A collaborative effort between Swiss and Austrian organizations is set to explore the potential of drone technology for environmental monitoring in the Swiss Alps. The consortium, consisting of Dufour Aerospace, RIEGL, BSF Swissphoto, and the WSL-Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF (WSL-SLF), plans to conduct a series of test flights to assess the feasibility of using drones for large-area laser scanning applications.
Traditionally, airplanes and helicopters have been deployed for high-resolution laser scanning tasks, especially in challenging terrains like the Alps. These methods, while effective, come with high operational costs and a significant environmental footprint. The consortium's initiative aims to demonstrate that drones can offer a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for gathering high-resolution, up-to-date data crucial for managing alpine environmental hazards and supporting energy production projects.
Dufour Aerospace will provide the hardware for the tests, including its AeroMini and Aero2 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) platforms, which boast wingspans of 3 and 6 meters respectively. RIEGL, renowned for its high-end laser scanners, will supply the scanning technology and assist with integration into the drones. BSF Swissphoto is tasked with validating the data collected and evaluating the commercial viability of the technology. Meanwhile, the WSL-SLF will ensure the data's quality meets the stringent requirements of applied science, particularly in snow and avalanche research.
Thomas Pfammatter, Co-founder and CEO of Dufour Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the opportunity to showcase the capabilities of their VTOL UAS in meaningful applications. Similarly, Michael Mayer, Managing Director of RiCOPTER UAV GmbH (a RIEGL company), underscored the importance of expanding the application of high-end sensors to larger areas through this project.
BSF Swissphoto's CEO, Jörg Wertli, pointed out that while drones have been used for aerial geo-data acquisition, their application has been limited to smaller areas. This test series represents a significant step towards autonomous, large-area aerial geo-data acquisition. Dr. Yves Bühler from WSL-SLF also expressed optimism about the project's potential to advance research in snow- and mountain hazard fields.
The test series is slated to commence this spring in Dübendorf, Switzerland, with initial functional assessments. Subsequent tests will expand into the Alpine region through 2024 and 2025, contingent on the outcomes of each test phase. The project has garnered support from the Fondation The Ark and armasuisse, signaling strong institutional backing for this innovative venture into drone-based environmental monitoring in the Alps.
.png)
