Drivers and barriers of unmanned aerial vehicles in emergency logistics operations

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) which have become increasingly widespread stand out as accessible cost-effective useful and efficient options for many different tasks such as search and rescue monitoring tracking mapping and dispatch in emergency logistics operations. However in this process driving forces and obstacles determine the status of UAVs in disaster management. In this study in order to identify these factors 8 drivers and 8 barriers created as a result of the literature review were analyzed using the Graph Theory Matrix Approach method. According to the findings obtained the most important drivers of UAVs in emergency logistics operations are high-tech solutions followed by air surveillance and mapping. The most important barrier is instability against various weather conditions and regulators. Stakeholders of emergency logistics operations optimally interpret drivers and barriers in the involvement of UAVs and contribute to economic technical or legal corrective actions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.