The invention is directed toward a system and method for placing, activating, and testing sensors. The system comprises one or more server computers, one or more communication hubs, one or more unmanned aerial vehicles, and one or more sensors. The method comprises the steps of receiving geographic sensor placement locations, receiving sensor parameters, determining the geographic location of sensors, respectively sending location query signals to the unmanned aerial vehicles, respectively receiving location reply signals from the unmanned aerial vehicles, and calculating a geographic flight path for the unmanned aerial vehicles. The method also comprises calculating mission objectives and the energy needs of the unmanned aerial vehicles to complete the mission objectives. The method then determines the most efficient combination of unmanned aerial vehicles to complete the mission objectives and assigns the tasks to the unmanned aerial vehicles. The unmanned aerial vehicles place, activate, and test the sensors.