### UAVs: Roots and Advancements
#### 1.2.2 UAVs and Civilian Applications  
UAVs have found numerous applications in civilian sectors, revolutionizing various industries and addressing a wide range of challenges. Moreover, UAVs have proven valuable environmental monitoring and research tools. They enable the collection of high-resolution data for studying ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental changes. For example, UAVs with remote sensing technologies have been used to monitor vegetation health, assess land-cover changes, and map natural habitats [20]. In addition, UAVs have been employed for wildlife monitoring, providing insights into animal behavior, population dynamics, and habitat assessment. A study by [21] discussed the remarkable rise of unmanned aerial vehicles in environmental research and their potential benefits compared to traditional data collection methods. The study focused on wildlife population monitoring, where the precision and accuracy of population counts were of utmost importance. This study provides compelling evidence for the practical benefits of using UAVs for wildlife population monitoring. The precision, cost-effectiveness, and data quality-improvements offered by drones have the potential to revolutionize how researchers gather critical information about wildlife populations. This technology is not only promising for improving the accuracy of population estimates, but also for advancing our understanding of ecological dynamics, ultimately contributing to more effective conservation efforts. The use of UAVs in environmental research offers a cost-effective and efficient means of data collection, allowing for an improved understanding and management of ecosystems. Their ability to fly at low altitudes and capture high-resolution images allows for the detailed analysis and monitoring of natural environments. Additionally, they have the advantage of being able to access remote or challenging terrain, making them ideal for studying hard-to-reach areas or areas that may be hazardous for humans [22]. They can fly at low altitudes and capture detailed images, allowing for the identification and monitoring of specific features or species within an ecosystem [23]. This capability is instrumental in monitoring wildlife in heterogeneous habitats and topographically challenging areas. Furthermore, UAVs have been employed in imaging and surveillance applications, providing aerial views and the real-time monitoring of events and locations [24]. They have been used for aerial photography, cinematography, and mapping, offering unique perspectives and capturing striking visuals. In the realm of public safety and emergency response, UAVs have proven to be invaluable tools. They have been used for search-and-rescue operations, providing real-time aerial views and assisting in locating missing persons or assessing disaster-affected areas [25]. Moreover, UAVs equipped with infrared/thermal imaging cameras can detect heat signatures and aid in locating individuals in challenging environments [26]. Infrared radiation is invisible electromagnetic radiation emitted by all objects based on their temperature, with hotter objects, such as people, emitting more radiation than cooler objects, such as buildings. Thermal imaging cameras contain special sensors that detect infrared radiation and create images showing temperature differences, with warmer objects appearing brighter. This allows thermal cameras to visualize heat variations not visible to the human eye [27]. For example, a human body normally emits more infrared radiation than its surroundings; therefore, it would appear as a bright shape against a darker background to a thermal camera, even if hidden behind bushes or in darkness. Because of this ability to detect heat signatures, thermal cameras on UAVs can identify and track the unique infrared radiation emitted by human bodies, aiding search-and-rescue or surveillance efforts in challenging conditions with poor visibility [28].