In the intricate domain of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), understanding the regulatory framework is of great significance. Maastricht University, an FF2020 consortium partner, has recently published the research paper titled “Retrieving Relevant EU Drone Legislation with Citation Analysis”. This paper, published in the journal Drones, introduces an innovative approach known as reference-based retrieval. This method systematically uses references in laws to pinpoint other relevant UAS legislation, aiming to refine compliance processes and boost the advancement of Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

The potential of this automation is vast. The study, conducted as part of the Flying Forward 2020 project, highlights the benefits of automating UAS legislation retrieval, making the process more efficient and accessible to a wider audience. This methodology benefits not just legal experts but also researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders navigating EU UAS legislation. The method has demonstrated its capability to identify a majority of the relevant laws.

The research combines linked data and network analysis. The findings indicate that most EU UAS laws can be identified using an automated approach that employs linked data. The study emphasises the use of citation analysis, allowing users to systematically construct networks, focus on specific areas, and select relevant results.

The research combines linked data and network analysis. The results indicate that most EU UAS laws can be pinpointed using an automated method with linked data. The study suggests using citation analysis, allowing users to systematically build networks, focus on specific areas, and choose relevant results.

However, there are some challenges. While the automated method captured all UAS-specific laws, it did not encompass all laws that experts deemed essential, especially those that are aviation-specific or have a broader application. The authors suggest a more detailed approach, examining the depth of references for each node, to enhance retrieval accuracy.

However, there are some limitations. The automated method captured all UAS-specific laws but missed some that experts found essential, especially in aviation-specific or broader contexts. The authors propose examining each node’s source and target depth to enhance retrieval accuracy.

European legislation, with its complex structure and application, presents challenges in UAS operations. The study addresses these issues, noting that the relevance of legislation can change based on the context. Nevertheless, the authors remain optimistic about the prospects of automated legal information retrieval systems in this domain.

Maastricht University’s research offers a refined approach to navigate the complex UAS legal landscape. Promoting automated retrieval assists stakeholders in efficiently identifying and understanding the pertinent laws. As the UAS sector continues to grow, this paper stands as a crucial guide for those aiming to optimise the interaction between law and Urban Air Mobility technology.

Read Maastricht University’s publication here.