Original scientific paper

Analysis of Signal Interference in UAV Operations

Marin Dubrović ; Karašica-Vučica d.d., Donji Miholjac, Croatia *
Zvonimir Nevistić orcid.org/0000-0002-2662-1513 ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Željko Bačić orcid.org/0000-0001-6076-8896 ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life for performing tasks in various fields such as rescue missions, natural disaster monitoring, traffic surveillance, agriculture, and more. UAVs are also increasingly used in geodesy, where their main purpose is the mass collection of spatial data with photogrammetric methods or laser scanning, enabling the creation of 3D models for various applications—from GIS analyses and cadasters to spatial planning and surveying of areas that are inaccessible by traditional surveying methods. UAVs are a part of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), in which communication between different components, navigation, and positioning is based on radio signals, which are susceptible to interference. Radio signal interference can be intentional or accidental and may disrupt the operation of the UAS, potentially resulting in catastrophic consequences. This paper examines the impact of intentional signal interference (jamming) on UAV radio communication and navigation. The research was conducted using two UAVs, DJI Phantom 4 and DJI Mavic 3E, which are one of most used drones in practice. Jamming was carried out using two different devices (jammers), and the results present a visual analysis of UAV behavior during flight under the influence of jammers, an examination of the accuracy of the coordinates of the photographic projection centers under different positioning methods, and a statistical analysis of parameters affecting positioning accuracy such as the number of visible satellites and signal quality. A total of seven tests were performed with the DJI Phantom 4 and six with the DJI Mavic 3E, showing varying behavior and vulnerability of the UAVs under interference. This study provides valuable insights into UAV susceptibility to signal interference and encourages further research in developing solutions to improve jamming resistance.

Keywords

UAV; UAS; jammer; GNSS; interference

Hrčak ID:

340078

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/340078

Publication date:

30.9.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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