Drones are helping the earth sciences reach new heights

Aside from capturing great aerial shots for YouTube videos and Hollywood movies, drone technology has far-reaching applications and benefits, especially within the earth sciences space.

Although unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) originated during the mid-20th century with the development of remote-controlled aircraft, it was not until the early 2000s that drones started gaining significant traction in both military and commercial applications. Since then, drones have evolved considerably, finding applications in various fields, including agriculture, construction, and engineering.

Capabilities

Drones can fly over vast areas, significantly assisting in mapping and environmental monitoring. They collect large amounts of data efficiently, safely, and with greater accuracy than traditional surveying and monitoring equipment. They are also able to gather data from hard-to-access locations, hazardous environments, and rugged terrain, providing both time and cost savings.

Within the earth sciences space, drones allow professionals to provide a variety of key services to clients, including:

• Inspections: Drones can provide detailed imagery and data for the inspection of structures, excavations, stockpiles, and other hard-to-reach areas. They are also used to audit inventory and find stock at major construction sites.
• Monitoring: Drones monitor construction progress, track productivity, and identify potential issues which help project managers make informed decisions and stay on budget.
• Surveying: Drones create accurate topographic maps and 3D models, aiding in site planning and design by efficiently covering expansive areas and collecting data much faster than human workers.
• Infrastructure reviews: Engineers use drones to assess bridges, roads, and other infrastructure using high resolution photography and digital elevation models to improve decision-making.
• Earth science research: Drones can capture natural hazard data on damage caused by earthquakes, flooding, landslides, and volcanic activity. They can capture climate change data by monitoring glaciers, sea ice, and vegetation changes and can conduct resource exploration by identifying mineral deposits and groundwater sources.

Technology

Drones come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and platforms. These include designs that carry payloads including cameras, sensors, and thermal imaging devices that continuously monitor industrial sites and major construction projects. They have reduced the need for humans to be exposed to risky situations and occupational safety threats. In the energy sector, drones can identify methane leaks in oil and gas production, monitor pipelines, and assess wind and solar installations. Because drones can access remote areas, they aid in the understanding of weather pattern changes affecting exposed environments and ecosystems.

For engineering purposes, drones utilize three types of technology:

• Laser imaging, detection, and ranging: Lidar technology determines ranges with a laser and by measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. This technology is valuable in measuring distance and heights and aids in the creation of 3D mapping.
• Photogrammetry: Images are used to capture information about physical structures to collect measurements and 3D models. It is used to monitor changes over time, such as land erosion, vegetation growth, and rock mechanics.
• Bathymetry: This is used for the surveyance of underwater depths in oceans, lakes, and riverbeds. Bathymetric maps use contour lines to illustrate variations in sub-surface relief, providing insights for the measurement of water features. Aquatic drone work can be conducted anywhere there is water if the water is not frozen or too turbulent. Bathymetric drones are currently used to conduct aquatic inspections on dams, cofferdams, underwater infrastructure, and retaining structures by using high-quality video feedback. Mechanical arm equipment can collect samples to identify sediment depth patterns.

A bright future for drones

Due to artificial intelligence, drones will continue to become more sophisticated, resulting in enhanced navigation, obstacle avoidance and decision-making. They will operate with greater autonomy, reducing the need for constant human control. Regulators worldwide are exploring ways to support drone expansion, including carrying heavier loads and even transporting people.

The use of lithium-polymer batteries and improved power management systems have led to longer flight times for drones. This advancement has extended the scope and duration of drone operations. As drones continue to gain popularity for commercial purposes, regulatory requirements will continue to tighten to ensure their appropriate and safe use by skilled and licensed professionals.

Hatch continues to utilize state-of-the-art drone technology operated by licensed, experienced technicians to conduct surveys and investigations in otherwise inaccessible or hazardous areas. Contact us to learn more about the ways we’re using drones to mitigate human risk and ultimately achieve no harm.