Airspace for UAS operations

Introduction
Airspace is one of the most important things when operating a UAS, it becomes even more important when operating under part 107 as you can transition into airspace while flying within 400 feet of a structure,
Methods
Operations that take place in air space are broken down into a few key parts, the class of airspace being the most important one. The sectional chart legend Figure 1. the sectional charts show the symbols for the airspace, airports, and obstructions. These symbols allow the pilot to understand the sectional charts. Another Chart the FAA put out recently is the Airspace Guidance for Small UAS (Figure 2) which helps operators know how the airspace looks and what authorization is needed. Both of these were used for the sectional chart and airspace analysis of the operation locations, but more information was needed for the areas so other things were used to supplement the briefings.

Figure 1. Sectional Chart Legend from the FAA

Figure 2, FAA airspace guidance chart for uas operations 

Results 
Operation 1.
             Task: Inspect the tower highlighted in the orange circle using a quad copter.  The operation has gotten approval.

Figure 3. Sectional Chart highlighting the operational area, the orange circle

 The operation will take place in class B airspace, specifically JFK international airports class b. The operation has already gotten approval for the flight. Things to note about the area is that the red circle highlights a TFR that is surrounding Trump tower in New York, the TFR could pose a problem if operations had to take place from the north or to the north of the tower. Another thing to note is the direction of the runways at JFK international, Figure 5. , specifically runway 22R/4L could pose an issue with planes taking off or landing as the tower is in that direction.
The tower is group obstruction extending to 1806 ft MSL, with high intensity lights. The towers are currently under construction and are 1702 ft MSL tall. This information was gathered by using the section chart Figure 3. and referring to the legend Figure 1. to gather the information on the towers.

Figure 4. New York TFR

Figure 5. JFK airport diagram

Operation 2.
            Task: Map Carrington island with a fixed wing UAV

Figure 6. Sectional Chart with Carrington Island 

This operation is in class G airspace, so there is no approval required below 400 ft agl. Things to note are that there is a military training route, the gray line with IR420 on it. Another thing to note is that to the west of the island is a prohibited area, the blue dashed lines. There is also a vfr route that passes the south east of the island, there is likely a higher traffic flow along the vft route.

Operation 3.
            Task: Preform an analysis of any one of the forests on Fox Island using a fixed wing.

Figure 7. Airspace around Operation 3 at fox island, 

Fox island is under the Tacoma narrows information in the sectional chart see figure 7. Approval is needed prior to the operation. Approval will come from the ATC at Gray AAF airport, but there are other airports around the area such as Tacoma Narrows, that could be informed of the operation, either from a communication or with a dronetam. Some hazards in the area of operation are the airspace above them transitions into class E at 700 agl, so if a structure extended above 700 ft you could only fly to 699 unless there is authorization for class E operations. Another hazard is that this area has heavy air traffic with the large number of airports surrounding the operational area.

Discussion
Knowing the airspace is key for operating a uas, as it is important for the safety of all aircraft. Sectional chart understanding allows operators to understand the airspace, and with included information help plan to mitigate risk while operating in controlled airspace.
Conclusion 
In conclusion, understanding a sectional chart is one of the most important part for preparing for a mission, as without understanding the airspace, hazards cannot be accounted for, and the operation will be unsafe. Having prior knowledge about the airspace that will be operated in will make for a much safer as there will be exceptions as to what typical manned aviation will be doing.