A team of scientists from international academics have documented activities on Irazú Volcano in Costa Rica with the help of a drone from Autel Robotics. The scientists have selected the Autel EVO Lite+ drone because of its high-quality sensor and durability, making it an ideal solution for conducting professional research with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The EVO Lite+ was able to fly safely through 17 knot winds and can be used in conditions up to 37 knots, making it a perfect fit for the high-altitude project. The drone was piloted by Ian Godfrey, a certified FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, who is SINAC Certified for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) operations in National Parks.
The scientific team were able to gather vital data without complications and reported that the drone performed well, despite the high altitude volcanic environment at 3432 meters above sea level with notable windy conditions.
“We operated in many complex environments, and the drone performed perfectly. These factors allowed us to gather the necessary data without complication. The drone performed wonderfully in high altitude volcanic environments and had great wind resistance, making it both an economical and ideal solution for conducting professional research with a UAS,” commented Ian Godfrey.
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Data gathered despite natural obstacles
Autel’s EVO Lite+ camera drone can stay in the air for 40 minutes, and features cinematic flight modes and camera settings to fully utilize its professional-grade camera. The drone showed perfect balance of power, durability and portability.
The scientific team used the Autel EVO Lite+ drone to document several aspects of the Main Crater of the Irazú Volcano, including lake water levels, areas of mineralization or crystallization, potential vents degassing volcanic emissions – and that no subaquatic fumaroles were found. They also checked for areas that might suffer from future rock falls and for areas of increased risk of erosion or cracking within the main crater of the volcano.
In challenging natural environments with cloud reflection challenges, ultra-wide angle obstacle avoidance helps navigate easily around obstacles such as trees and rocky outcrops. Pilots can enjoy crisp, clear visuals with Autel SkyLink and a transmission range of 7.4 miles. Autel’s moonlight algorithm also provides excellent low-light performance.
The EVO Lite+ UAV was proven capable of creating 2-D maps and 3-D models of volcanic geological features, and the team is continuing to use these drones in the field.
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Use of drone for professional research
The scientist team noted that by deploying the EVO Lite+ drone system they will be able to document any increase in erosion or cracking within the Main Crater, they will further their search for areas subject to future rock falls within the Main Crater, the UAS observation strategy will also be innovative as it offers a new and unique perspective of the volcano summit and interior structures of the Main Crater.
By using the Lite+ system they are going to check for lake water levels, areas of mineralization or crystallization, and any potential vents degassing volcanic emissions, they will further look for subaquatic fumaroles releasing gases via bubbles and try to film them for frequency and size documentation. The qualitative analysis of the Irazú Volcano Main Crater will show changes in morphology and illustrate how consumer drones can be used for professional research.
