Work Package 4 explores how rooftops can become key components of future urban logistics networks. By assessing rooftop suitability for drone operations and developing quantitative evaluation models, WP4 aims to transform underutilized rooftop spaces into strategic infrastructure supporting last-mile deliveries, urban air mobility and innovative logistics services.

​

Rethinking Rooftops as Urban Infrastructure

​

As cities face growing challenges related to congestion, emissions and increasing demand for last-mile deliveries, traditional logistics systems are reaching their limits.

​

WP4 introduces a new perspective: rooftops should no longer be viewed merely as architectural elements but as active nodes within a distributed urban logistics network. Their elevated position, widespread availability and proximity to end users make them ideal candidates for supporting drone operations and new mobility services.

​

This approach creates opportunities for:

​

• Last-mile drone deliveries

• Urban air mobility services

• Emergency response operations

• Smart-city logistics networks

• New rooftop-based business models

​

Understanding the Potential of Drone Operations

​

This WP also examines how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can support urban logistics while reducing pressure on conventional transport systems.

​

Research conducted within WP4 demonstrates that rooftop drone operations could significantly improve delivery efficiency, reduce road congestion and lower carbon emissions. Demand estimates developed through the Madrid case study indicate substantial growth potential for rooftop-based delivery networks over the coming decade.

​

At the same time, public acceptance studies show increasing support for drone services when clear benefits such as improved accessibility, reduced traffic and faster emergency response are communicated to citizens.

​

Developing a Quantitative Rooftop Assessment Model

​

One of the core innovations of WP4 is the development of a mathematical framework capable of evaluating rooftop suitability for drone operations.

​

The model assesses each rooftop according to multiple criteria, including:

​

• Available surface area

• Operational height

• Obstacle density

• Wind exposure

• Safety conditions

• Regulatory compliance

​

By combining these parameters into a standardized scoring system, the framework enables objective comparison between rooftops and supports evidence-based planning decisions.

​

Rather than relying on isolated feasibility studies, cities and operators can use this methodology to identify the most suitable rooftops for future drone networks.

​

From Buildings to Logistics Infrastructure

​

WP4 represents a shift from building-scale analysis towards infrastructure-scale planning.

​

The developed assessment model enables stakeholders to:

​

• Classify rooftops according to operational readiness

• Identify potential drone delivery hubs

• Design urban air corridors

• Simulate logistics scenarios

• Prioritize investments and interventions

​

This transformation allows rooftops to become integrated components of wider urban logistics systems, supporting more efficient and resilient delivery networks.

​

Visualising Rooftop Networks

​

To demonstrate the practical application of the methodology, WP4 applies the assessment framework to real urban environments, including the Madrid metropolitan area.

​

Using geospatial analysis and rooftop classification techniques, researchers can visualise:

​

• Rooftop suitability levels

• Potential logistics hubs

• Air mobility routes

• Connections between buildings

• Future drone delivery networks

​

These visualisations provide planners and decision-makers with valuable insights into how rooftop infrastructure can support future urban logistics services. Instead of relying solely on ground-based logistics systems, future urban deliveries could follow a distributed model where goods move through a network of rooftop hubs connected by drone corridors.

​​​

View WP4 Results

​