UAVs as “Interfaces”: A Literature Review of Spatial Communication and Transmedia Storytelling

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have transcended their basic surveillance and logistical duties to develop into strong platforms which enable spatial communication through transmedia storytelling. This systematic literature review examines 16 peer-reviewed studies (2013–2024) to analyze how drones enhance narrative construction across platforms while addressing gaps in current research. The research uses PRISMA methodology to find primary patterns in UAV functionality which focuses particularly on environmental observation capabilities and audience-involved storytelling together with unified media creation. Findings reveal that UAVs improve spatial narrative immersion by 40–92% through unique aerial perspectives, while serving as anchors for transmedia storytelling, boosting engagement by up to 210%. Methodologically, the review highlights the predominance of case studies (63.6%) and identifies disparities in geographic representation, with 81.8% of research originating from North America and Europe. The analysis also uncovers technological convergences, particularly in AI-assisted workflows that reduce production time by 45% and 3D modeling techniques that achieve 5cm precision in spatial documentation. However, ethical considerations remain underdeveloped, with only 18% of studies proposing guidelines for privacy or data ownership. UAV technology has demonstrated through research results that it has the potential to redefine spatial storytelling and transmedia interactions thus providing useful practical value to media professionals as well as providing academic opportunities for communication researchers. The present review establishes an essential framework for future development of socially responsible drone storytelling which combines technology prowess with creative innovation.