Article Details

Abstract

To address the challenges of complex urban low-altitude environments and multi-source risk constraints, this paper proposes an urban UAV logistics route planning method based on an improved A* algorithm. Firstly, considering the operational characteristics of urban low-altitude airspace, a comprehensive risk environment model is constructed by integrating building obstacles, ground population exposure, and noise impacts. Building upon this, an improved A* path planning algorithm tailored for urban low-altitude logistics applications is designed, which incorporates risk costs into the path search process to achieve a balanced trade-off between flight path safety and operational efficiency. Finally, a typical urban area in Shanghai is selected as the experimental site, where simulation experiments are conducted using real geographic data. The results demonstrate that the improved A* algorithm can effectively avoid no-fly zones and high-risk areas. Compared with the traditional A* algorithm, the risk cost of the planned routes is reduced by 53.69% while maintaining competitive total path costs. This study validates the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method for low-altitude logistics route planning in complex urban environments.

Keywords

urban low altitude; UAV logistics; A* algorithm; route planning; risk environment

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About the authors

Zhang Suyue (1988-), male, Han ethnicity, from Huai'an, Jiangsu, is currently pursuing a master's degree in urban air traffic; Meng Bo (2001-), male, Han ethnicity, from Yiyang, Hunan, is currently pursuing a master's degree in urban air traffic; Zhang Honghai (1979-), male, Han nationality, from Heze, Shandong, professor, PhD, research direction: air traffic management.