Aerial Environmental Monitoring
- Quickly gather environmental data using advanced drone sensors.
- Address illegal dumping, spills, and environmental hazards efficiently.
- Partner with state agencies and consultants for enhanced monitoring.
- Utilise cutting-edge sensors for comprehensive environmental assessments.
What is Aerial Monitoring?
Drones can do far more than take lovely aerial photos; we see them as data-capturing machines. Yes, the aerial images they take are vital and give a new perspective on the environment, but drones can carry many sensors and capture data quickly over a large area.
Gases like methane and many others can be detected and recorded by attaching a sensor as a payload on the drone. The drone can fly a pre-determined route and record the data as it passes overhead. This data collection allows sites to continue operations and covers a large area quickly. This is just a simple example; there are many more, and we are happy to discuss the feasibility or limitations of any project.
Illegal dumping is a nationwide problem; drones can cover large areas, sometimes hazardous and inaccessible land such as bogs, and record the evidence. During and after any cleanup operation, drones can ensure that all the waste is collected.
We mapped a site in Meath after a cleanup operation and can demonstrate how rubbish, as small as crisp packets, can still be seen there. It was not the cleanup crew’s fault, as the waste had buried itself deep in the grass, but very little escapes the aerial view, allowing you to see what is difficult to see from ground level easily.
State agencies such as the EPA are now leveraging drone technology. Environmental Consultants can benefit from the sensors and capabilities that drones can deliver.
Drones in Environmental Monitoring
Using the latest drone technology, we have successfully observed and reported on illegal dumping for City and County Councils. This is just one of the many services we provide. We have powerful optical zoom cameras that can view illegal dumping over 4+ km away from the drone’s position.
Many of today’s common environmental challenges can benefit from drone data. Effluent run-off or toxic spills, such as fuel or oil, can be traced quickly by the trail they leave. Not easily seen from the ground, but with aerial data, spills and leaks are swiftly contained, resulting in less pollution. We realise the potential for drones in this sector; we are happy to discuss your projects and opportunities.
As seen on our traffic monitoring page, we use drones to help with traffic flows and bottlenecks. This reduces emissions as cars complete their journeys quicker and also reduces driver frustrations. By examining car parks and traffic flows, we can provide data that is not obvious from the ground, and it may only take one poorly marked parking space to affect the whole flow.
Talk to us today about Aerial Environmental Monitoring, and we will happily explain how we can help.
Which type of sensors are used in environmental monitoring?
In a rapidly changing industry, drones, sensors and payloads are evolving at tremendous pace. The miniaturisation of sensors and chip size reduction allows smaller and lighter sensors to be developed for UAVs. This allows for a broader range of sensors and smaller drones to carry them. To give an example of some of the advances in sensors.
Magnetometers
Bathymetry Sensors
Metal Detection Systems
Ground Penetration Radar (GPR)
Methane Sensors
Water Sampling