Miguel Angel Cerda

Mr. Miguel Angel Cerda

DIEM, CINVESTAV, Mexico City, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 November 2025 in Drones
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MCMiguel Angel Cerda
Miguel Angel Cerda
Jonathan FloresJonathan Flores
Jonathan Flores
SSSalaza Sergio
Salaza Sergio
IGIván González-Hernández
Iván González-Hernández
Rogelio LozanoRogelio Lozano
Rogelio Lozano
This paper presents a safe landing methodology for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) when the GPS-based navigation system fails or is denied or unavailable. The approach relies on the estimation of a flat landing area when landing is required in an unknown area. The proposed system is based on a lightweight computer vision algorithm that enables real-time identification of suitable landing zones using a depth camera and an onboard companion computer. Analysis of small, spatially distributed areas to calculate the mean altitude and standard deviation across regions enables reliable selection of flat surfaces. A robust landing control algorithm is activated when the area meets strict flatness conditions for a continuous period. Real-time experiments confirmed the effectiveness of this approach under disturbances, showing reliable detection of the safe zone and the robustness of the proposed control algorithm in outdoor environments.