How Florida Weather Impacts Drone Mapping Missions
In January 2025, flights at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) were delayed for hours due to dense fog and low visibility, forcing airlines and the FAA to adjust operations as pilots and air traffic controllers dealt with poor flying conditions (Fox 4 Now, 2025). I chose this event because Florida’s fog and humidity are frequent weather hazards that also affect unmanned aerial systems like the DJI Matrice 4E during mapping missions. Fog forms when moist air near the surface cools to the dew point, creating tiny water droplets that reduce visibility and degrade the atmospheric structure needed for clear imagery and accurate mapping. Florida’s heat and humidity contribute to moisture accumulation, while calm air at night allows fog to persist into the morning. Seasonal fronts or temperature changes can increase the likelihood of fog formation. For drone operators, fog and moisture reduce image sharpness and mapping accuracy, so it is often best to wait until...