites (see, e.g., www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/social-issues/cell-tower-deaths/in-race-for-better-cell-service-men-who-climb-towers-pay-with-their-lives/). Also, OSHA estimates that working on cell sites is 10 times more dangerous than construction work, generally (see, e.g., www.propublica.org/article/cell-tower-work-fatalities-methodology). Furthermore, the tower climbs also can lead to service disruptions caused by accidents. Thus, there is a strong desire, from both a cost and safety perspective, to reduce the number of tower climbs. 
     Concurrently, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), referred to as drones, is evolving. There are limitations associated with UAVs, including emerging FAA rules and guidelines associated with their commercial use. It would be advantageous to leverage the use of UAVs to reduce tower climbs of cell towers. US 20140298181 to Rezvan describes methods and systems for performing a cell site audit remotely. However, Rezvan does not contemplate performing any activity locally at the cell site, nor various aspects of UAV use. US20120250010 to Hannay describes aerial inspections of transmission lines using drones. However, Hannay does not contemplate performing any activity locally at the cell site, nor various aspects of constraining the UAV use. Specifically, Hannay contemplates a flight path in three dimensions along a transmission line. 
     Of course, it would be advantageous to further utilize UAVs to actually perform operations on a cell tower. However, adding one or more robotic arms, carrying extra equipment, etc. presents a significantly complex problem in terms of UAV stabilization while in flight, i.e., counterbalancing the UAV to account for the weight and movement of the robotic arms. Research and development continues in this area, but current solutions are complex and costly, eliminating the drivers for using UAVs for performing cell tower work. 
     3D modeling is important for cell site operators, cell tower owners, engineers, etc. There exist current techniques to make 3D models of physical sites such as cell sites. One approach is to take hundreds or thousands of pictures and to use software techniques to combine these pictures to form a 3D model. Generally, conventional approaches for obtaining the pictures include fixed cameras at the ground with zoom capabilities or pictures via tower climbers. It would be advantageous to utilize a UAV to obtain the pictures, providing 360-degree photos from an aerial perspective. Use of aerial pictures is suggested in US 20100231687 to Armory. However, this approach generally assumes pictures taken from a fixed perspective relative to the cell site, such as via a fixed, mounted camera and a mounted camera in an aircraft. It has been determined that such an approach is moderately inaccurate during 3D modeling and combination with software due to slight variations in location tracking capabilities of systems such as Global Positioning Satellite (GPS). It would be advantageous to adapt a UAV to take pictures and provide systems and methods for accurate 3D modeling based thereon to again leverage the advantages of UAVs over tower climbers, i.e., safety, climbing speed and overall speed, cost, etc. 
     In the process of planning, installing, maintaining, and operating cell sites and cell towers, site surveys are performed for testing, auditing, planning, diagnosing, inventorying, etc. Conventional site surveys involve physical site access including access to the top of the cell tower, the interior of any buildings, cabinets, shelters, huts, hardened structures, etc. at the cell site, and the like. With over 200,000 cell sites in the U.S., geographically distributed everywhere, site surveys can be expensive, time-consuming, and complex. The various parent applications associated herewith describe techniques to utilize UAVs to optimize and provide safer site surveys. It would also be advantageous to further optimize site surveys by minimizing travel through virtualization of the entire process. 
     Again, with over 200,000 cell sites in the U.S., each time there is maintenance or installation activity at each cell site, operators and owners typically require a close-out audit which is done to document and verify the work performed. For example, the maintenance or installation activity can be performed by a third-party installation firm (separate from an operator or owner) and an objective of the close-out audit is to provide the operator or owner verification of the work as well as that the third-party installation firm did the work in a manner consistent with the operator or owner&#39;s expectations. Conventionally, close-out audits are performed by another firm, i.e., a third-party inspection firm, separate from the third-party installation firm, the owner, and the operator. Disadvantageously, this conventional approach with a separate third-party inspection firm is inefficient, expensive, etc. 
     Also, with over 200,000 cell sites, it is difficult to monitor activity, namely configurations, physical structure, surroundings, etc., and associated changes. The typical arrangement includes a cell site owner, which is typically a real estate company, leasing space to cell site operators, i.e., wireless service providers. It is incumbent that the cell site owners maintain accurate records of the cell sites, including the configuration (i.e., are the operators deploying more equipment than agreements state?), physical structure (i.e., are there mechanical issues with the cell site?), surroundings (i.e., are there safety issues?), and the like. Conventional approaches require physical site surveys to obtain such information which with over 200,000 cells sites is expensive, time-consuming, slow, etc. 
     The number of cell sites continues to grow and with the advent of 5G, to dramatically increase. For example, with 5G, small cell deployments are expected to increase to address capacity and coverage. All cell sites require so-called backhaul to provide network access to the cell site. One technique for backhaul includes fiber optic connections to the cell site. For site owners, it can be problematic to determine fiber optic cabling to a cell site, e.g., are there currently cables at the location, what are the possibilities of new cabling, etc. As the number of cell sites increases, it is important to get this data efficiently. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a method for creating and utilizing a virtual 360-degree view of a telecommunications site includes capturing first data of a 360-degree view at multiple points around the telecommunications site; capturing second data of a 360-degree view at aerial points above the telecommunications site; capturing third data of a 360-degree view inside a shelter or cabinet at the telecommunications site, wherein each of the first data, second data, and third data comprise one or more of photos and video; stitching the first data, the second data, and the third data together with links to create a virtual 360-degree view environment of the telecommunications site, wherein the links enable virtual navigation about the telecommunications site; and displaying the virtual 360-degree view environment to a viewer over a network and adjusting the virtual 360-degree view environment based on commands received from the viewer. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a server for creating and utilizing a virtual 360-degree view of a telecommunications site includes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to obtain first data of a 360-degree view at multiple points around the telecommunications site; obtain second data of a 360-degree view at aerial points above the telecommunications site; obtain third data of a 360-degree view inside a shelter or cabinet at the telecommunications site, wherein each of the first data, second data, and third data comprise one or more of photos and video; stitch the first data, the second data, and the third data together with links to create a virtual 360-degree view environment of the telecommunications site, wherein the links enable virtual navigation about the telecommunications site; and display the virtual 360-degree view environment to a viewer over a network and adjust the virtual 360-degree view environment based on commands received from the viewer. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the steps of obtaining first data of a 360-degree view at multiple points around the telecommunications site; obtaining second data of a 360-degree view at aerial points above the telecommunications site; obtaining third data of a 360-degree view inside a shelter or cabinet at the telecommunications site, wherein each of the first data, second data, and third data comprise one or more of photos and video; stitching the first data, the second data, and the third data together with links to create a virtual 360-degree view environment of the telecommunications site, wherein the links enable virtual navigation about the telecommunications site; and displaying the virtual 360-degree view environment to a viewer over a network and adjusting the virtual 360-degree view environment based on commands received from the viewer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary cell site; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of a cell site audit performed with a UAV; 
         FIG. 3  is a screen diagram of a view of a graphical user interface (GUI) on a mobile device while piloting the UAV; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary UAV; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a mobile device; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a cell site audit method utilizing the UAV and the mobile device; 
         FIG. 7  is a network diagram of various cell sites deployed in a geographic region; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of the cell site and an associated launch configuration and flight for the UAV to obtain photos for a 3D model of the cell site; 
         FIG. 9  is a satellite view of an exemplary flight of the UAV at the cell site; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an exemplary flight of the UAV at the cell site; 
         FIG. 11  is a logical diagram of a portion of a cell tower along with associated photos taken by the UAV at different points relative thereto; 
         FIG. 12  is a screen shot of a GUI associated with post processing photos from the UAV; 
         FIG. 13  is a screen shot of a 3D model constructed from a plurality of 2D photos taken from the UAV as described herein; 
         FIGS. 14-19  are various screen shots illustrate GUIs associated with a 3D model of a cell site based on photos taken from the UAV as described herein; 
         FIG. 20  is a photo of the UAV in flight at the top of a cell tower; 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart of a process for modeling a cell site with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV); 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram of an exemplary interior of a building, such as a shelter or cabinet, at the cell site; 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart of a virtual site survey process for the cell site; 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart illustrates a close-out audit method performed at a cell site subsequent to maintenance or installation work; 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart of a 3D modeling method to detect configuration and site changes; 
         FIG. 26  is a flow diagram of a 3D model creation process; 
         FIG. 27  is a flowchart of a method using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to obtain data capture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof; 
         FIG. 28  is a flowchart of a 3D modeling method for capturing data at the cell site, the cell tower, etc. using the UAV; 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  are block diagrams of a UAV with multiple cameras ( FIG. 29A ) and a camera array ( FIG. 29B ); 
         FIG. 30  is a flowchart of a method using multiple cameras to obtain accurate three-dimensional (3D) modeling data; 
         FIGS. 31 and 32  are diagrams of a multiple camera apparatus and use of the multiple camera apparatus in a shelter or cabinet or the interior of a building; 
         FIG. 33  is a flowchart of a data capture method in the interior of a building using the multiple camera apparatus; 
         FIG. 34  is a flowchart of a method for verifying equipment and structures at the cell site using 3D modeling; 
         FIG. 35  is a diagram of a photo stitching User Interface (UI) for cell site audits, surveys, inspections, etc. remotely; 
         FIG. 36  is a flowchart illustrates a method for performing a cell site audit or survey remotely via a User Interface (UI); 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective diagram of a 3D model of the cell site, the cell tower, the cell site components, and the shelter or cabinet along with surrounding geography and subterranean geography; 
         FIG. 38  is a flowchart of a method for creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site for one or more of a cell site audit, a site survey, and cell site planning and engineering; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective diagram of the 3D model of  FIG. 37  of the cell site, the cell tower, the cell site components, and the shelter or cabinet along with surrounding geography, subterranean geography, and including fiber connectivity; 
         FIG. 40  is a flowchart of a method for creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site and associated fiber connectivity for one or more of a cell site audit, a site survey, and cell site planning and engineering; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective diagram of a cell site with the surrounding geography; 
         FIG. 42  is a flowchart of a method for cell site inspection by a cell site operator using the UAV; 
         FIG. 43  is a flowchart illustrates a virtual 360 view method  2700  for creating and using a virtual 360 environment; and 
         FIGS. 44-55  are screen shots from an exemplary implementation of the virtual 360-degree view environment from  FIG. 43 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Again, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for a virtual 360-degree view of a telecommunications site, such as a cell site, for purposes of site surveys, site audits, and the like. The objective of the virtual 360 view is to provide an environment, viewable via a display, where personnel can be within the telecommunications site remotely. That is, the purpose of the virtual 360 view creation is to allow industry workers to be within the environment of the location captured (i.e. telecommunications cellular site). Within this environment, there is an additional augmented reality where a user can call information from locations of importance. This environment can serve as a bid walk, pre-construction verification, post installation verification, or simply as an inventory measurement for companies. The information captured with the virtual 360 view captures the necessary information to create action with respect to maintenance, upgrades, or the like. This actionable information creates an environment that can be passed from tower owner, carrier owner, construction company, and installation crews with the ease of an email with a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) link to the web. This link can be sent to a user&#39;s phone, Virtual Reality (VR) headset, computer, tablet, etc. This allows for a telecom engineer to be within the reality of the cell site or telecommunications site from their desk. For example, the engineer can click on an Air Conditioning (AC) panel and a photo is overlaid in the environment showing the engineer the spaces available for additional breakers or the sizes of breakers being used. 
     Further, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods to detect changes cell sites and the surrounding area using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Specifically, the systems and methods can be utilized by cell site operators (e.g., real estate companies) to quickly and efficiently determine the current state of a cell site including the surrounding geography. For example, the surrounding geography can include access roads, trees, physical structures, cell tower structure, etc. The systems and methods utilize a UAV to detect changes (deltas) between two different points in time in a quick and efficient manner. The changes can include changes to the cell tower, ground disturbances, potential hazards, loss of gravel on the access road, etc. Cell site operators can utilize the systems and methods for proactive monitoring and maintenance of their facilities. Note, a cell site operator may own or manage thousands or hundreds of thousands of sites, and the systems and methods are critical for efficiently handling the vast number of sites. 
     Further, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods modeling fiber optic cabling associated with cell sites such as using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or the like. Specifically, the systems and methods include building a three-dimensional (3D) model of the cell site including associated surroundings as well as focusing on fiber optic cables to/from the cell site. The 3D model can be used to remotely engineer backhaul access to the cell site. For example, the 3D model can be used to determine equipment placement for optimal connectivity to a fiber network. Also, the 3D model can be used to determine where to install fiber cabling if needed. As noted herein, next-gen small cells can be installed practically anywhere, and the 3D model can be used to aid in the planning, engineering, and installation. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for cell site modeling including subterranean modeling of the area associated with the cell site. Specifically, the systems and methods include building a three-dimensional (3D) model of the cell site including the cell tower and associated cell site components, shelters/buildings and interiors, as well as a model of the surrounding geographic area including subterranean modeling. The 3D model can be used to perform cell site audits, planning, monitoring, etc. remotely. The subterranean modeling provides insight for site engineering such as to determine locations of underground utility cabling, pipes, etc., to determine structural aspects of site construction, to proactively determine problems, etc. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for cell site audits and surveys using photo stitching based on photos taken at the cell site via various techniques including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). A remote user can use a photo stitched User Interface (UI) to perform a cell site audit, survey, inspection by navigating, zooming, etc. through a plurality of photos with links between one another. With the UI, the remote user can zoom in, virtually walk around, etc. and perform functions without a physical site visit. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for verifying cell sites using accurate three-dimensional (3D) modeling data. In an exemplary embodiment, systems and method for verifying a cell site utilizing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) include providing an initial point cloud related to the cell site to the UAV; developing a second point cloud based on current conditions at the cell site, wherein the second point cloud is based on data acquisition using the UAV at the cell site; detecting variations between the initial point cloud and the second point cloud; and, responsive to detecting the variations, determining whether the variations are any of compliance related, load issues, and defects associated with any equipment or structures at the cell site. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for obtaining accurate three-dimensional (3D) modeling data using a multiple camera apparatus. Specifically, the multiple camera apparatus contemplates use in a shelter or the like to simultaneously obtain multiple photos for purposes of developing a three-dimensional (3D) model of the shelter for use in a cell site audit or the like. The multiple camera apparatus can be portable or mounted within the shelter. The multiple camera apparatus includes a support beam with a plurality of cameras associated therewith. The plurality of cameras each face a different direction, angle, zoom, etc. and are coordinated to simultaneously obtain photos. Once obtained, the photos can be used to create a 3D model. Advantageously, the multiple camera apparatus streamlines data acquisition time as well as ensures the proper angles and photos are obtained. The multiple camera apparatus also is simply to use allowing untrained technicians the ability to easily perform data acquisition. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for obtaining accurate three-dimensional (3D) modeling data using multiple cameras such as with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) (also referred to as “drones”) or the like at cell sites, cell towers, etc. The systems and methods utilize two or more cameras simultaneously to capture the modeling data and associated synchronization techniques to ensure the modeling data is accurately and timely captured. The multiple cameras can be part of a camera array. The camera array can be a single hardware entity or on different UAVs. Variously, the multiple cameras are communicatively coupled to one another and configured to take photos together, such as the same time, but different vantage points, angles, perspective, etc. Taking the photos together enables efficient data capture to create 3D models, such as at cell sites. Using the systems and methods described herein, the process of data capture can be at least twice as fast which is important for field operations where multiple cell sites need to be characterized. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for obtaining three-dimensional (3D) modeling data using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) (also referred to as “drones”) or the like at cell sites, cell towers, etc. Variously, the systems and methods describe various techniques using UAVs or the like to obtain data, i.e., pictures and/or video, used to create a 3D model of a cell site subsequently. Various uses of the 3D model are also described including site surveys, site monitoring, engineering, etc. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to three-dimensional (3D) modeling of cell sites to detect configuration and site changes. Again, the challenge for cell site owners is to manage thousands of cell sites which are geographically distributed. The 3D modeling systems and methods utilize various techniques to obtain data, to create 3D models, and to detect changes in configurations and surroundings. The 3D models can be created at two or more different points in time, and with the different 3D models, a comparison can be made to detect the changes. Advantageously, the 3D modeling systems and methods allow cell site operators to manage the cell sites without repeated physical site surveys efficiently. 
     Further, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to close-out audit systems and methods for cell site installation and maintenance. Specifically, the systems and methods eliminate the separate third-party inspection firm for the close-out audit. The systems and methods include the installers (i.e., from the third-party installation firm, the owner, the operator, etc.) performing video capture subsequent to the installation and maintenance and using various techniques to obtain data from the video capture for the close-out audit. The close-out audit can be performed off-site with the data from the video capture thereby eliminating unnecessary tower climbs, site visits, and the like. 
     Further, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to virtualized site survey systems and methods using three-dimensional (3D) modeling of cell sites and cell towers with and without unmanned aerial vehicles. The virtualized site survey systems and methods utilizing photo data capture along with location identifiers, points of interest, etc. to create three-dimensional (3D) modeling of all aspects of the cell sites, including interiors of buildings, cabinets, shelters, huts, hardened structures, etc. As described herein, a site survey can also include a site inspection, cell site audit, or anything performed based on the 3D model of the cell site including building interiors. With the data capture, 3D modeling can render a completely virtual representation of the cell sites. The data capture can be performed by on-site personnel, automatically with fixed, networked cameras, or a combination thereof. With the data capture and the associated 3D model, engineers and planners can perform site surveys, without visiting the sites leading to significant efficiency in cost and time. From the 3D model, any aspect of the site survey can be performed remotely including determinations of equipment location, accurate spatial rendering, planning through drag and drop placement of equipment, access to actual photos through a Graphical User Interface, indoor texture mapping, and equipment configuration visualization mapping the equipment in a 3D view of a rack. 
     Further, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to three-dimensional (3D) modeling of cell sites and cell towers with unmanned aerial vehicles. The present disclosure includes UAV-based systems and methods for 3D modeling and representing of cell sites and cell towers. The systems and methods include obtaining various pictures via a UAV at the cell site, flying around the cell site to obtain various different angles of various locations, tracking the various pictures (i.e., enough pictures to produce an acceptable 3D model, usually hundreds, but could be more) with location identifiers, and processing the various pictures to develop a 3D model of the cell site and the cell tower. Additionally, the systems and methods focus on precision and accuracy ensuring the location identifiers are as accurate as possible for the processing by using multiple different location tracking techniques as well as ensuring the UAV is launched from the same location and/or orientation for each flight. The same location and/or orientation, as described herein, was shown to provide more accurate location identifiers versus arbitrary location launches and orientations for different flights. Additionally, once the 3D model is constructed, the systems and methods include an application which enables cell site owners and cell site operators to “click” on any location and obtain associated photos, something extremely useful in the ongoing maintenance and operation thereof. Also, once constructed, the 3D model is capable of various measurements including height, angles, thickness, elevation, even Radio Frequency (RF), and the like. 
     Still further, in additional exemplary embodiments, UAV-based systems and methods are described associated with cell sites, such as for providing cell tower audits and the like, including a tethered configuration. Various aspects of UAVs are described herein to reduce tower climbs in conjunction with cell tower audits. Additional aspects are described utilizing UAVs for other functions, such as flying from cell tower to cell tower to provide audit services and the like. Advantageously, using UAVs for cell tower audits exponentially improves the safety of cell tower audits and has been shown by Applicants to reduce costs by over 40%, as well as drastically improving audit time. With the various aspects described herein, a UAV-based audit can provide superior information and quality of such information, including a 360-degree tower view. In one aspect, the systems and methods include a constrained flight zone for the UAV such as a three-dimensional rectangle (an “ice cube” shape) about the cell tower. This constrained flight zone allows the systems and methods to operate the UAV without extensive regulations such as including extra personnel for “spotting” and requiring private pilot&#39;s licenses. 
     § 1.0 Exemplary Cell Site 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates a side view of an exemplary cell site  10 . The cell site  10  includes a cell tower  12 . The cell tower  12  can be any type of elevated structure, such as 100-200 feet/30-60 meters tall. Generally, the cell tower  12  is an elevated structure for holding cell site components  14 . The cell tower  12  may also include a lightning rod  16  and a warning light  18 . Of course, there may various additional components associated with the cell tower  12  and the cell site  10  which are omitted for illustration purposes. In this exemplary embodiment, there are four sets  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  of cell site components  14 , such as for four different wireless service providers. In this example, the sets  20 ,  22 ,  24  include various antennas  30  for cellular service. The sets  20 ,  22 ,  24  are deployed in sectors, e.g. there can be three sectors for the cell site components—alpha, beta, and gamma. The antennas  30  are used to both transmit a radio signal to a mobile device and receive the signal from the mobile device. The antennas  30  are usually deployed as a single, groups of two, three or even four per sector. The higher the frequency of spectrum supported by the antenna  30 , the shorter the antenna  30 . For example, the antennas  30  may operate around 850 MHz, 1.9 GHz, and the like. The set  26  includes a microwave dish  32  which can be used to provide other types of wireless connectivity, besides cellular service. There may be other embodiments where the cell tower  12  is omitted and replaced with other types of elevated structures such as roofs, water tanks, etc. 
     § 2.0 Cell Site Audits Via UAV 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates a cell site audit  40  performed with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)  50 . As described herein, the cell site audit  40  is used by service providers, third party engineering companies, tower operators, etc. to check and ensure proper installation, maintenance, and operation of the cell site components  14  and shelter or cabinet  52  equipment as well as the various interconnections between them. From a physical accessibility perspective, the cell tower  12  includes a climbing mechanism  54  for tower climbers to access the cell site components  14 .  FIG. 2  includes a perspective view of the cell site  10  with the sets  20 ,  26  of the cell site components  14 . The cell site components  14  for the set  20  include three sectors—alpha sector  54 , beta sector  56 , and gamma sector  58 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  is utilized to perform the cell site audit  40  in lieu of a tower climber access the cell site components  14  via the climbing mechanism  54 . In the cell site audit  40 , an engineer/technician is local to the cell site  10  to perform various tasks. The systems and methods described herein eliminate a need for the engineer/technician to climb the cell tower  12 . Of note, it is still important for the engineer/technician to be local to the cell site  10  as various aspects of the cell site audit  40  cannot be done remotely as described herein. Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein provide an ability for a single engineer/technician to perform the cell site audit  40  without another person handling the UAV  50  or a person with a pilot&#39;s license operating the UAV  50  as described herein. 
     § 2.1 Cell Site Audit 
     In general, the cell site audit  40  is performed to gather information and identify a state of the cell site  10 . This is used to check the installation, maintenance, and/or operation of the cell site  10 . Various aspects of the cell site audit  40  can include, without limitation: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Verify the cell site 10 is built according to a current revision 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Equipment Labeling 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Coax Cable (“Coax”) Bend Radius 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Coax Color Coding/Tagging 
               
               
                   
                 Check for Coax External Kinks &amp; Dents 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Coax Ground Kits 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Coax Hanger/Support 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Coax Jumpers 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Coax Size 
               
               
                   
                 Check for Connector Stress &amp; Distortion 
               
               
                   
                 Check for Connector Weatherproofing 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Correct Duplexers/Diplexers Installed 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Duplexer/Diplexer Mounting 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Duplexers/Diplexers Installed Correctly 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Fiber Paper 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Lacing &amp; Tie Wraps 
               
               
                   
                 Check for Loose or Cross-Threaded Coax Connectors 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Return (“Ret”) Cables 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Ret Connectors 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Ret Grounding 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Ret Installation 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Ret Lightning Protection Unit (LPI) 
               
               
                   
                 Check for Shelter/Cabinet Penetrations 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Surge Arrestor Installation/Grounding 
               
               
                   
                 Verify Site Cleanliness 
               
               
                   
                 Verify LTE GPS Antenna Installation 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Of note, the cell site audit  40  includes gathering information at and inside the shelter or cabinet  52 , on the cell tower  12 , and at the cell site components  14 . Note, it is not possible to perform all of the above items solely with the UAV  50  or remotely. 
     § 3.0 Piloting the UAV at the Cell Site 
     It is important to note that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in the process of regulating commercial UAV (drone) operation. It is expected that these regulations would not be complete until 2016 or 2017. In terms of these regulations, commercial operation of the UAV  50 , which would include the cell site audit  40 , requires at least two people, one acting as a spotter and one with a pilot&#39;s license. These regulations, in the context of the cell site audit  40 , would make use of the UAV  50  impractical. To that end, the systems and methods described herein propose operation of the UAV  50  under FAA exemptions which allow the cell site audit  40  to occur without requiring two people and without requiring a pilot&#39;s license. Here, the UAV  50  is constrained to fly up and down at the cell site  10  and within a three-dimensional (3D) rectangle at the cell site components. These limitations on the flight path of the UAV  50  make the use of the UAV  50  feasible at the cell site  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in an exemplary embodiment, a screen diagram illustrates a view of a graphical user interface (GUI)  60  on a mobile device  100  while piloting the UAV  50 . The GUI  60  provides a real-time view to the engineer/technician piloting the UAV  50 . That is, a screen  62  provides a view from a camera on the UAV  50 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cell site  10  is shown with the cell site components  14  in the view of the screen  62 . Also, the GUI  60  has various controls  64 ,  66 . The controls  64  are used to pilot the UAV  50 , and the controls  66  are used to perform functions in the cell site audit  40  and the like. 
     § 3.1 FAA Regulations 
     The FAA is overwhelmed with applications from companies interested in flying drones, but the FAA is intent on keeping the skies safe. Currently, approved exemptions for flying drones include tight rules. Once approved, there is some level of certification for drone operators along with specific rules such as speed limit of 100 mph, height limitations such as 400 ft, no-fly zones, day only operation, documentation, and restrictions on aerial filming. Accordingly, flight at or around cell towers is constrained, and the systems and methods described herein fully comply with the relevant restrictions associated with drone flights from the FAA. 
     § 4.0 Exemplary Hardware 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view illustrates an exemplary UAV  50  for use with the systems and methods described herein. Again, the UAV  50  may be referred to as a drone or the like. The UAV  50  may be a commercially available UAV platform that has been modified to carry specific electronic components as described herein to implement the various systems and methods. The UAV  50  includes rotors  80  attached to a body  82 . A lower frame  84  is located on a bottom portion of the body  82 , for landing the UAV  50  to rest on a flat surface and absorb impact during landing. The UAV  50  also includes a camera  86  which is used to take still photographs, video, and the like. Specifically, the camera  86  is used to provide the real-time display on the screen  62 . The UAV  50  includes various electronic components inside the body  82  and/or the camera  86  such as, without limitation, a processor, a data store, memory, a wireless interface, and the like. Also, the UAV  50  can include additional hardware, such as robotic arms or the like that allow the UAV  50  to attach/detach components for the cell site components  14 . Specifically, it is expected that the UAV  50  will get bigger and more advanced, capable of carrying significant loads, and not just a wireless camera. The present disclosure contemplates using the UAV  50  for various aspects at the cell site  10 , including participating in construction or deconstruction of the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , etc. 
     These various components are now described with reference to a mobile device  100 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the UAV  50  can include similar components to the mobile device  100 . Of note, the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100  can be used cooperatively to perform various aspects of the cell site audit  40  described herein. In other embodiments, the UAV  50  can be operated with a controller instead of the mobile device  100 . The mobile device  100  may solely be used for real-time video from the camera  86  such as via a wireless connection (e.g., IEEE 802.11 or variants thereof). Some portions of the cell site audit  40  can be performed with the UAV  50 , some with the mobile device  100 , and others solely by the operator through visual inspection. In some embodiments, all of the aspects can be performed in the UAV  50 . In other embodiments, the UAV  50  solely relays data to the mobile device  100  which performs all of the aspects. Other embodiments are also contemplated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagram illustrates a mobile device  100 , which may be used for the cell site audit  40  or the like. The mobile device  100  can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor  102 , input/output (I/O) interfaces  104 , wireless interfaces  106 , a data store  108 , and memory  110 . It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that  FIG. 5  depicts the mobile device  100  in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components ( 102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and  110 ) are communicatively coupled via a local interface  112 . The local interface  112  can be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface  112  can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface  112  may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components. 
     The processor  102  is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor  102  can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the mobile device  100 , a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the mobile device  100  is in operation, the processor  102  is configured to execute software stored within the memory  110 , to communicate data to and from the memory  110 , and to generally control operations of the mobile device  100  pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor  102  may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications. The I/O interfaces  104  can be used to receive user input from and/or for providing system output. User input can be provided via, for example, a keypad, a touch screen, a scroll ball, a scroll bar, buttons, bar code scanner, and the like. System output can be provided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen, and the like. The I/O interfaces  104  can also include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/O interfaces  104  can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to interact with the mobile device  100 . Additionally, the I/O interfaces  104  may further include an imaging device, i.e. camera, video camera, etc. 
     The wireless interfaces  106  enable wireless communication to an external access device or network. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the wireless interfaces  106 , including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication. The wireless interfaces  106  can be used to communicate with the UAV  50  for command and control as well as to relay data therebetween. The data store  108  may be used to store data. The data store  108  may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store  108  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. 
     The memory  110  may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory  110  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory  110  may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another but can be accessed by the processor  102 . The software in memory  110  can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of  FIG. 5 , the software in the memory  110  includes a suitable operating system (O/S)  114  and programs  116 . The operating system  114  essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The programs  116  may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the mobile device  100 , including performing various aspects of the systems and methods described herein. 
     It will be appreciated that some exemplary embodiments described herein may include one or more generic or specialized processors (“one or more processors”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and/or systems described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions may be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the aforementioned approaches may be used. Moreover, some exemplary embodiments may be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer, server, appliance, device, etc. each of which may include a processor to perform methods as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), Flash memory, and the like. When stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium, software can include instructions executable by a processor that, in response to such execution, cause a processor or any other circuitry to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, etc. 
     § 4.1 RF Sensors in the UAV 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  can also include one or more RF sensors disposed therein. The RF sensors can be any device capable of making wireless measurements related to signals associated with the cell site components  14 , i.e., the antennas. In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  can be further configured to fly around a cell zone associated with the cell site  10  to identify wireless coverage through various measurements associated with the RF sensors. 
     § 5.0 Cell Site Audit with UAV and/or Mobile Device 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flow chart illustrates a cell site audit method  200  utilizing the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100 . Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the cell site audit  40  can be performed with the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100 . In other exemplary embodiments, the cell site audit  40  can be performed with the UAV  50  and an associated controller. In other embodiments, the mobile device  100  is solely used to relay real-time video from the camera  86 . While the steps of the cell site audit method  200  are listed sequentially, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize some or all of the steps may be performed in a different order. The cell site audit method  200  includes an engineer/technician at a cell site with the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100  (step  202 ). Again, one aspect of the systems and methods described herein is the usage of the UAV  50 , in a commercial setting, but with constraints such that only one operator is required and such that the operator does not have to hold a pilot&#39;s license. As described herein, the constraints can include a flight of the UAV  50  at or near the cell site  10  only, a flight pattern up and down in a 3D rectangle at the cell tower  12 , a maximum height restriction (e.g., 500 feet or the like), and the like. For example, the cell site audit  40  is performed by one of i) a single operator flying the UAV  50  without a license or ii) two operators including one with a license and one to spot the UAV  50 . 
     The engineer/technician performs one or more aspects of the cell site audit  40  without the UAV  50  (step  204 ). Note, there are many aspects of the cell site audit  40  as described herein. It is not possible for the UAV  50  to perform all of these items such that the engineer/technician could be remote from the cell site  10 . For example, access to the shelter or cabinet  52  for audit purposes requires the engineer/technician to be local. In this step, the engineer/technician can perform any audit functions as described herein that do not require climbing. 
     The engineer/technician can cause the UAV  50  to fly up the cell tower  12  or the like to view cell site components  14  (step  206 ). Again, this flight can be based on the constraints, and the flight can be through a controller and/or the mobile device  100 . The UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  can collect data associated with the cell site components  14  (step  208 ), and process the collected data to obtain information for the cell site audit  40  (step  210 ). As described herein, the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100  can be configured to collect data via video and/or photographs. The engineer/technician can use this collected data to perform various aspects of the cell site audit  40  with the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100  and without a tower climb. 
     The foregoing descriptions detail specific aspects of the cell site audit  40  using the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100 . In these aspects, data can be collected—generally, the data is video or photographs of the cell site components  14 . The processing of the data can be automated through the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  to compute certain items as described herein. Also, the processing of the data can be performed either at the cell site  10  or afterward by the engineer/technician. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  can be a commercial, “off-the-shelf” drone with a Wi-Fi enabled camera for the camera  86 . Here, the UAV  50  is flown with a controller pad which can include a joystick or the like. Alternatively, the UAV  50  can be flown with the mobile device  100 , such as with an app installed on the mobile device  100  configured to control the UAV  50 . The Wi-Fi enable camera is configured to communicate with the mobile device  100 —to both display real-time video and audio as well as to capture photos and/or video during the cell site audit  40  for immediate processing or for later processing to gather relevant information about the cell site components  14  for the cell site audit  40 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  can be a so-called “drone in a box” which is preprogrammed/configured to fly a certain route, such as based on the flight constraints described herein. The “drone in a box” can be physically transported to the cell site  10  or actually located there. The “drone in a box” can be remotely controlled as well. 
     § 5.1 Antenna Down Tilt Angle 
     In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit  40 , the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  can be used to determine a down tilt angle of individual antennas  30  of the cell site components  14 . The down tilt angle can be determined for all of the antennas  30  in all of the sectors  54 ,  56 ,  58 . The down tilt angle is the mechanical (external) down tilt of the antennas  30  relative to a support bar  200 . In the cell site audit  40 , the down tilt angle is compared against an expected value, such as from a Radio Frequency (RF) data sheet, and the comparison may check to ensure the mechanical (external) down tilt is within ±1.0° of specification on the RF data sheet. 
     Using the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100 , the down tilt angle is determined from a photo taken from the camera  86 . In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  is configured to measure three points—two defined by the antenna  30  and one by the support bar  200  to determine the down tilt angle of the antenna  30 . For example, the down tilt angle can be determined visually from the side of the antenna  30 —measuring a triangle formed by a top of the antenna  30 , a bottom of the antenna  30 , and the support bar  200 . 
     § 5.2 Antenna Plumb 
     In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit  40  and similar to determining the down tilt angle, the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  can be used to visually inspect the antenna  30  including its mounting brackets and associated hardware. This can be done to verify appropriate hardware installation, to verify the hardware is not loose or missing, and to verify that antenna  30  is plumb relative to the support bar  200 . 
     § 5.3 Antenna Azimuth 
     In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit  40 , the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  can be used to verify the antenna azimuth, such as verifying the antenna azimuth is oriented within ±5° as defined on the RF data sheet. The azimuth (AZ) angle is the compass bearing, relative to true (geographic) north, of a point on the horizon directly beneath an observed object. Here, the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  can include a location determining device such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) measurement device. The antenna azimuth can be determined with the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  using an aerial photo or the GPS measurement device. 
     § 5.4 Photo Collections 
     As part of the cell site audit  40  generally, the UAV  50  and/or the mobile device  100  can be used to document various aspects of the cell site  10  by taking photos or video. For example, the mobile device  100  can be used to take photos or video on the ground in or around the shelter or cabinet  52  and the UAV  500  can be used to take photos or video up the cell tower  12  and of the cell site components  14 . The photos and video can be stored in any of the UAV  50 , the mobile device  100 , the cloud, etc. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV can also hover at the cell site  10  and provide real-time video footage back to the mobile device  100  or another location (for example, a Network Operations Center (NOC) or the like). 
     § 5.5 Compound Length/Width 
     The UAV  50  can be used to fly over the cell site  10  to measure the overall length and width of the cell site  10  compound from overhead photos. In one aspect, the UAV  50  can use GPS positioning to detect the length and width by flying over the cell site  10 . In another aspect, the UAV  50  can take overhead photos which can be processed to determine the associated length and width of the cell site  10 . 
     § 5.6 Data Capture—Cell Site Audit 
     The UAV  50  can be used to capture various pieces of data via the camera  86 . That is, with the UAV  50  and the mobile device  100 , the camera  86  is equivalent to the engineer/technician&#39;s own eyes, thereby eliminating the need for the engineer/technician to physically climb the tower. One important aspect of the cell site audit  40  is physically collecting various pieces of information—either to check records for consistency or to establish a record. For example, the data capture can include determining equipment module types, locations, connectivity, serial numbers, etc. from photos. The data capture can include determining physical dimensions from photos or from GPS such as the cell tower  12  height, width, depth, etc. The data capture can also include visual inspection of any aspect of the cell site  10 , cell tower  12 , cell site components  14 , etc. including, but not limited to, physical characteristics, mechanical connectivity, cable connectivity, and the like. 
     The data capture can also include checking the lightning rod  16  and the warning light  18  on the cell tower  12 . Also, with additional equipment on the UAV  50 , the UAV  50  can be configured to perform maintenance such as replacing the warning light  18 , etc. The data capture can also include checking maintenance status of the cell site components  14  visually as well as checking associated connection status. Another aspect of the cell site audit  40  can include checking the structural integrity of the cell tower  12  and the cell site components  14  via photos from the UAV  50 . 
     § 5.7 Flying the UAV at the Cell Site 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  can be programmed to automatically fly to a location and remain there without requiring the operator to control the UAV  50  in real-time, at the cell site  10 . In this scenario, the UAV  50  can be stationary at a location in the air at the cell site  10 . Here, various functionality can be incorporated in the UAV  50  as described herein. Note, this aspect leverages the ability to fly the UAV  50  commercially based on the constraints described herein. That is, the UAV  50  can be used to fly around the cell tower  12 , to gather data associated with the cell site components  14  for the various sectors  54 ,  56 ,  58 . Also, the UAV  50  can be used to hover around the cell tower  12 , to provide additional functionality described as follows. 
     § 5.8 Video/Photo Capture—Cell Site 
     With the UAV  50  available to operate at the cell site  10 , the UAV  50  can also be used to capture video/photos while hovering. This application uses the UAV  50  as a mobile video camera to capture activity at or around the cell site  10  from the air. It can be used to document work at the cell site  10  or to investigate the cell site  10  responsive to problems, e.g. tower collapse. It can be used to take surveillance video of surrounding locations such as service roads leading to the cell site  10 , etc. 
     § 5.9 Wireless Service Via the UAV 
     Again, with the ability to fly at the cell site  10 , subject to the constraints, the UAV  50  can be used to provide temporary or even permanent wireless service at the cell site. This is performed with the addition of wireless service-related components to the UAV  50 . In the temporary mode, the UAV  50  can be used to provide services over a short time period, such as responding to an outage or other disaster affecting the cell site  10 . Here, an operator can cause the UAV  50  to fly where the cell site components  14  are and provide such service. The UAV  50  can be equipped with wireless antennas to provide cell service, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service, or the like. The UAV  50  can effectively operate as a temporary tower or small cell as needed. 
     In the permanent mode, the UAV  50  (along with other UAVs  50 ) can constantly be in the air at the cell site  10  providing wireless service. This can be done similar to the temporary mode but over a longer time period. The UAV  50  can be replaced over a predetermined time to refuel or the like. The replacement can be another UAV  50 . The UAV  50  can effectively operate as a permanent tower or small cell as needed. 
     § 6.0 Flying the UAV from Cell Site to Another Cell Site 
     As described herein, the flight constraints include operating the UAV  50  vertically in a defined 3D rectangle at the cell site  10 . In another exemplary embodiment, the flight constraints can be expanded to allow the 3D rectangle at the cell site  10  as well as horizontal operation between adjacent cell sites  10 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , in an exemplary embodiment, a network diagram illustrates various cell sites  10   a - 10   e  deployed in a geographic region  300 . In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  is configured to operate as described herein, such as in  FIG. 2 , in the vertical 3D rectangular flight pattern, as well as in a horizontal flight pattern between adjacent cell sites  10 . Here, the UAV  50  is cleared to fly, without the commercial regulations, between the adjacent cell sites  10 . 
     In this manner, the UAV  50  can be used to perform the cell site audits  40  at multiple locations—note, the UAV  50  does not need to land and physically be transported to the adjacent cell sites  10 . Additionally, the fact that the FAA will allow exemptions to fly the UAV  50  at the cell site  10  and between adjacent cell sites  10  can create an interconnected mesh network of allowable flight paths for the UAV  50 . Here, the UAV  50  can be used for other purposes besides those related to the cell site  10 . That is, the UAV  50  can be flown in any application, independent of the cell sites  10 , but without requiring FAA regulation. The applications can include, without limitation, a drone delivery network, a drone surveillance network, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the UAV  50 , at the cell site  10   a , can be flown to any of the other cell sites  10   b - 10   e  along flight paths  302 . Due to the fact that cell sites  10  are numerous and diversely deployed in the geographic region  300 , an ability to fly the UAV  50  at the cell sites  10  and between adjacent cell sites  10  creates an opportunity to fly the UAV  50  across the geographic region  300 , for numerous applications. 
     § 7.0 UAV and Cell Towers 
     Additionally, the systems and methods described herein contemplate practically any activity at the cell site  10  using the UAV  50  in lieu of a tower climb. This can include, without limitation, any tower audit work with the UAV  50 , any tower warranty work with the UAV  50 , any tower operational ready work with the UAV  50 , any tower construction with the UAV  50 , any tower decommissioning/deconstruction with the UAV  50 , any tower modifications with the UAV  50 , and the like. 
     § 8.0 Cell Site Operations 
     There are generally two entities associated with cell sites—cell site owners and cell site operators. Generally, cell site owners can be viewed as real estate property owners and managers. Typical cell site owners may have a vast number of cell sites, such as tens of thousands, geographically dispersed. The cell site owners are generally responsible for the real estate, ingress and egress, structures on site, the cell tower itself, etc. Cell site operators generally include wireless service providers who generally lease space on the cell tower and in the structures for antennas and associated wireless backhaul equipment. There are other entities that may be associated with cell sites as well including engineering firms, installation contractors, and the like. All of these entities have a need for the various UAV-based systems and methods described herein. Specifically, cell site owners can use the systems and methods for real estate management functions, audit functions, etc. Cell site operators can use the systems and methods for equipment audits, troubleshooting, site engineering, etc. Of course, the systems and methods described herein can be provided by an engineering firm or the like contracted to any of the above entities or the like. The systems and methods described herein provide these entities time savings, increased safety, better accuracy, lower cost, and the like. 
     § 10.0 3D Modeling Systems and Methods with UAVs 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates the cell site  10  and an associated launch configuration and flight for the UAV  50  to obtain photos for a 3D model of the cell site  10 . Again, the cell site  10 , the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , etc. are as described herein. To develop a 3D model, the UAV  50  is configured to take various photos during flight, at different angles, orientations, heights, etc. to develop a 360-degree view. For post processing, it is important to differentiate between different photos accurately. In various exemplary embodiments, the systems and methods utilize accurate location tracking for each photo taken. It is important for accurate correlation between photos to enable construction of a 3D model from a plurality of 2D photos. The photos can all include multiple location identifiers (i.e., where the photo was taken from, height and exact location). In an exemplary embodiment, the photos can each include at least two distinct location identifiers, such as from GPS or GLONASS. GLONASS is a “GLObal NAvigation Satellite System” which is a space-based satellite navigation system operating in the radio navigation-satellite service and used by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces. It provides an alternative to GPS and is the second alternative navigational system in operation with global coverage and of comparable precision. The location identifiers are tagged or embedded to each photo and indicative of the location of the UAV  50  where and when the photo was taken. These location identifiers are used with objects of interest identified in the photo during post processing to create the 3D model. 
     In fact, it was determined that location identifier accuracy is very important in the post processing for creating the 3D model. One such determination was that there are slight inaccuracies in the location identifiers when the UAV  50  is launched from a different location and/or orientation. Thus, to provide further accuracy for the location identifiers, each flight of the UAV  50  is constrained to land and depart from a same location and orientation. For example, future flights of the same cell site  10  or additional flights at the same time when the UAV  50  lands and, e.g., has a battery change. To ensure the same location and/or orientation in subsequent flights at the cell site  10 , a zone indicator  800  is set at the cell site  10 , such as on the ground via some marking (e.g., chalk, rope, white powder, etc.). Each flight at the cell site  10  for purposes of obtaining photos for 3D modeling is done using the zone indicator  800  to land and launch the UAV  50 . Based on operations, it was determined that using conventional UAVs  50 ; the zone indicator  800  provides significantly more accuracy in location identifier readings. Accordingly, the photos are accurately identified relative to one another and able to create an extremely accurate 3D model of all physical features of the cell site  10 . Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, all UAV  50  flights are from the same launch point and orientation to avoid calibration issues with any location identifier technique. The zone indicator  800  can also be marked on the 3D model for future flights at the cell site  10 . Thus, the use of the zone indicator  800  for the same launch location and orientation along with the multiple location indicators provide more precision in the coordinates for the UAV  50  to correlate the photos. 
     Note, in other exemplary embodiments, the zone indicator  800  may be omitted, or the UAV  50  can launch from additional points, such that the data used for the 3D model is only based on a single flight. The zone indicator  800  is advantageous when data is collected over time or when there are landings in flight. 
     Once the zone indicator  800  is established, the UAV  50  is placed therein in a specific orientation (orientation is arbitrary so long as the same orientation is continually maintained). The orientation refers to which way the UAV  50  is facing at launch and landing. Once the UAV  50  is in the zone indicator  800 , the UAV  50  can be flown up (denoted by line  802 ) the cell tower  12 . Note, the UAV  50  can use the aforementioned flight constraints to conform to FAA regulations or exemptions. Once at a certain height and certain distance from the cell tower  12  and the cell site components  14 , the UAV  50  can take a circular or 360-degree flight pattern about the cell tower  12 , including flying up as well as around the cell tower  12  (denoted by line  804 ). 
     During the flight, the UAV  50  is configured to take various photos of different aspects of the cell site  10  including the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , as well as surrounding area. These photos are each tagged or embedded with multiple location identifiers. It has also been determined that the UAV  50  should be flown at a certain distance based on its camera capabilities to obtain the optimal photos, i.e., not too close or too far from objects of interest. The UAV  50  in a given flight can take hundreds or even thousands of photos, each with the appropriate location identifiers. For an accurate 3D model, at least hundreds of photos are required. The UAV  50  can be configured to take pictures automatically are given intervals during the flight, and the flight can be a preprogrammed trajectory around the cell site  10 . Alternatively, the photos can be manually taken based on operator commands. Of course, a combination is also contemplated. In another exemplary embodiment, the UAV  50  can include preprocessing capabilities which monitor photos taken to determine a threshold after which enough photos have been taken to construct the 3D model accurately. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in an exemplary embodiment, a satellite view illustrates an exemplary flight of the UAV  50  at the cell site  10 . Note, photos are taken at locations marked with circles in the satellite view. Note, the flight of the UAV  50  can be solely to construct the 3D model, or as part of the cell site audit  40  described herein. Also note, the exemplary flight allows photos at different locations, angles, orientations, etc. such that the 3D model not only includes the cell tower  12 , but also the surrounding geography. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , in an exemplary embodiment, a side view illustrates an exemplary flight of the UAV  50  at the cell site  10 . Similar to  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10  shows circles in the side view at locations where photos were taken. Note, photos are taken at different elevations, orientations, angles, and locations. 
     The photos are stored locally in the UAV  50  and/or transmitted wirelessly to a mobile device, controller, server, etc. Once the flight is complete and the photos are provided to an external device from the UAV  50  (e.g., mobile device, controller, server, cloud service, or the like), post processing occurs to combine the photos or “stitch” them together to construct the 3D model. While described separately, the post processing could occur in the UAV  50  provided its computing power is capable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in an exemplary embodiment, a logical diagram illustrates a portion of a cell tower  12  along with associated photos taken by the UAV  50  at different points relative thereto. Specifically, various 2D photos are logically shown at different locations relative to the cell tower  12  to illustrate the location identifiers and the stitching together of the photos. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , in an exemplary embodiment, a screen shot illustrates a Graphic User Interface (GUI) associated with post processing photos from the UAV  50 . Again, once the UAV  50  has completed taking photos of the cell site  10 , the photos are post processed to form a 3D model. The systems and methods contemplate any software program capable of performing photogrammetry. In the example of  FIG. 12 , there are 128 total photos. The post processing includes identifying visible points across the multiple points, i.e., objects of interest. For example, the objects of interest can be any of the cell site components  14 , such as antennas. The post processing identifies the same object of interest across different photos, with their corresponding location identifiers, and builds a 3D model based on multiple 2D photos. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in an exemplary embodiment, a screen shot illustrates a 3D model constructed from a plurality of 2D photos taken from the UAV  50  as described herein. Note, the 3D model can be displayed on a computer or another type of processing device, such as via an application, a Web browser, or the like. The 3D model supports zoom, pan, tilt, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14-19 , in various exemplary embodiments, various screen shots illustrate GUIs associated with a 3D model of a cell site based on photos taken from the UAV  50  as described herein.  FIG. 14  is a GUI illustrating an exemplary measurement of an object, i.e., the cell tower  12 , in the 3D model. Specifically, using a point and click operation, one can click on two points such as the top and bottom of the cell tower and the 3D model can provide a measurement, e.g.  175 ′ in this example.  FIG. 15  illustrates a close-up view of a cell site component  14  such as an antenna and a similar measurement made thereon using point and click, e.g. 4.55′ in this example.  FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate an aerial view in the 3D model showing surrounding geography around the cell site  10 . From these views, the cell tower  12  is illustrated with the surrounding environment including the structures, access road, fall line, etc. Specifically, the 3D model can assist in determining a fall line which is anywhere in the surroundings of the cell site  10  where the cell tower  12  may fall. Appropriate considerations can be made based thereon. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate the 3D model and associated photos on the right side. One useful aspect of the 3D model GUI is an ability to click anywhere on the 3D model and bring up corresponding 2D photos. Here, an operator can click anywhere and bring up full sized photos of the area. Thus, with the systems and methods described herein, the 3D model can measure and map the cell site  10  and surrounding geography along with the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , etc. to form a comprehensive 3D model. There are various uses of the 3D model to perform cell site audits including checking tower grounding; sizing and placement of antennas, piping, and other cell site components  14 ; providing engineering drawings; determining characteristics such as antenna azimuths; and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2021 , in an exemplary embodiment, a photo illustrates the UAV  50  in flight at the top of a cell tower  12 . As described herein, it was determined that the optimum distance to photograph the cell site components  14  is about 10′ to 40′ distance. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a process  850  for modeling a cell site with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The process  850  includes causing the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site, wherein a launch location and launch orientation is defined for the UAV to take off and land at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has the same launch location and launch orientation (step  852 ); obtaining a plurality of photographs of the cell site during about the flight plane, wherein each of the plurality of photographs is associated with one or more location identifiers (step  854 ); and, subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on the associated with one or more location identifiers and one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs (step  856 ). 
     The process  850  can further include landing the UAV at the launch location in the launch orientation; performing one or more operations on the UAV, such as changing a battery; and relaunching the UAV from the launch location in the launch orientation to obtain additional photographs. The one or more location identifiers can include at least two location identifiers including Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The flight plan can be constrained to an optimum distance from the cell tower. The plurality of photographs can be obtained automatically during the flight plan while concurrently performing a cell site audit of the cell site. The process  850  can further include providing a graphical user interface (GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI to perform a cell site audit. The process  850  can further include providing a graphical user interface (GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI to measure various components at the cell site. The process  850  can further include providing a graphical user interface (GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI to obtain photographs of the various components at the cell site. 
     § 11.1 3D Modeling Systems and Methods without UAVs 
     The above description explains 3D modeling and photo data capture using the UAV  50 . Additionally, the photo data capture can be through other means, including portable cameras, fixed cameras, heads up displays (HUD), head mounted cameras, and the like. That is the systems and methods described herein contemplate the data capture through any available technique. The UAV  50  will be difficult to obtain photos inside the buildings, i.e., the shelter or cabinet  52 . Referring to  FIG. 22 , in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates an exemplary interior  900  of a building  902 , such as the shelter or cabinet  52 , at the cell site  10 . Generally, the building  902  houses equipment associated with the cell site  10  such as wireless RF terminals  910  (e.g., LTE terminals), wireless backhaul equipment  912 , power distribution  914 , and the like. Generally, wireless RF terminals  910  connect to the cell site components  14  for providing associated wireless service. The wireless backhaul equipment  912  includes networking equipment to bring the associated wireless service signals to a wireline network, such as via fiber optics or the like. The power distribution  914  provides power for all of the equipment such as from the grid as well as a battery backup to enable operation in the event of power failures. Of course, additional equipment and functionality are contemplated in the interior  900 . 
     The terminals  910 , equipment  912 , and the power distribution  914  can be realized as rack or frame mounted hardware with cabling  916  and with associated modules  918 . The modules  918  can be pluggable modules which are selectively inserted in the hardware and each can include unique identifiers  920  such as barcodes, Quick Response (QR) codes, RF Identification (RFID), physical labeling, color coding, or the like. Each module  918  can be unique with a serial number, part number, and/or functional identifier. The modules  918  are configured as needed to provide the associated functionality of the cell site. 
     The systems and methods include, in addition to the aforementioned photo capture via the UAV  50 , photo data capture in the interior  900  for 3D modeling and for virtual site surveys. The photo data capture can be performed by a fixed, rotatable camera  930  located in the interior  900 . The camera  930  can be communicatively coupled to a Data Communication Network (DCN), such as through the wireless backhaul equipment  912  or the like. The camera  930  can be remotely controlled, such as by an engineer performing a site survey from his or her office. Other techniques of photo data capture can include an on-site technician taking photos with a camera and uploading them to a cloud service or the like. Again, the systems and methods contemplate any type of data capture. 
     Again, with a plurality of photos, e.g., hundreds, it is possible to utilize photogrammetry to create a 3D model of the interior  900  (as well as a 3D model of the exterior as described above). The 3D model is created using physical cues in the photos to identify objects of interest, such as the modules  918 , the unique identifiers  920 , or the like. Note, the location identifiers described relative to the UAV  50  are less effective in the interior  900  given the enclosed, interior space and the closer distances. 
     § 12.0 Virtual Site Survey 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a virtual site survey process  950  for the cell site  10 . The virtual site survey process  950  is associated with the cell site  10  and utilizes three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance, i.e., at an office as opposed to in the field. The virtual site survey process  950  includes obtaining a plurality of photographs of a cell site including a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof (step  952 ); subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs (step  954 ); and remotely performing a site survey of the cell site utilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiors thereof (step  956 ). The 3D model is a combination of an exterior of the cell site including the cell tower and associated cell site components thereon, geography local to the cell site, and the interiors of the one or more buildings at the cell site, and the 3D model can include detail at a module level in the interiors. 
     The remotely performing the site survey can include determining equipment location on the cell tower and in the interiors; measuring distances between the equipment and within the equipment to determine actual spatial location; and determining connectivity between the equipment based on associated cabling. The remotely performing the site survey can include planning for one or more of new equipment and changes to existing equipment at the cell site through drag and drop operations in the GUI, wherein the GUI includes a library of equipment for the drag and drop operations; and, subsequent to the planning, providing a list of the one or more of the new equipment and the changes to the existing equipment based on the library, for implementation thereof. The remotely performing the site survey can include providing one or more of the photographs of an associated area of the 3D model responsive to an operation in the GUI. The virtual site survey process  950  can include rendering a texture map of the interiors responsive to an operation in the GUI. 
     The virtual site survey process  950  can include performing an inventory of equipment at the cell site including cell site components on the cell tower and networking equipment in the interiors, wherein the inventory from the 3D model uniquely identifies each of the equipment based on associated unique identifiers. The remotely performing the site survey can include providing an equipment visual in the GUI of a rack and all associated modules therein. The obtaining can include the UAV  50  obtaining the photographs on the cell tower, and the obtaining includes one or more of a fixed and portable camera obtaining the photographs in the interior. The obtaining can be performed by an on-site technician at the cell site, and the site survey can be remotely performed. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to perform a virtual site survey of a cell site utilizing three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance includes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive, via the network interface, a plurality of photographs of a cell site including a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof process the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent to receiving the photographs; and provide a Graphical User Interface of the 3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell site utilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiors thereof. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the steps of: receiving a plurality of photographs of a cell site including a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent to receiving the photographs; and rendering a Graphical User Interface of the 3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell site utilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiors thereof. 
     The virtual site survey can perform anything remotely that traditionally would have required on-site presence, including the various aspects of the cell site audit  40  described herein. The GUI of the 3D model can be used to check plumbing of coaxial cabling, connectivity of all cabling, automatic identification of cabling endpoints such as through unique identifiers detected on the cabling, and the like. The GUI can further be used to check power plant and batteries, power panels, physical hardware, grounding, heating and air conditioning, generators, safety equipment, and the like. 
     The 3D model can be utilized to automatically provide engineering drawings, such as responsive to the planning for new equipment or changes to existing equipment. Here, the GUI can have a library of equipment (e.g., approved equipment and vendor information can be periodically imported into the GUI). Normal drag and drop operations in the GUI can be used for equipment placement from the library. Also, the GUI system can include error checking, e.g., a particular piece of equipment is incompatible with placement or in violation of policies, and the like. 
     § 13.0 Close-Out Audit Systems and Methods 
     Again, a close-out audit is done to document and verify the work performed at the cell site  10 . The systems and methods eliminate the separate third-party inspection firm for the close-out audit. The systems and methods include the installers (i.e., from the third-party installation firm, the owner, the operator, etc.) performing video capture subsequent to the installation and maintenance and using various techniques to obtain data from the video capture for the close-out audit. The close-out audit can be performed off-site with the data from the video capture thereby eliminating unnecessary tower climbs, site visits, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a close-out audit method  1350  performed at a cell site subsequent to maintenance or installation work. The close-out audit method  1350  includes, subsequent to the maintenance or installation work, obtaining video capture of cell site components associated with the work (step  1352 ); subsequent to the video capture, processing the video capture to obtain data for the close-out audit, wherein the processing comprises identifying the cell site components associated with the work (step  1354 ); and creating a close-out audit package based on the processed video capture, wherein the close-out audit package provides verification of the maintenance or installation work and outlines that the maintenance or installation work was performed in a manner consistent with an operator or owner&#39;s guidelines (step  1356 ). 
     The video capture can be performed by a mobile device and one or more of locally stored thereon and transmitted from the mobile device. The video capture can also be performed by a mobile device which wirelessly transmits a live video feed, and the video capture is remotely stored from the cell site. The video capture can also be performed by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flown at the cell site. Further, the video capture can be a live video feed with two-way communication between an installer associated with the maintenance or installation work and personnel associated with the operator or owner to verify the maintenance or installation work. For example, the installer and the personnel can communicate to go through various items in the maintenance or installation work to check/audit the work. 
     The close-out audit method  1350  can also include creating a three-dimensional (3D) model from the video capture; determining equipment location from the 3D model; measuring distances between the equipment and within the equipment to determine actual spatial location; and determining connectivity between the equipment based on associated cabling from the 3D model. The close-out audit method  1350  can also include uniquely identifying the cell site components from the video capture and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. The close-out audit method  1350  can also include determining antenna height, azimuth, and down tilt angles for antennas in the cell site components from the video capture; and checking the antenna height, azimuth, and down tilt angles against predetermined specifications. 
     The close-out audit method  1350  can also include identifying cabling and connectivity between the cell site components from the video capture and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. The close-out audit method  1350  can also include checking a plurality of factors in the close-out audit from the video capture compared to the operator or owner&#39;s guidelines. The close-out audit method  1350  can also include checking the grounding of the cell site components from the video capture, comparing the checked grounding to the operator or owner&#39;s guidelines and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. The close-out audit method  1350  can also include checking mechanical connectivity of the cell site components to a cell tower based on the video capture and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a system adapted for a close-out audit of a cell site subsequent to maintenance or installation work includes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to, subsequent to the maintenance or installation work, obtain video capture of cell site components associated with the work; subsequent to the video capture, process the video capture to obtain data for the close-out audit, wherein the processing comprises identifying the cell site components associated with the work; and create a close-out audit package based on the processed video capture, wherein the close-out audit package provides verification of the maintenance or installation work and outlines that the maintenance or installation work was performed in a manner consistent with an operator or owner&#39;s guidelines. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the steps of, subsequent to the maintenance or installation work, obtaining video capture of cell site components associated with the work; subsequent to the video capture, processing the video capture to obtain data for the close-out audit, wherein the processing comprises identifying the cell site components associated with the work; and creating a close-out audit package based on the processed video capture, wherein the close-out audit package provides verification of the maintenance or installation work and outlines that the maintenance or installation work was performed in a manner consistent with an operator or owner&#39;s guidelines. 
     The close-out audit package can include, without limitation, drawings, cell site component settings, test results, equipment lists, pictures, commissioning data, GPS data, Antenna height, azimuth and down tilt data, equipment data, serial numbers, cabling, etc. 
     § 14.0 3D Modeling Systems and Methods 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a 3D modeling method  1400  to detect configuration and site changes. The 3D modeling method  1400  utilizes various techniques to obtain data, to create 3D models, and to detect changes in configurations and surroundings. The 3D models can be created at two or more different points in time, and with the different 3D models, a comparison can be made to detect the changes. Advantageously, the 3D modeling systems and methods allow cell site operators to manage the cell sites without repeated physical site surveys efficiently. 
     The modeling method  1400  includes obtaining first data regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one or more data acquisition techniques and obtaining second data regarding the cell site from a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different time than the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second data each comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith (step  1402 ); processing the first data to define a first model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers and processing the second data to define a second model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers (step  1404 ); comparing the first model with the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site (step  1406 ); and performing one or more actions based on the identified changes (step  1408 ). 
     The one or more actions can include any remedial or corrective actions including maintenance, landscaping, mechanical repair, licensing from operators who install more cell site components  14  than agreed upon, and the like. The identified changes can be associated with cell site components installed on a cell tower at the cell site, and wherein the one or more actions comprises any of maintenance, licensing with operators, and removal. The identified changes can be associated with physical surroundings of the cell site, and wherein the one or more actions comprise maintenance to correct the identified changes. The identified changes can include any of degradation of gravel roads, trees obstructing a cell tower, physical hazards at the cell site, and mechanical issues with the cell tower or a shelter at the cell site. 
     The first data and the second data can be obtained remotely, without a tower climb. The first model and the second model each can include a three-dimensional model of the cell site, displayed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The one or more data acquisition techniques can include using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture the first data and the second data. The one or more data acquisition techniques can include using a fixed or portable camera to capture the first data and the second data. The one or more location identifiers can include at least two location identifiers comprising Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The second model can be created using the first model as a template for expected objects at the cell site. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a modeling system adapted for detecting changes in or at a cell site includes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to obtain first data regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one or more data acquisition techniques and obtain second data regarding the cell site from a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different time than the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second data each comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith; process the first data to define a first model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers and process the second data to define a second model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers; compare the first model with the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site; and cause performance of one or more actions based on the identified changes. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the steps of: obtaining first data regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one or more data acquisition techniques and obtaining second data regarding the cell site from a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different time than the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second data each comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith; processing the first data to define a first model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers and processing the second data to define a second model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers; comparing the first model with the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site; and performing one or more actions based on the identified changes. 
     § 15.0 3D Modeling Data Capture Systems and Methods 
     Again, various exemplary embodiments herein describe applications and uses of 3D models of the cell site  10  and the cell tower  12 . Further, it has been described using the UAV  50  to obtain data capture for creating the 3D model. The data capture systems and methods described herein provide various techniques and criteria for properly capturing images or video using the UAV  50 . Referring to  FIG. 26 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flow diagram illustrates a 3D model creation process  1700 . The 3D model creation process  1700  is implemented on a server or the like. The 3D model creation process  1700  includes receiving input data, i.e., pictures and/or video. The data capture systems and methods describe various techniques for obtaining the pictures and/or video using the UAV  50  at the cell site  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the pictures can be at least 10 megapixels, and the video can be at least 4 k high definition video. 
     The 3D model creation process  1700  performs initial processing on the input data (step  1702 ). An output of the initial processing includes a sparse point cloud, a quality report, and an output file can be camera outputs. The sparse point cloud is processed into a point cloud and mesh (step  1704 ) providing a densified point cloud and 3D outputs. The 3D model is an output of the step  1704 . Other models can be developed by further processing the densified point cloud (step  1706 ) to provide a Digital Surface Model (DSM), an orthomosaic, tiles, contour lines, etc. 
     The data capture systems and methods include capturing thousands of images or video which can be used to provide images. Referring to  FIG. 27 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method  1750  using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to obtain data capture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof. The method  1750  includes causing the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site (step  1752 ); obtaining data capture during the flight path about the cell tower, wherein the data capture comprises a plurality of photos or video, wherein the flight path is subjected to a plurality of constraints for the obtaining, and wherein the data capture comprises one or more location identifiers (step  1754 ); and, subsequent to the obtaining, processing the data capture to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the data capture (step  1756 ). 
     The method  1750  can further include remotely performing a site survey of the cell site utilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, one or more buildings, and interiors thereof (step  1758 ). As a launch location and launch orientation can be defined for the UAV to take off and land at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has the same launch location and launch orientation. The one or more location identifiers can include at least two location identifiers including Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). 
     The plurality of constraints can include each flight of the UAV having a similar lighting condition and at about a same time of day. Specifically, the data capture can be performed on different days or times to update the 3D model. Importantly, the method  1750  can require the data capture in the same lighting conditions, e.g., sunny, cloudy, etc., and at about the same time of day to account for shadows. 
     The data capture can include a plurality of photographs each with at least 10 megapixels and wherein the plurality of constraints can include each photograph having at least 75% overlap with another photograph. Specifically, the significant overlap allows for ease in processing to create the 3D model. The data capture can include a video with at least 4 k high definition and wherein the plurality of constraints can include capturing a screen from the video as a photograph having at least 75% overlap with another photograph captured from the video. 
     The plurality of constraints can include a plurality of flight paths around the cell tower with each of the plurality of flight paths at one or more of different elevations, different camera angles, and different focal lengths for a camera. The plurality of flight paths can be one of: a first flight path at a first height and a camera angle and a second flight path at a second height and the camera angle; and a first flight path at the first height and a first camera angle and a second flight path at the first height and a second camera angle. The plurality of flight paths can be substantially circular around the cell tower. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to obtain data capture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof includes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to cause the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site; cause data capture during the flight path about the cell tower, wherein the data capture comprises a plurality of photos or video, wherein the flight path is subjected to a plurality of constraints for the data capture, and wherein the data capture comprises one or more location identifiers; and, subsequent to the data capture, process the data capture to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the data capture. 
     § 15.1 3D Methodology for Cell Sites 
     Referring to  FIG. 28 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a 3D modeling method  1800  for capturing data at the cell site  10 , the cell tower  12 , etc. using the UAV  50 . The method  1800 , in addition to or in combination with the method  1750 , provides various techniques for accurately capturing data for building a point cloud generated a 3D model of the cell site  10 . First, the data acquisition, i.e., the performance of the method  1800 , should be performed in the early morning or afternoon such that nothing is overexposed and there is a minimum reflection off of the cell tower  12 . It is also important to have a low Kp Index level to minimize the disruption of geomagnetic activity on the UAV&#39;s GPS unit, sub level six is adequate for 3D modeling as described in this claim. Of course, it is also important to ensure the camera lenses on the UAV  50  are clean prior to launch. This can be done by cleaning the lenses with alcohol and a wipe. Thus, the method  1800  includes preparing the UAV  50  for flight and programming an autonomous flight path about the cell tower  12  (step  1802 ). 
     The UAV  50  flight about the cell tower  12  at the cell site  10  can be autonomous, i.e., automatic without manual control of the actual flight plan in real-time. The advantage here with autonomous flight is the flight of the UAV  50  is circular as opposed to a manual flight which can be more elliptical, oblong, or have gaps in data collection, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the autonomous flight of the UAV  50  can capture data equidistance around the planned circular flight path by using a Point of Interest (POI) flight mode. The POI flight mode is selected (either before or after takeoff), and once the UAV  50  is in flight, an operator can select a point of interest from a view of the UAV  50 , such as but not limited to via the mobile device  100  which is in communication with the UAV  50 . The view is provided by the camera  86 , and the UAV  50  in conjunction with the device identified to be in communication with the UAV  50  can determine a flight plan about the point of interest. In the method  1800 , the point of interest can be the cell tower  12 . The point of interest can be selected at an appropriate altitude and once selected, the UAV  50  circles in flight about the point of interest. Further, the radius, altitude, direction, and speed can be set for the point of interest flight as well as a number of repetitions of the circle. Advantageously, the point of interest flight path in a circle provides an even distance about the cell tower  12  for obtaining photos and video thereof for the 3D model. In an exemplary embodiment of a tape drop model, the UAV  50  will perform four orbits about a monopole cell tower  12  and about five or six orbits about a self-support/guyed cell tower  12 . In the exemplary embodiment of a structural analysis model, the number of orbits will be increased from 2 to 3 times to acquire the data needed to construct a more realistic graphic user interface model. 
     Additionally, the preparation can also include focusing the camera  86  in its view of the cell tower  12  to set the proper exposure. Specifically, if the camera  86 &#39;s view is too bright or too dark, the 3D modeling software will have issues in matching pictures or frames together to build the 3D model. 
     Once the preparation is complete and the flight path is set (step  1802 ), the UAV  50  flies in a plurality of orbits about the cell tower  12  (step  1804 ). The UAV obtains photos and/or video of the cell tower  12  and the cell site components  14  during each of the plurality of orbits (step  1806 ). Note, each of the plurality of orbits has different characteristics for obtaining the photos and/or video. Finally, photos and/or video is used to define a 3D model of the cell site  10  (step  1808 ). 
     For the plurality of orbits, a first orbit is around the entire cell site  10  to cover the entire cell tower  12  and associated surroundings. For monopole cell towers  12 , the radius of the first orbit will typically range from 100 to 150 ft. For self-support cell towers  12 , the radius can be up to 200 ft. The UAV  50 &#39;s altitude should be slightly higher than that of the cell tower for the first orbit. The camera  86  should be tilted slightly down capturing more ground in the background than sky to provide more texture helping the software match the photos. The first orbit should be at a speed of about 4 ft/second (this provides a good speed for battery efficiency and photo spacing). A photo should be taken around every two seconds or at 80 percent overlap decreasing the amount that edges and textures move from each photo. This allows the software to relate those edge/texture points to each photo called tie points. 
     A second orbit of the plurality of orbits should be closer to the radiation centers of the cell tower  12 , typically 30 to 50 ft with an altitude still slightly above the cell tower  12  with the camera  86  pointing downward. The operator should make sure all the cell site components  12  and antennas are in the frame including those on the opposite side of the cell tower  12 . This second orbit will allow the 3D model to create better detail on the structure and equipment in between the antennas and the cell site components  14 . This will allow contractors to make measurements on equipment between those antennas. The orbit should be done at a speed around 2.6 ft/second and still take photos close to every 2 seconds or keeping an 80 percent overlap. 
     A third orbit of the plurality of orbits has a lower altitude to around the mean distance between all of the cell site components  14  (e.g., Radio Access Devices (RADs)). With the lower altitude, the camera  86  is raised up such as 5 degrees or more because the ground will have moved up in the frame. This new angle and altitude will allow a full profile of all the antennas and the cell site components  14  to be captured. The orbit will still have a radius around 30 to 50 ft with a speed of about 2.6 ft/second. 
     The next orbit should be for a self-support cell tower  12 . Here, the orbit is expanded to around 50 to 60 ft, and the altitude decreased slightly below the cell site components  14  and the camera  86  angled slightly down more capturing all of the cross barring of the self-support structure. All of the structure to the ground does not need to be captured for this orbit but close to it. The portion close to the ground will be captured in the next orbit. However, there needs to be clear spacing in whatever camera angle is chosen. The cross members in the foreground should be spaced enough for the cross members on the other side of the cell tower  12  to be visible. This is done for self-support towers  12  because of the complexity of the structure and the need for better detail which is not needed for monopoles in this area. The first orbit for monopoles provides more detail because they are at a closer distance with the cell towers  12  lower height. The speed of the orbit can be increased to around 3 ft/second with the same spacing. 
     The last orbit for all cell towers  12  should have an increased radius to around 60 to 80 ft with the camera  86  looking more downward at the cell site  10 . The altitude should be decreased to get closer to the cell site  10  compound. The altitude should be around 60 to 80 ft but will change slightly depending on the size of the cell site  10  compound. The angle of the camera  86  with the altitude should be such to where the sides and tops of structures such as the shelters will be visible throughout the orbit. It is important to make sure the whole cell site  10  compound is in the frame for the entire orbit allowing the capture of every side of everything inside the compound including the fencing. The speed of the orbit should be around 3.5 ft/second with same photo time spacing and overlap. 
     The total amount of photos that should be taken for a monopole cell tower  12  should be around 300-400 and the total amount of photos for self-support cell tower  12  should be between 400-500 photos. Too many photos can indicate that the photos were taken too close together. Photos taken in succession with more than 80 percent overlap can cause errors in the processing of the model and cause extra noise around the details of the tower and lower the distinguishable parts for the software. 
     § 16.0 3D Modeling Data Capture Systems and Methods Using Multiple Cameras 
     Referring to  FIGS. 29A and 29B , in an exemplary embodiment, block diagrams illustrate a UAV  50  with multiple cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C ( FIG. 29A ) and a camera array  1900  ( FIG. 29B ). The UAV  50  can include the multiple cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C which can be located physically apart on the UAV  50 . In another exemplary embodiment, the multiple cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C can be in a single housing. In all embodiments, each of the multiple cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C can be configured to take a picture of a different location, different area, different focus, etc. That is, the cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C can be angled differently, have a different focus, etc. The objective is for the cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C together to cover a larger area than a single camera  86 . In a conventional approach for 3D modeling, the camera  86  is configured to take hundreds of pictures for the 3D model. For example, as described with respect to the 3D modeling method  1800 , 300-500 pictures are required for an accurate 3D model. In practice, using the limitations described in the 3D modeling method  1800 , this process, such as with the UAV  50 , can take hours. It is the objective of the systems and methods with multiple cameras to streamline this process such as reduce this time by half or more. The cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C are coordinated and communicatively coupled to one another and the processor  102 . 
     In  FIG. 29B , the camera array  1900  includes a plurality of cameras  1902 . Each of the cameras  1902  can be individual cameras each with its own settings, i.e., angle, zoom, focus, etc. The camera array  1900  can be mounted on the UAV  50 , such as the camera  86 . The camera array  1900  can also be portable, mounted on or at the cell site  10 , and the like. 
     In the systems and methods herein, the cameras  86 A,  86 B,  86 C and the camera array  1900  are configured to work cooperatively to obtain pictures to create a 3D model. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D model is of a cell site  10 . As described herein, the systems and methods utilize at least two cameras, e.g., the cameras  86 A,  86 B, or two cameras  1902  in the camera array  1900 . Of course, there can be greater than two cameras. The multiple cameras are coordinated such that one event where pictures are taken produce at least two pictures. Thus, to capture 300-500 pictures, less than 150-250 pictures are actually taken. 
     Referring to  FIG. 30 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method  1950  using multiple cameras to obtain accurate three-dimensional (3D) modeling data. In the method  1950 , the multiple cameras are used with the UAV  50 , but other embodiments are also contemplated. The method  1950  includes causing the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site (step  1952 ); obtaining data capture during the flight path about the cell tower, wherein the data capture includes a plurality of photos or video subject to a plurality of constraints, wherein the plurality of photos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which are coordinated with one another (step  1954 ); and, subsequent to the obtaining, processing the data capture to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the data capture (step  1956 ). The method  1950  can further include remotely performing a site survey of the cell site utilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, one or more buildings, and interiors thereof (step  1958 ). The flight path can include a plurality of orbits comprising at least four orbits around the cell tower each with a different set of characteristics of altitude, radius, and camera angle. 
     A launch location and launch orientation can be defined for the UAV to take off and land at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has the same launch location and launch orientation. The plurality of constraints can include each flight of the UAV having a similar lighting condition and at about a same time of day. A total number of photos can include around 300-400 for the monopole cell tower and 500-600 for the self-support cell tower, and the total number is taken concurrently by the plurality of cameras. The data capture can include a plurality of photographs each with at least 10 megapixels and wherein the plurality of constraints comprises each photograph having at least 75% overlap with another photograph. The data capture can include a video with at least 4 k high definition and wherein the plurality of constraints can include capturing a screen from the video as a photograph having at least 75% overlap with another photograph captured from the video. The plurality of constraints can include a plurality of flight paths around the cell tower with each of the plurality of flight paths at one or more of different elevations and each of the plurality of cameras with different camera angles and different focal lengths. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to obtain data capture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof includes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to cause the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site; obtain data capture during the flight path about the cell tower, wherein the data capture comprises a plurality of photos or video subject to a plurality of constraints, wherein the plurality of photos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which are coordinated with one another; and process the obtained data capture to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the data capture. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) adapted to obtain data capture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof includes one or more rotors disposed to a body; a plurality of cameras associated with the body; wireless interfaces; a processor coupled to the wireless interfaces and the camera; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to fly the UAV about a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site; obtain data capture during the flight path about the cell tower, wherein the data capture comprises a plurality of photos or video, wherein the plurality of photos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which are coordinated with one another; and provide the obtained data for a server to process the obtained data capture to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the data capture. 
     § 17.0 Multiple Camera Apparatus and Process 
     Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , in an exemplary embodiment, diagrams illustrate a multiple camera apparatus  2000  and use of the multiple camera apparatus  2000  in the shelter or cabinet  52  or the interior  900  of the building  902 . As previously described herein, the camera  930  can be used in the interior  900  for obtaining photos for 3D modeling and for virtual site surveys. The multiple camera apparatus  2000  is an improvement to the camera  930 , enabling multiple photos to be taken simultaneously of different views, angles, zoom, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple camera apparatus  2000  can be operated by a technician at the building  902  to quickly, efficiently, and properly obtain photos for a 3D model of the interior  900 . In another exemplary embodiment, the multiple camera apparatus  2000  can be mounted in the interior  900  and remotely controlled by an operator. 
     The multiple camera apparatus  2000  includes a post  2002  with a plurality of cameras  2004  disposed or attached to the post  2002 . The plurality of cameras  2004  can be interconnected to one another and to a control unit  2006  on the post. The control unit  2006  can include user controls to cause the cameras  2004  to each take a photo and memory for storing the photos from the cameras  2004 . The control unit  2006  can further include communication mechanisms to provide the captured photos to a system for 3D modeling (either via a wired and/or wireless connection). In an exemplary embodiment, the post  2002  can be about 6′ and the cameras  2004  can be positioned to enable data capture from the floor to the ceiling of the interior  900 . 
     The multiple camera apparatus  2000  can include other physical embodiments besides the post  2002 . For example, the multiple camera apparatus  2000  can include a box with the multiple cameras  2004  disposed therein. In another example, the multiple camera apparatus  2000  can include a handheld device which includes the multiple cameras  2004 . 
     The objective of the multiple camera apparatus  2000  is to enable a technician (either on-site or remote) to quickly capture photos (through the use of the multiple cameras  2004 ) for a 3D model and to properly capture the photos (through the multiple cameras  2004  have different zooms, angles, etc.). That is, the multiple camera apparatus  2000  ensures the photo capture is sufficient to accurately develop the 3D model, avoiding potentially revisiting the building  902 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 33 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a data capture method  2050  in the interior  900  using the multiple camera apparatus  2000 . The method  2050  includes obtaining or providing the multiple camera apparatus  2000  at the shelter or cabinet  52  or the interior  900  of the building  902  and positioning the multiple camera apparatus  2000  therein (step  2052 ). The method  2050  further includes causing the plurality of cameras  2004  to take photos based on the positioning (step  2054 ) and repositioning the multiple camera apparatus  2000  at a different location in the shelter or cabinet  52  or the interior  900  of the building  902  to take additional photos (step  2056 ). Finally, the photos taken by the cameras  2004  are provided to a 3D modeling system to develop a 3D model of the shelter or cabinet  52  or the interior  900  of the building  902 , such as for a virtual site survey (step  2058 ). 
     The repositioning step  2056  can include moving the multiple camera apparatus to each corner of the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the building. The repositioning step  2056  can include moving the multiple camera apparatus to each row of equipment in the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the building. The multiple camera apparatus can include a pole with the plurality of cameras disposed thereon, each of the plurality of cameras configured for a different view. The plurality of cameras are communicatively coupled to a control unit for the causing step  2054  and/or the providing step  2058 . Each of the plurality of cameras can be configured on the multiple camera apparatus for a different view, zoom, and/or angle. The method  2050  can include analyzing the photos subsequent to the repositioning; and determining whether the photos are suitable for the 3D model, and responsive to the photos not being suitable for the 3D model, instructing a user to retake the photos which are not suitable. The method  2050  can include combing the photos of the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the building with photos of a cell tower at the cell site, to form a 3D model of the cell site. The method  2050  can include performing a virtual site survey of the cell site using the 3D model. The repositioning step  2056  can be based on a review of the photos taken in the causing. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, a method for obtaining data capture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof includes obtaining or providing the multiple camera apparatus comprising a plurality of cameras at a shelter, a cabinet, or an interior of a building and positioning the multiple camera apparatus therein; causing the plurality of cameras to simultaneously take photos based on the positioning; repositioning the multiple camera apparatus at a different location in the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the building to take additional photos; obtaining exterior photos of a cell tower connect to the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the building; and providing the photos taken by the multiple camera apparatus and the exterior photos to a 3D modeling system to develop a 3D model of the cell site, for a virtual site survey thereof. 
     § 18.0 Cell Site Verification Using 3D Modeling 
     Referring to  FIG. 34 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method  2100  for verifying equipment and structures at the cell site  10  using 3D modeling. As described herein, an intermediate step in the creation of a 3D model includes a point cloud, e.g., a sparse or dense point cloud. A point cloud is a set of data points in some coordinate system, e.g., in a three-dimensional coordinate system, these points are usually defined by X, Y, and Z coordinates, and can be used to represent the external surface of an object. Here, the object can be anything associated with the cell site  10 , e.g., the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , etc. As part of the 3D model creation process, a large number of points on an object&#39;s surface are determined, and the output is a point cloud in a data file. The point cloud represents the set of points that the device has measured. 
     Various descriptions were presented herein for site surveys, close-out audits, etc. In a similar manner, there is a need to continually monitor the state of the cell site  10 . Specifically, as described herein, conventional site monitoring techniques typically include tower climbs. The UAV  50  and the various approaches described herein provide safe and more efficient alternatives to tower climbs. Additionally, the UAV  50  can be used to provide cell site  10  verification to monitor for site compliance, structural or load issues, defects, and the like. The cell site  10  verification can utilize point clouds to compare “before” and “after” data capture to detect differences. 
     With respect to site compliance, the cell site  10  is typically owned and operated by a cell site operator (e.g., real estate company or the like) separate from cell service providers with their associated cell site components  14 . The typical transaction includes leases between these parties with specific conditions, e.g., the number of antennas, the amount of equipment, the location of equipment, etc. It is advantageous for cell site operators to periodically audit/verify the state of the cell site  10  with respect to compliance, i.e., has cell service provider A added more cell site components  14  than authorized? Similarly, it is important for cell site operators to periodically check the cell site  10  to proactively detect load issues (too much equipment on the structure of the cell tower  12 ), defects (equipment detached from the structure), etc. 
     One approach to verifying the cell site  10  is a site survey, including the various approaches to site surveys described herein, including the use of 3D models for remote site surveys. In various exemplary embodiments, the method  2100  provides a quick and automated mechanism to quickly detect concerns (i.e., compliance issues, defects, load issues, etc.) using point clouds. Specifically, the method  2100  includes creating an initial point cloud for a cell site  10  or obtaining the initial point cloud from a database (step  2102 ). The initial point cloud can represent a known good condition, i.e., with no compliance issues, load issues, defects, etc. For example, the initial point cloud could be developed as part of the close-out audit, etc. The initial point cloud can be created using the various data acquisition techniques described herein using the UAV  50 . Also, a database can be used to store the initial point cloud. 
     The initial point cloud is loaded in a device, such as the UAV  50  (step  2104 ). The point cloud data files can be stored in the memory in a processing device associated with the UAV  50 . In an exemplary embodiment, multiple point cloud data files can be stored in the UAV  50 , allowing the UAV  50  to be deployed to perform the method  2100  at a plurality of cell sites  10 . The device (UAV  50 ) can be used to develop a second point cloud based on current conditions at the cell site  10  (step  2106 ). Again, the UAV  50  can use the techniques described herein relative to data acquisition to develop the second point cloud. Note, it is preferable to use a similar data acquisition for both the initial point cloud and the second point cloud, e.g., similar takeoff locations/orientations, similar paths about the cell tower  12 , etc. This ensures similarity in the data capture. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial point cloud is loaded to the UAV  50  along with instructions on how to perform the data acquisition for the second point cloud. The second point cloud is developed at a current time, i.e., when it is desired to verify aspects associated with the cell site  10 . 
     Variations are detected between the initial point cloud and the second point cloud (step  2108 ). The variations could be detected by the UAV  50 , in an external server, in a database, etc. The objective here is the initial point cloud and the second point cloud provides a quick and efficient comparison to detect differences, i.e., variations. The method  2100  includes determining if the variations are ant of compliance related, load issues, or defects (step  2110 ). Note, variations can be simply detected based on raw data differences between the point clouds. The step  2110  requires additional processing to determine what the underlying differences are. In an exemplary embodiment, the variations are detected in the UAV  50 , and, if detected, additional processing is performed by a server to actually determine the differences based on creating a 3D model of each of the point clouds. Finally, the second point cloud can be stored in the database for future processing (step  2112 ). An operator of the cell site  10  can be notified via any technique of any determined variations or differences for remedial action based thereon (addressing non-compliance, performing maintenance to fix defects or load issues, etc.). 
     § 19.0 Cell Site Audit and Survey Via Photo Stitching 
     Photo stitching or linking is a technique where multiple photos of either overlapping fields of view or adjacent fields of view are linked together to produce a virtual view or segmented panorama of an area. A common example of this approach is the so-called Street view offered by online map providers. In various exemplary embodiments, the systems and methods enable a remote user to perform a cell site audit, survey, site inspection, etc. using a User Interface (UI) with photo stitching/linking to view the cell site  10 . The various activities can include any of the aforementioned activities described herein. Further, the photos can also be obtained using any of the aforementioned techniques. Of note, the photos required for a photo stitched UI are significantly less than those required by the 3D model. However, the photo stitched UI can be based on the photos captured for the 3D model, e.g., a subset of the photos. Alternatively, the photo capture for the photo stitched UI can be captured separately. Variously, the photos for the UI are captured, and a linkage is provided between photos. The linkage allows a user to navigate between photos to view up, down, left, or right, i.e., to navigate the cell site  10  via the UI. The linkage can be noted in a photo database with some adjacency indicator. The linkage can be manually entered via a user reviewing the photos or automatically based on location tags associated with the photos. 
     Referring to  FIG. 35 , in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates a photo stitching UI  2200  for cell site audits, surveys, inspections, etc. remotely. The UI  2200  is viewed by a computer accessing a database of a plurality of photos with the linkage between each other based on adjacency. The photos are of the cell site  10  and can include the cell tower  12  and associated cell site components as well as interior photos of the shelter or cabinet  52  of the interior  900 . The UI  2200  displays a photo of the cell site  12  and the user can navigate to the left to a photo  2202 , to the right to a photo  2204 , up to a photo  2206 , or down to a photo  2208 . The navigation between the photos  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  is based on the links between the photos. In an exemplary embodiment, a navigation icon  2210  is shown in the UI  2200  from which the user can navigate the UI  2200 . Also, the navigation can include opening and closing a door to the shelter or cabinet  52 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the UI  2200  can include one of the photos  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  at a time with the navigation moving to a next photo. In another exemplary embodiment, the navigation can scroll between the photos  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  seamlessly. In either approach, the UI  2200  allows virtual movement around the cell site  10  remotely. The photos  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  can each be a high-resolution photo, e.g., 8 megapixels or more. From the photos  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208 , the user can read labels on equipment, check cable runs, check equipment location and installation, check cabling, etc. Also, the user can virtually scale the cell tower  12  avoiding a tower climb. An engineer can use the UI  2200  to perform site expansion, e.g., where to install new equipment. Further, once the new equipment is installed, the associated photos can be updated to reflect the new equipment. It is not necessary to update all photos, but rather only the photos of new equipment locations. 
     The photos  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  can be obtained using the data capture techniques described herein. The camera used for capturing the photos can be a 180, 270, or 360-degree camera. These cameras typically include multiple sensors allowing a single photo capture to capture a large view with a wide lens, fish eye lens, etc. The cameras can be mounted on the UAV  50  for capturing the cell tower  12 , the multiple camera apparatus  2000 , etc. Also, the cameras can be the camera  930  in the interior  900 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 36 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method  2300  for performing a cell site audit or survey remotely via a User Interface (UI). The method  2300  includes, subsequent to capturing a plurality of photos of a cell site and linking the plurality of photos to one another based on their adjacency at the cell site, displaying the UI to a user remote from the cell site, wherein the plurality of photos cover a cell tower with associated cell site components and an interior of a building at the cell site (step  2302 ); receiving navigation commands from the user performing the cell site audit or survey (step  2304 ); and updating the displaying based on the navigation commands, wherein the navigation commands comprise one or more of movement at the cell site and zoom of a current view (step  2306 ). The capturing the plurality of photos can be performed for a cell tower with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower. The linking the plurality of photos can be performed one of manually and automatically based on location identifiers associated with each photo. 
     The user performing the cell site audit or survey can include determining a down tilt angle of one or more antennas of the cell site components based on measuring three points comprising two defined by each antenna and one by an associated support bar; determining plumb of the cell tower and/or the one or more antennas, azimuth of the one or more antennas using a location determination in the photos; determining dimensions of the cell site components; determining equipment type and serial number of the cell site components; and determining connections between the cell site components. The plurality of photos can be captured concurrently with developing a three-dimensional (3D) model of the cell site. The updating the displaying can include providing a new photo based on the navigation commands. The updating the displaying can include seamlessly panning between the plurality of photos based on the navigation commands. 
     § 20.0 Subterranean 3D Modeling 
     The foregoing descriptions provide techniques for developing a 3D model of the cell site  10 , the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , the shelter or cabinet  52 , the interior  900  of the building  902 , etc. The 3D model can be used for a cell site audit, survey, site inspection, etc. In addition, the 3D model can also include a subterranean model of the surrounding area associated with the cell site  10 . Referring to  FIG. 37 , in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective diagram illustrates a 3D model  2400  of the cell site  10 , the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , and the shelter or cabinet  52  along with surrounding geography  2402  and subterranean geography  2404 . Again, the 3D model  2400  of the cell site  10 , the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , and the shelter or cabinet  52  along with a 3D model of the interior  900  can be constructed using the various techniques described herein. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the systems and methods extend the 3D model  2400  to include the surrounding geography  2402  and the subterranean geography  2404 . The surrounding geography  2402  represents the physical location around the cell site  10 . This can include the cell tower  12 , the shelter or cabinet  52 , access roads, etc. The subterranean geography  2404  includes the area underneath the surrounding geography  2402 . 
     The 3D model  2400  portion of the surrounding geography  2402  and the subterranean geography  2404  can be used by operators and cell site  10  owners for a variety of purposes. First, the subterranean geography  2404  can show locations of utility constructions including electrical lines, water/sewer lines, gas lines, etc. Knowledge of the utility constructions can be used in site planning and expansion, i.e., where to build new structures, where to run new underground utility constructions, etc. For example, it would make sense to avoid new above ground structures in the surrounding geography  2402  on top of gas lines or other utility constructions if possible. Second, the subterranean geography  2404  can provide insight into various aspects of the cell site  10  such as depth of support for the cell tower  12 , the ability of the surrounding geography  2402  to support various structures, the health of the surrounding geography  2402 , and the like. For example, for new cell site components  14  on the cell tower  12 , the 3D model  2400  can be used to determine whether there will be support issues, i.e., a depth of the underground concrete supports of the cell tower  12 . 
     Data capture for the 3D model  2400  for the subterranean geography  2404  can use various known 3D subterranean modeling techniques such as sonar, ultrasound, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and the like. Also, the data capture for the 3D model  2400  can utilize external data sources such as utility databases which can include the location of the utility constructions noted by location coordinates (e.g., GPS). In an exemplary embodiment, the data capture can be verified with the external data sources, i.e., data from the external data sources can verify the data capture using the 3D subterranean modeling techniques. 
     The 3D subterranean modeling techniques utilize a data capture device based on the associated technology. In an exemplary embodiment, the data capture device can be on the UAV  50 . In addition to performing the data capture techniques described herein for the cell tower  12 , the UAV  50  can perform data capture by flying around the surrounding geography  2402  with the data capture device aimed at the subterranean geography  2404 . The UAV  50  can capture data for the 3D model  2400  for both the above ground components and the subterranean geography  2404 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the data capture device can be used separately from the UAV  50 , such as via a human operator moving about the surrounding geography  2402  aiming the data capture device at the subterranean geography  2404 , via a robot or the like with the data capture device connected thereto, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 38 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method  2400  for creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site for one or more of a cell site audit, a site survey, and cell site planning and engineering. The method  2450  includes obtaining first data capture for above ground components including a cell tower, associated cell site components on the cell tower, one or more buildings, and surrounding geography around the cell site (step  2452 ); obtaining second data capture for subterranean geography associated with the surrounding geography (step  2454 ); utilizing the first data capture and the second data capture to develop the 3D model which includes both the above ground components and the subterranean geography (step  2456 ); and utilizing the 3D model to perform the one or more of the site audit, the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering (step  2458 ). 
     The method  2450  can further include obtaining third data capture of interiors of the one or more buildings; and utilizing the third data capture to develop the 3D model for the interiors. The obtaining second data capture can be performed with a data capture device using one of sonar, ultrasound, and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The obtaining first data capture can be performed with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower, and wherein the obtaining second data capture can be performed with the data capture device on the UAV. The obtaining first data capture can be performed with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower. The first data capture can include a plurality of photos or video subject to a plurality of constraints, wherein the plurality of photos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which are coordinated with one another. The 3D model can be presented in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to perform the one or more of the site audit, the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering. The subterranean geography in the 3D model can illustrate support structures of the cell tower and utility constructions in the surrounding geography. The method can further include utilizing an external data source to verify utility constructions in the second data capture for the subterranean geography. 
     § 21.0 3D Model of Cell Sites for Modeling Fiber Connectivity 
     As described herein, various approaches are described for 3D models for cell sites for cell site audits, site surveys, close-out audits, etc. which can be performed remotely (virtual). In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D model is further extended to cover surrounding areas focusing on fiber optic cables near the cell site. Specifically, with the fiber connectivity in the 3D model, backhaul connectivity can be determined remotely. 
     Referring to  FIG. 39 , in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective diagram illustrates the 3D model  2400  of the cell site  10 , the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , and the shelter or cabinet  52  along with surrounding geography  2402 , subterranean geography  2404 , and fiber connectivity  2500 . Again, the 3D model  2400  of the cell site  10 , the cell tower  12 , the cell site components  14 , and the shelter or cabinet  52  along with a 3D model of the interior  900  can be constructed using the various techniques described herein. Specifically,  FIG. 39  extends the 3D model  2400  in  FIG. 38  and in other areas described herein to further include fiber cabling. 
     As previously described, the systems and methods extend the 3D model  2400  to include the surrounding geography  2402  and the subterranean geography  2404 . The surrounding geography  2402  represents the physical location around the cell site  10 . This can include the cell tower  12 , the shelter or cabinet  52 , access roads, etc. The subterranean geography  2404  includes the area underneath the surrounding geography  2402 . Additionally, the 3D model  2400  also includes the fiber connectivity  2500  including components above ground in the surrounding geography  2402  and as well as the subterranean geography  2404 . 
     The fiber connectivity  2500  can include poles  2502  and cabling  2504  on the poles  2502 . The 3D model  2400  can include the fiber connectivity  2500  at the surrounding geography  2402  and the subterranean geography  2404 . Also, the 3D model can extend out from the surrounding geography  2402  on a path associated with the fiber connectivity  2500  away from the cell site  10 . Here, this can give the operator the opportunity to see where the fiber connectivity  2500  extends. Thus, various 3D models  2400  can provide a local view of the cell sites  10  as well as fiber connectivity  2500  in a geographic region. With this information, the operator can determine how close fiber connectivity  2500  is to current or future cell sites  10 , as well as perform site planning. 
     A geographic region can include a plurality of 3D models  2400  along with the fiber connectivity  2500  across the region. A collection of these 3D models  2400  in the region enables operators to perform more efficient site acquisition and planning. 
     Data capture of the fiber connectivity  2500  can be through the UAV  50  as described herein. Advantageously, the UAV  50  is efficient to capture photos or video of the fiber connectivity  2500  without requiring site access (on the ground) as the poles  2502  and the cabling  2504  may traverse private property, etc. Also, other forms of data capture are contemplated such as via a car with a camera, a handheld camera, etc. 
     The UAV  50  can be manually flown at the cell site  10  and once the cabling  2504  is identified, an operator can trace the cabling  2504  to capture photos or video for creating the 3D model  2400  with the fiber connectivity  2500 . For example, the operator can identify the fiber connectivity  2500  near the cell site  10  in the surrounding geography  2402  and then cause the UAV  50  to fly a path similar to the path taken by the fiber connectivity  2500  while performing data capture. Once the data is captured, the photos or video can be used to develop a 3D model of the fiber connectivity  2500  which can be incorporated in the 3D model  2400 . Also, the data capture can use the techniques for the subterranean geography  2404  as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 40 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method  2550  for creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site and associated fiber connectivity for one or more of a cell site audit, a site survey, and cell site planning and engineering. The method  2550  includes determining fiber connectivity at or near the cell site (step  2552 ); obtaining first data capture of the fiber connectivity at or near the cell site (step  2554 ); obtaining second data capture of one or more paths of the fiber connectivity from the cell site (step  2556 ); obtaining third data capture of the cell site including a cell tower, associated cell site components on the cell tower, one or more buildings, and surrounding geography around the cell site (step  2558 ); utilizing the first data capture, the second data capture, and the third data capture to develop the 3D model which comprises the cell site and the fiber connectivity (step  2560 ); and utilizing the 3D model to perform the one or more of the site audit, the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering (step  2560 ). 
     The method  2550  can further include obtaining fourth data capture for subterranean geography associated with the surrounding geography of the cell site; and utilizing the fourth data capture with the first data capture, the second data capture, and the third data capture to develop the 3D model. The fourth data capture can be performed with a data capture device using one of sonar, ultrasound, photogrammetry, and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). 
     The method  2550  can further include obtaining fifth data capture of interiors of one or more buildings at the cell site; and utilizing the fifth data capture with the first data capture, the second data capture, the third data capture, and the fourth data capture to develop the 3D model. The obtaining first data capture and the obtaining second data capture can be performed with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower with a data capture device on the UAV. An operator can cause the UAV to fly the one or more paths to obtain the second data capture. 
     The obtaining first data capture, the obtaining second data capture, and the obtaining third data capture can be performed with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower with a data capture device on the UAV. The third data capture can include a plurality of photos or video subject to a plurality of constraints, wherein the plurality of photos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which are coordinated with one another. The 3D model can be presented in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to perform the one or more of the site audit, the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site and associated fiber connectivity for one or more of a cell site audit, a site survey, and cell site planning and engineering includes a network interface, a data capture device, and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to determine fiber connectivity at or near the cell site based on feedback from the data capture device; obtain first data capture of the fiber connectivity at or near the cell site; obtain second data capture of one or more paths of the fiber connectivity from the cell site; obtain third data capture of the cell site including a cell tower, associated cell site components on the cell tower, one or more buildings, and surrounding geography around the cell site; utilize the first data capture, the second data capture, and the third data capture to develop the 3D model which comprises the cell site and the fiber connectivity; and utilize the 3D model to perform the one or more of the site audit, the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering. 
     § 22.0 Detecting Changes at the Cell Site and Surrounding Area Using UAVs 
     Referring to  FIG. 41 , in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective diagram illustrates a cell site  10  with the surrounding geography  2402 .  FIG. 41  is an example of a typical cell site. The cell tower  12  can generally be classified as a self-support tower, a monopole tower, and a guyed tower. These three types of cell towers  12  have different support mechanisms. The self-support tower can also be referred to as a lattice tower, and it is free standing, with a triangular base with three or four sides. The monopole tower is a single tube tower, and it is also free standing, but typically at a lower height than the self-support tower. The guyed tower is a straight rod supported by wires attached to the ground. The guyed tower needs to be inspected every 3 years, or so, the self-support tower needs to be inspected every 5 years, and the monopole tower needs to be inspected every 7 years. Again, the owners (real estate companies generally) of the cell site  10  have to be able to inspect these sites efficiently and effectively, especially given the tremendous number of sites—hundreds of thousands. 
     A typical cell site  10  can include the cell tower  12  and the associated cell site components  14  as described herein. The cell site  10  can also include the shelter or cabinet  52  and other physical structures—buildings, outside plant cabinets, etc. The cell site  10  can include aerial cabling, an access road  2600 , trees, etc. The cell site operator is concerned generally about the integrity of all of the aspects of the cell site  10  including the cell tower  12  and the cell site components  14  as well as everything in the surrounding geography  2402 . In general, the surrounding geography  2402  can be about an acre; although other sizes are also seen. 
     Conventionally, the cell site operator had inspections performed manually with on-site personnel, with a tower climb, and with visual inspection around the surrounding geography  2402 . The on-site personnel can capture data and observations and then return to the office to compare and contrast with engineering records. That is, the on-site personnel capture data, it is then compared later with existing site plans, close-out audits, etc. This process is time-consuming and manual. 
     To address these concerns, the systems and methods propose a combination of the UAV  50  and 3D models of the cell site  10  and surrounding geography  2402  to quickly capture and compare data. This capture and compare can be done in one step on-site, using the UAV  50  and optionally the mobile device  100 , quickly and accurately. First, an initial 3D model  2400  is developed. This can be as part of a close-out audit or part of another inspection. The 3D model  2400  can be captured using the 3D modeling systems and methods described herein. This initial 3D model  2400  can be referred to as a known good situation. The data from the 3D model  2400  can be provided to the UAV  50  or the mobile device  100 , and a subsequent inspection can use this initial 3D model  2400  to simultaneously capture current data and compare the current data with the known good situation. Any deviations are flagged. The deviations can be changes to the physical infrastructure, structural problems, ground disturbances, potential hazards, loss of gravel on the access road  2600  such as through wash out, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 42 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method  2650  for cell site inspection by a cell site operator using the UAV  50  and a processing device, such as the mobile device  100  or a processor associated with the UAV  50 . The method  2650  includes creating an initial computer model of a cell site and surrounding geography at a first point in time, wherein the initial computer model represents a known good state of the cell site and the surrounding geography (step  2652 ); providing the initial computer model to one or more of the UAV and the processing device (step  2654 ); capturing current data of the cell site and the surrounding geography at a second point in time using the UAV (step  2656 ); comparing the current data to the initial computer model by the processing device (step  2658 ); and identifying variances between the current data and the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise differences at the cell site and the surrounding geography between the first point in time and the second point in time (step  2660 ). 
     The method can further include specifically describing the variances based on comparing the current data and the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise any of changes to a cell tower, changes to cell site components on the cell tower, ground hazards, state of an access road, and landscape changes in the surrounding geography. The initial computer model can be a three-dimensional (3D) model describing by a point cloud, and where the comparing comprises a comparison of the current data to the point cloud. The initial computer model can be determined as part of one of a close-out audit and a site inspection where it is determined the initial computer model represents the known good state. The UAV can be utilized to capture data for the initial computer model, and the UAV is utilized in the capturing the current data. A flight plan of the UAV around a cell tower can be based on a type of the cell tower including any of a self-support tower, a monopole tower, and a guyed tower. The initial computer model can be a three-dimensional (3D) model viewed in a Graphical User Interface, and wherein the method can further include creating a second 3D model based on the current data and utilizing the second 3D model if it is determined the cell site is in the known good state based on the current data. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a processing device for cell site inspection by a cell site operator using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) includes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to, responsive to creation of an initial computer model of a cell site and surrounding geography at a first point in time, wherein the initial computer model represents a known good state of the cell site and the surrounding geography, receive the initial computer model; receive captured current data of the cell site and the surrounding geography at a second point in time using the UAV; compare the current data to the initial computer model; and identify variances between the current data and the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise differences at the cell site and the surrounding geography between the first point in time and the second point in time. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the steps of: creating an initial computer model of a cell site and surrounding geography at a first point in time, wherein the initial computer model represents a known good state of the cell site and the surrounding geography; providing the initial computer model to one or more of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and a processing device; capturing current data of the cell site and the surrounding geography at a second point in time using the UAV; comparing the current data to the initial computer model by the processing device; and identifying variances between the current data and the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise differences at the cell site and the surrounding geography between the first point in time and the second point in time. 
     § 23.0 Virtual 360 View Systems and Methods 
     Referring to  FIG. 43 , in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a virtual 360 view method  2700  for creating and using a virtual 360 environment. The method  2700  is described referencing the cell site  10  and using the UAV  50 ; those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of telecommunication sites are also contemplated such as data centers, central offices, regenerator huts, etc. The objective of the method  2700  is to create the virtual 360 environment and an example virtual 360 environment is illustrated in  FIGS. 44-53 . 
     The method  2700  includes various data capture steps including capturing 360-degree photos at multiple points around the ground portion of the cell site  10  (step  2702 ), capturing 360-degree photos of the cell tower  12  and the surrounding geography  2402  with the UAV  50  (step  2704 ), and capturing photos inside the shelter or cabinet  52  (step  2706 ). Once all of the data is captured, the method  2700  includes stitching the various photos together with linking to create the virtual 360-degree view environment (step  2708 ). The virtual 360-degree view environment can be hosted on a server, in the cloud, etc. and accessible remotely such as via a URL or the like. The hosting device can enable display of the virtual 360-degree view environment for an operator to virtually visit the cell site  10  and perform associated functions (step  2710 ). For example, the operator can access the virtual 360-degree view environment via a tablet, computer, mobile device, etc. and perform a site survey, site audit, site inspection, etc. for various purposes such as maintenance, installation, upgrades, etc. 
     An important aspect of the method  2700  is proper data capture of the various photos. For step  2702 , the photos are preferably captured with a 360-degree camera or the like. The multiple points for the ground portion of the cell site  10  can include taking one or more photos at each corner of the cell site  10  to get all of the angles, e.g., at each point of a square or rectangle defining the surrounding geography  2402 . Also, the multiple points can include photos at gates for a walking path, access road, etc. The multiple points can also include points around the cell tower  12  such as at the base of the cell tower, points between the cell tower  12  and the shelter or cabinet  52 , points around the shelter or cabinet  52  including any ingress (doors) points. The photos can also include at the ingress points into the shelter or cabinet  52  and then systematically working down the rows of equipment in the shelter or cabinet  52  (which is covered in step  2706 ). 
     For step  2704 , the UAV  50  can employ the various techniques described herein. In particular, the UAV  50  is used to take photos at the top of the cell tower  12  including the surrounding geography  2402 . Also, the UAV  50  is utilized to take detailed photos of the cell site components  14  on the cell tower  12 , such as sector photos of the alpha, beta, and gamma sectors to show the front of the antennas and the direction each antenna is facing. Also, the UAV  50  or another device can take photos or video of the access road, of a tower climb (with the UAV  50  flying up the cell tower  12 ), at the top of the cell tower  12  including pointing down showing the entire cell site  10 , etc. The photos for the sectors should capture all of the cell site equipment  14  including cabling, serial numbers, identifiers, etc. 
     For step  2706 , the objective is to obtain photos inside the shelter or cabinet  52  to enable virtual movement through the interior and to identify (zoom) items of interest. The photos capture all model numbers, labels, cables, etc. The model numbers and/or labels can be used to create hotspots in the virtual 360-degree view environment where the operator can click for additional details such as close up views. The data capture should include photos with the equipment doors both open and closed to show equipment, status identifiers, cabling, etc. In the same manner, the data capture should include any power plant, AC panels, batteries, etc. both with doors open and closed to show various details therein (breakers, labels, model numbers, etc.). Also, the data capture within the shelter or cabinet  52  can include coax ports and ground bars (inside/outside/tower), the telco board and equipment, all technology equipment and model numbers, all rack mounted equipment, all wall mounted equipment. 
     For ground-based photo or video capture, the method  2700  can use the multiple camera apparatus  2000  (or a variant thereof with a single camera such as a 360-degree camera). For example, the ground-based data capture can use a tripod or pole about 4-7′ tall with a 360-degree camera attached thereto to replicate an eye-level view for an individual. A technician performing this data capture places the apparatus  2000  (or variant thereof) at all four corners of the cell site  10  to capture the photos while then placing and capturing in between the points to make sure every perspective and side of objects can be seen in a 360/VR environment of the virtual 360-degree view environment. 
     Also, items needing additional detail for telecommunication audits can be captured using a traditional camera and embedded into the 360/VR environment for viewing. For example, this can include detailed close-up photos of equipment, cabling, breakers, etc. The individual taking the photos places themselves among the environment where the camera cannot view them in that perspective. 
     For UAV-based data capture, the UAV  50  can include the 360-degree camera attached thereto or mounted. Importantly, the camera on the UAV  50  should be positioned so that the photos or video are free from the UAV, i.e., the camera&#39;s field of view should not include any portion of the UAV  50 . The camera mount can attach below the UAV  50  making sure no landing gear or other parts of the UAV  50  are visible to the camera. The camera mounts can be attached to the landing gear or in place of or on the normal payload area best for the center of gravity. Using the UAV  50 , data capture can be taken systematically around the cell tower  12  to create a 360 view on sides and above the cell tower  12 . 
     For step  2708 , the 360-degree camera takes several photos of the surrounding environment. The photos need to be combined into one panoramic like photo by stitching the individual photos together. This can be performed at the job site to stitch the photos together to make it ready for the VR environment. Also, the various techniques described herein are also contemplated for virtual views. 
     Once the virtual 360-degree view environment is created, it is hosted online for access by operators, installers, engineers, etc. The virtual 360-degree view environment can be accessed securely such as over HTTPS, over a Virtual Private Network (VPN), etc. The objective of the virtual 360-degree view environment is to provide navigation in a manner as if the viewer was physically located at the cell site  10 . In this manner, the display or Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the virtual 360-degree view environment supports navigation (e.g., via a mouse, scroll bar, touch screen, etc.) to allow the viewer to move about the cell site  10  and inspect/zoom in on various objects of interest. 
       FIGS. 44-55  illustrate screen shots from an exemplary implementation of the virtual 360-degree view environment.  FIG. 44  is a view entering the cell site  10  facing the cell tower  12  and the shelter or cabinet  52 . Note, this is a 360-view, and the viewer can zoom, pan, scroll, etc. as if they were at the cell site  10  walking and/or moving their head/eyes. The display can include location items which denote a possible area the viewer can move to, such as the northwest corner or the back of shelter in  FIG. 44 . Further, the display can include information icons such as tower plate which denotes the possibility of zooming in to see additional detail. 
     In  FIG. 45 , the viewer has moved to the back of the shelter, and there are now information icons for the GPS antenna and the exterior coax port. In  FIG. 46 , the viewer navigates to the top of the cell tower  12  showing a view of the entire cell site  10 . In  FIG. 47 , the viewer zooms in, such as via an information icon, to get a closer view of one sector. In  FIG. 48A , the viewer navigates to the side of the shelter or cabinet  52 , and there is an information icon for the propane tank. In  FIG. 48B , the viewer navigates to the front of the shelter or cabinet  52  showing doors to the generator room and to the shelter itself along with various information icons to display details on the door. 
     In  FIG. 49 , the viewer navigates into the generator room, and this view shows information icons for the generator. In  FIG. 50 , the viewer navigates into the shelter or cabinet  52  and views the wall showing the power panel with associated information icons. In  FIG. 51 , the viewer looks around the interior of the shelter or cabinet  52  showing racks of equipment. In  FIG. 52 , the viewer looks at a rack with the equipment door closed, and this view shows various information icons. Finally, in  FIG. 53 , the viewer virtually opens the door for LTE equipment. 
       FIGS. 54 and 55  illustrate the ability to “pop-up” or call an additional photo within the environment by clicking the information icons. Note, the viewer can also zoom within the environment and on the popped out photos. 
     Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.