# Scenario-Based Field Testing of Drone Missions

**Authors:** Michael Vierhauser, Kristof Meixner, Stefan Biffl  
**arXiv:** [2407.08359](https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.08359)  
**Date:** 2024-07-11  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2407.08359v1/

## Key points

- Authors Michael Vierhauser, Kristof Meixner, and Stefan Biffl study testing and validation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) in the aerospace domain.
- Focus on field testing of drone rescue missions highlights challenges posed by volatile mission environments, especially weather conditions.
- Lack of structured guidance for executing field tests efficiently despite established methodologies for testing CPSs.
- Introduce Field Testing Scenario Management (FiTS) approach to provide adaptive field testing guidance.
- FiTS offers comprehensive support with clear guidelines for data collection to enhance quality assurance practices and enable iterative improvements in field tests and CPSs.
- Leveraging concepts from scenario-based requirements engineering and Behavior-Driven Development, FiTS defines structured and reusable test scenarios tailored to different roles involved in the testing process.
- Applied FiTS to three use cases related to a search-and-rescue drone application to validate its effectiveness.
- Results show that FiTS is feasible and highly beneficial in facilitating drone field testing and subsequent data analysis.
- Research accepted for publication at the 50th Euromicro Conference on Software Engineering and Advanced Applications (SEAA), demonstrating its relevance and contribution to advancements in CPS testing within the aerospace industry.

## Summary

Authors Michael Vierhauser, Kristof Meixner, and Stefan Biffl present a study on the testing and validation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) in the aerospace domain. The focus of their research is on field testing of drone rescue missions. The authors highlight the challenges posed by volatile mission environments, particularly weather conditions. These factors can significantly impact the effectiveness of testing processes. While established methodologies exist for testing CPSs, there is a lack of structured guidance and support for executing field tests efficiently. In response to this gap, the authors introduce the Field Testing Scenario Management (FiTS) approach as a solution for adaptive field testing guidance. FiTS is designed to offer comprehensive support to field testers by providing clear guidelines for data collection. This guidance aims to enhance quality assurance practices and enable iterative improvements in both field tests and CPSs. Leveraging concepts from scenario-based requirements engineering and Behavior-Driven Development, FiTS defines structured and reusable test scenarios with specific tasks and responsibilities tailored to different roles involved in the testing process. To validate the effectiveness of FiTS, the authors apply it to three use cases related to a search-and-rescue drone application. Through interviews with experienced drone developers, they assess FiTS' utility and gather additional requirements for refinement. The results of their study indicate that FiTS is not only feasible but also highly beneficial in facilitating drone field testing and subsequent data analysis. This research has been accepted for publication at the 50th Euromicro Conference on Software Engineering and Advanced Applications (SEAA), showcasing its relevance and contribution to advancements in CPS testing within the aerospace industry.