An environmental consultancy out of Queensland, Australia needed an efficient, high-precision solution for topographic mapping and geological exploration across extensive, often remote areas. With projects that spanned vast tracts of land, they sought to increase data accuracy while reducing time on-site and operational costs.
Brief
The environmental consultancy’s traditional approach to surveying relied on ground-based surveyors and occasionally helicopter flights for mapping and geological studies, which posed challenges:
- Costly and resource-intensive fieldwork, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
- Limited precision and efficiency when capturing large-scale, high-resolution data.
- Difficulties in conducting accurate repeat surveys for environmental monitoring
To address these challenges, they required a drone solution with advanced photogrammetry capabilities, long-range mapping, and high-precision sensors. The ideal system would meet the following requirements:
- High-resolution imaging: Capture clear, detailed images over large survey areas.
- Efficient topographic mapping: Generate precise digital elevation models and orthomosaics for various terrain types.
- Adaptability to environmental monitoring: Conduct ongoing surveys to monitor natural resources and assess land changes.
- Durability: Operate reliably in the harsh Australian climate, including heat and high winds.
Existing Method
Previously, the consultancy deployed ground-based survey teams and sometimes helicopters to gather data, which proved costly and logistically challenging:
- High operational costs: Helicopter surveys required significant budget allocation and logistical coordination.
- Time-intensive: Deploying teams for extended periods increased project timelines.
- Limited data: Ground-based methods struggled with terrain coverage and accuracy in remote regions.
Solution
Choosing the drone
After consultation with Sphere Drones, the environmental consultancy selected the DJI Matrice 350 RTK platform paired with the Zenmuse P1 payload. The Matrice 350 RTK’s extended flight time and stable, high-resolution data capture allowed the consultancy to meet their demanding survey requirements efficiently.
About the DJI Matrice 350 RTK
The Matrice 350 RTK is a robust and adaptable drone platform equipped to handle extended flight times and long-distance surveying needs. Its features allow users to survey expansive areas in a single flight, improving efficiency while reducing on-site time.
Key specs:
- 55-minute flight time: Covers large survey areas without needing frequent returns for battery changes.
- Advanced safety features: Includes obstacle detection and anti-collision systems to navigate safely over rugged landscapes.
- IP55 weather resistance: Designed to withstand Australian conditions, allowing surveys in hot or wet weather.
- High-accuracy RTK module: Ensures centimetre-level accuracy in data, vital for cadastral and geological surveys.
Choosing the Payload
The environmental consultancy selected the DJI Zenmuse P1 for its exceptional photogrammetry capabilities, leveraging the full-frame mechanical shutter sensor to capture detailed imagery ideal for generating high-accuracy digital models and maps.
About the DJI Zenmuse P1
The Zenmuse P1 combines a full-frame sensor with interchangeable lenses on a 3-axis stabilised gimbal, offering a new benchmark for aerial surveying. Built for large-area mapping and modelling, it is perfect for precise, data-rich surveying work across vast landscapes.
Key specs:
- Full-frame sensor: Delivers high-resolution images, reducing the number of flights needed to cover large areas.
- Interchangeable lenses: Offers flexibility in capturing various types of terrain and geological features.
- 3-axis gimbal: Stabilises the camera for sharp images, critical for photogrammetry and topographic mapping applications.
Choosing the Software
To process and analyse the data from the P1, the environmental consultancy opted for DJI Terra. The software’s capability to process large datasets quickly enabled the team to create detailed topographic maps, orthomosaics, and 3D models with speed and precision while seemlessly integrating with DJI’s drones and payloads.
About DJI Terra
DJI Terra is a versatile mapping software solution designed for data processing, visualisation, and analysis. It enabled the consultancy to turn field data into actionable insights for environmental monitoring and land management projects.
Result
Following the deployment of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK with the Zenmuse P1, the environmental consultancy achieved major operational improvements:
- Improved efficiency: Drone-based mapping significantly reduced the time required for surveys, enabling faster completion of projects.
- Cost savings: Transitioning from helicopter flights to drones lowered operational costs, allowing the environmental consultancy to redeploy resources to other critical areas of their business.
- Enhanced data quality: High-resolution images and precise data capture improved the accuracy of topographic and geological models.
- Safety improvements: Remote operation eliminated the need for surveyors to enter hazardous or challenging terrain, reducing on-site risks.
The environmental consultancy is now able to conduct surveys and monitor natural resources more efficiently, positioning them as a leader in sustainable land management and environmental protection within the Australian market.
