Implementation of Virtual Reality With Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Traffic Management

Abstract

This paper describes the research on the implementation of virtual reality with a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system. This system is based on a notional architecture for future development in air traffic management with smaller unmanned aircraft. This implementation aims to explore the viability of using VR to enhance users' situational awareness when planning a flight and during the flight for a UAS. It is intended to create visualizations of data obtained from the UAS, and from databases and services made to support UAS operators before and during their flights. Experimentation on VR-based interactions is conducted to observe how VR can enhance and support UTM system operations. This also discusses the applicability when used by administrative entities for monitoring and supervision. This paper covers the framework used to emulate the functionality of a UTM system using the Robotics Operating System (ROS) and simulating it using Microsoft's Airsim in Unreal Engine 4.