A modular and versatile open-source Unoccupied Aerial System for lower atmospheric soundings and photogrammetric surveys in glacierised high-mountain environments

• Applicant: Dr. Alexander Raphael Groos
• Subject Area: Physical Geography ; Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics ; Atmospheric Science
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 545851168

Climate change affects mountain glaciers worldwide. To assess the natural and socio-economic implications of the rapid ice mass loss at high elevation, monitoring of the alpine atmosphere and cryosphere is fundamental. However, meteorological and glaciological observations from the mountains are rare and most satellites do not capture the spatio-temporal variability of surface melt, ice velocity, albedo and supraglacial debris. The lack of high-resolution data leads to uncertainties in projecting the future evolution of alpine glaciers, especially those covered with rocky debris. Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an indispensable tool in the geosciences for the collection of high-resolution data. However, fixed-wing UAVs developed for surveying larger areas need a plane surface for take-off and landing and are often not designed for the use of specific scientific instruments. Here we promote a modular and open-source tail-sitter UAV (the OpenGeoDrone) that is specifically designed for atmospheric soundings and photogrammetric surveys in the mountains. The envisaged OpenGeoDrone combines the benefits of rotary and fixed-wing UAVs and allows for vertical take-off and landing in rugged terrain, at exposed research stations and on research vessels. It is mission-tailored and supports the modular use of various sensors. As a proof of concept and blueprint for future studies, the OpenGeoDrone will be deployed on the Kanderfirn in the Swiss Alps in the framework of an ongoing monitoring program. It will be equipped with multispectral and thermal infrared cameras to map variations in debris thickness, ice velocity, albedo and surface lowering. An open-source pipeline will be developed for data analysis. A novelty will be multi-UAV missions for parallel atmospheric soundings over different surfaces (snow, ice, debris, bedrock), contributing to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of the boundary layer over alpine terrain. Thanks to the modular design and use of open hardware and software, the OpenGeoDrone can be easily deployed by researchers from other fields for versatile and demanding UAV missions with a focus on accurate and high-resolution data collection.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Partner Organisation: Agence Nationale de la Recherche / The French National Research Agency
• Cooperation Partner: Murat Bronz, Ph.D.