UAV / Multispectral (e.g., RedEdge, MicaSense, USA)

Owned by Maiwenn Herpe
Last updated: Jun 21, 2021 by Frederika Mourot
1 min read

Examples of potential applications

 

  • Bathymetry.

  • Algal bloom monitoring.

  • River/lake trophic status mapping.

  • Wetland/river mapping.

  • Vegetation characterisation.

  • Characterisation of groundwater and surface water interactions.

Range of flight height and captured zone width (m)

Operated within line of sight, observation altitudes often capped at 120 m.

Airshare website

Spectral Range (nm)

Red, green, blue, near-infrared, and red-edge,
c. 400 - 1000 nm.

Spatial Resolution (m)

Depends on flight altitude and lens. Spatial resolution typically less than 15 cm.

Benefits

  • High spatial resolution.

  • Can adjust the time of imagery capture to the needs.

  • Ability to capture data in remote, unsafe or difficult to access locations, lowering safety risks.

  • Wider range of applications compared to RGB sensors, allowing to identify a variety of material.

Limitations

  • Need operator to acquire data in the field and battery life can limit survey duration.

  • Limited by visibility constraints and poor weather conditions.

  • Detect radiation in a small number of broad wavelength bands limiting their application.

Selection of references

Choo Y, Kang G, Kim D, Lee S. 2018. A study on the evaluation of water-bloom using image processing. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 25(36):36775-36780. doi:10.1007/s11356-018-3578-6.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3578-6


Mourot F, Westerhoff R, Macdonald N, Cameron S. 2019. Better spatial characterisation of evapotranspiration and rainfall recharge estimates to groundwater using remote sensing multispectral techniques at lysimeter sites. Lower Hutt (NZ): GNS Science. 82 p. (GNS Science report; 2019/17). doi:10.21420/Z3NQ-CE33.

https://www.envirolink.govt.nz/assets/1951-HBRC245-Better-spatial-characterisation-of-evapotranspiration-and-rainfall-recharge-estimates-to-groundwater-using-remote-sensing-multispectral-techniques-at-lysimeter-sites.pdf-.pdf


Pai H, Malenda H, Briggs MA, Singha K, González-Pinzón R, Gooseff M, Tyler SW. 2017. Potential for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems applications for identifying groundwater-surface water exchange in a meandering river reach. Geophysical Research Letters. 44(23):11868-11877. doi:10.1002/2017GL075836.

https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/70194502