Drones for architectural surveying. Their use in documenting Towers of the Valencian Coast

In recent years, improvements in autopiloting software of drones2 (RPA under current legislation), has opened new perspectives to the use of aerial photography and video. This "revolution" is facilitating numerous applications in various fields, whether scientific, professional or purely entertainment. In the field of architecture, and more specifically, in architectural survey, this new possibility of obtaining photographic views until recently unthinkable, has coincided in time with another breakthrough in the field of photogrammetry: the discovery of new algorithms that have automated the process of 3D photo modelling, known as the SfM system (Structure from Motion), which allows getting very reliable 3D models and photorealistic textures based on a photographic sequence. This communication aims to present the current state of existing technology in the market regarding drones, analyse the advantages of their use in our area of expertise and finally review the current legislation necessary to make use of it. To achieve this objective we will present the applications that are being carried out in the frame of the R&D project entitled "Watch and Defense Towers of the Valencian Coast: Metadata and 3D Models Generation for Their Interpretation and Effective Enhancement" (HAR2013-41859-P), funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.