Drones Collaborative Research Platform

Advancing research with cutting-edge technology to perceive and measure the world, validating change for communities, industry, and the environment.

The UQ Drones Collaborative Research Platform is a leading hub for drone-based research and innovation, providing researchers, industry partners, and government agencies with access to cutting-edge remote sensing technology and expertise.

With a vast library of drones, advanced remote sensing capabilities, and a fully equipped workshop, we can provide custom builds and specialised payload integration. The platform supports diverse research fields, including environmental science, geophysics and agriculture, ensuring efficient and safe operations. A multidisciplinary team of experts provides piloting, data analysis and project management, helping researchers and industry partners achieve groundbreaking results with streamlined workflows.

Steven Micklethwaite Reilly Williamson Craig Jarvis

Director Chief Remote Pilot Maintenance Controller

Researchers

The UQ Drones Collaborative Research Platform helps researchers by providing and developing custom drone technology. With a library of advanced drones, specialized remote sensing payloads, and a fully equipped workshop, researchers can conduct direct sampling, environmental monitoring, and geospatial studies with precision. Whether you need a drone to collect and analyse bush fire smoke samples for a health study, map the environment or survey an ancient indigenous archaeological site, we can provide a solution.

Industry

The UQ Drones Collaborative Research Platform supports industry by delivering advanced drone solutions to solve real-world challenges. With access to strictly maintained drones, specialized payloads, and expert consultation, businesses can enhance operations in mining, agriculture, geophysics, environmental monitoring and more. Our team consists of industry experienced pilots and field technicians who know exactly what it takes to meet the demands of your business. We are fully CASA compliant and conform to Quality Assurance and Quality Control standards.

Hyperspectral Imaging Surveys with HySpex VS-620:

Our hyperspectral imaging services utilize the HySpex Mjolnir VS-620, a high-performance, co-aligned VNIR-SWIR sensor designed for scientific-grade remote sensing. With 490 spectral bands and exceptional coregistration accuracy, this system delivers detailed spectral data across a wide range of applications—from mineral exploration to environmental monitoring.

Key Features of Our Hyperspectral Imaging Services

Comprehensive Spectral Coverage

Full VNIR-SWIR range: 400 – 2500 nm
490 spectral bands with 5.1 nm sampling resolution
Ideal for precise material identification and classification

Superior Data Quality

Keystone and smile distortion <0.1 pixels for sharp, geometrically accurate imagery
Peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) >900 for high-fidelity spectral data

UAV-Optimized Design

Lightweight (6 kg) and compact for efficient aerial deployment
Co-aligned VNIR and SWIR optical axes for perfect coregistration in flight direction

High-Speed Data Acquisition

Frame rate up to 100 fps for rapid survey coverage
16-bit raw data resolution for enhanced dynamic range and detail

Applications

Mineral Exploration – Spectral mapping of surface mineralogy
Agriculture & Forestry – Crop health, vegetation stress, and biodiversity analysis
Environmental Monitoring – Pollution detection, water quality assessment, and land change analysis
Geological & Infrastructure Surveys – Terrain classification and material inspection

By leveraging the HySpex VS-620, we deliver high-resolution hyperspectral datasets tailored for scientific research, environmental sustainability, and industrial applications.

Bathymetric LiDAR Surveys with RIEGL VQ-840-GE:

Our bathymetric LiDAR services utilize the RIEGL VQ-840-GE, a state-of-the-art airborne laser scanner designed for simultaneous topographic and bathymetric mapping. Using a narrow green laser beam (532 nm), this system penetrates water surfaces to accurately measure submerged terrain—ideal for coastal, riverine, and reservoir environments.

Key Features of Our Bathymetric LiDAR Services

High-Precision Subsurface Mapping

Echo digitization and online waveform processing for detailed elevation data
Accurate measurement of both terrestrial and underwater topography

Efficient Data Acquisition

Laser pulse repetition rate up to 100 kHz
Scanning speeds up to 100 lines per second
High spatial resolution for dense 3D point clouds

Integrated Positioning & Imaging

Advanced GNSS/IMU integration for precise geolocation
Optional high-resolution aerial imaging for enhanced context and analysis

Applications

Coastal & Shallow Water Mapping – Shoreline delineation and bathymetric profiling
River & Stream Surveys – Channel morphology and sediment transport studies
Reservoir & Wetland Monitoring – Water body volume estimation and habitat assessment
Infrastructure Planning – Bridge, dam, and levee inspections

By combining high-resolution LiDAR technology with robust positioning and imaging systems, we deliver reliable bathymetric datasets tailored for environmental research, engineering design, and resource management.

Topographic LiDAR Surveys with RIEGL VUX-120:

Our topographic LiDAR services utilize the RIEGL VUX-120, a high-performance UAV LiDAR sensor engineered for precision and high-density aerial mapping. Featuring a 100° field of view and a unique Nadir/Forward/Backward (NFB) scanning pattern, the VUX-120 ensures exceptional data completeness—even in complex environments with vertical structures, dense vegetation, or narrow corridors.

Key Features of Our Topographic LiDAR Services

High-Speed, High-Density Data Collection

Laser pulse repetition rate up to 2.4 MHz
Measurement rates up to 2,000,000 points per second
Ideal for capturing fine-scale terrain and structural detail

Advanced Scanning Geometry

NFB scanning pattern for enhanced coverage and minimal shadowing
100° field of view for wide-area mapping

Precision Mapping Capabilities

Accurate elevation and surface modeling in rugged terrain
Reliable performance in urban, forested, and canyon-like environments

Applications

Mining & Topographic Surveys – Detailed terrain modeling and volumetric analysis
Urban & Environmental Monitoring – Infrastructure mapping and change detection
Forestry & Agriculture – Canopy structure, biomass estimation, and land-use classification
Archaeology & Cultural Heritage – Site documentation and landscape reconstruction
Corridor Mapping – Power lines, railways, roads, and pipeline inspections

By leveraging the RIEGL VUX-120, we deliver high-resolution 3D LiDAR data tailored for scientific research, environmental management, and infrastructure development.

Airborne LiDAR with Elitescan W50:

Our airborne LiDAR services utilize the Elitescan W50, a compact and highly integrated system developed by EPiC LiDAR. Combining a high-performance laser scanner, IMU, and aerial camera, the W50 delivers exceptional range, precision, and vegetation penetration—making it ideal for complex terrain and dense canopy environments.

Key Features of Our Airborne LiDAR Services

Lightweight & UAV-Optimized

Total system weight of just 1.4 kg (including 26MP camera)
Compatible with DJI M300/M350, multirotor, and fixed-wing platforms
Quick-release interface for rapid deployment

Long-Range & High-Efficiency Scanning

Operating flight height up to 450 m
Measurement range up to 1000 m (80% reflectivity)
Scanning speed up to 300 lines/sec with point frequencies up to 1 MHz

Exceptional Ground Penetration

Up to 7 echo returns for reliable ground point acquisition through vegetation
90° field of view for wide-area coverage

High-Precision Geospatial Data

System accuracy: 5 cm (plane) / 3 cm (elevation) @150 m
Post-processed positioning accuracy: 1 cm (plane) / 2 cm (elevation)
Attitude accuracy: Heading 0.04°, Pitch/Roll 0.008°

Integrated Imaging Capabilities

26MP or 45MP aerial camera options
Image resolutions up to 8192×5468 with FoV up to 90°
Ground Sampling Distance (GSD): ~2.1–2.3 cm @100 m flight height

Applications

Forestry & Vegetation Mapping – Penetrate canopy to model terrain and biomass
Topographic & Terrain Surveys – High-resolution elevation models
Infrastructure & Corridor Mapping – Power lines, roads, and pipelines
Environmental Monitoring – Floodplain analysis, erosion studies, and habitat mapping

By leveraging the Elitescan W50, we deliver high-density, precision LiDAR data tailored for scientific research, environmental management, and infrastructure development.

Airborne Geophysical Surveys – Magnetics, EM & Gravity:

Our airborne geophysical survey services offer high-resolution magnetic, electromagnetic (EM), and gravity data acquisition using advanced instrumentation tailored for precision and reliability. Central to our magnetic survey capability is the Scintrex CS-VL Cesium Vapor Magnetometer, a state-of-the-art sensor designed for sensitive and accurate magnetic field measurements.

Key Features of Our Magnetic Survey Services

Ultra-Sensitive Magnetic Detection

Sensitivity: 0.0006 nT/√Hz rms
Absolute accuracy: <2.5 nT
Enables detailed mapping of subtle magnetic anomalies

Broad Measurement Range

Operates across 15,000 to 105,000 nT
Suitable for diverse geological, environmental, and archaeological applications

Advanced Data Processing & Interpretation

Specialized software for magnetic data processing and visualization
Delivers clear, actionable insights for exploration and analysis

Applications

Mineral Exploration – Detect subsurface mineral deposits and structures
Geological Mapping – Characterize lithology and structural features
Environmental & Archaeological Surveys – Identify buried features and contamination zones

By integrating high-sensitivity magnetometry with robust airborne platforms and expert data analysis, we provide comprehensive geophysical datasets to support research, resource development, and environmental monitoring.

Multispectral Imaging with Sony ILX-LR1 Sextuple Lens:

Our multispectral imaging surveys utilize the Sony ILX-LR1 Sextuple Lens, a cutting-edge dual-purpose mapping solution optimized for drone-based research applications. This lightweight yet powerful system delivers high-resolution RGB mapping and advanced multispectral data acquisition for a wide range of scientific and environmental studies.

Key Features of Our Multispectral Imaging Services:

High-Resolution Data Collection

61MP RGB mapping for highly detailed aerial imagery
14-band multispectral imaging (7MP per band) or 13 bands + wide RGB for comprehensive spectral analysis

Precision-Tuned Spectral Bands

30nm wide spectral bands: 405, 430, 450, 490, 525, 550, 560, 570, 630, 650, 685, 710, 735, 850 nm
Optimized for vegetation analysis, environmental monitoring, and land-use studies

Lightweight & UAV-Optimized

Compact full-frame E-Mount system (424g total weight)
Designed for seamless UAV integration, enabling high-efficiency aerial surveys

Advanced Lens System

Sextuple single mount lens for precise spectral separation
21.8mm effective focal length, f/5.6 aperture, and low distortion (<2%) for superior image quality

Applications

Precision Agriculture – Crop health monitoring, vegetation stress analysis
Environmental Studies – Land cover classification, ecosystem monitoring
Infrastructure & Urban Planning – Remote sensing of built environments
Forestry & Conservation – Biomass estimation, habitat analysis

By leveraging the ILX-LR1 Sextuple Lens, we provide high-accuracy multispectral data tailored for scientific research, industry applications, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Gamma-Ray Surveys with Medusa MS-2000:

Our gamma-ray spectrometry services utilize the Medusa MS-2000, a rugged, vehicle-borne sensor designed for high-efficiency radiometric mapping. Engineered for autonomous operation and real-time data processing, the MS-2000 is ideal for environmental, geological, and industrial applications requiring precise radionuclide detection.

Key Features of Our Gamma-Ray Survey Services

Robust & Field-Ready Design

Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber housing with vibration-dampening mount
IP65-rated for operation in harsh environments
Operates across a wide temperature range: –20 to +65 °C

High-Performance Spectrometry

2000 ml CsI scintillator crystal for sensitive gamma-ray detection
Real-time radionuclide analysis of ^40K, ^238U, ^232Th, and ^137Cs
Mapping speeds up to 45 km/h with 5 Hz recording frequency

Integrated Data & Connectivity

Internal 16 GB storage (up to 500 hours of data)
Data formats: JSON, NMEA, CSV
Streaming via RS-232, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5 GHz)

Advanced Software Ecosystem

mDOS for real-time monitoring, survey planning, and radionuclide inspection
GammAn for post-processing with Full Spectrum Analysis (FSA) and Window Analysis (WA)

Applications

Soil and sediment scanning
NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) characterization
Contamination mapping and environmental monitoring
Ground-based radiometric surveys using vehicles or UAVs

By deploying the Medusa MS-2000, we deliver accurate, efficient, and scalable gamma-ray data tailored to scientific research, environmental assessments, and industrial safety operations.