Drones Collaborative Research Platform

HySpex Mjolnir VS-620

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.

RIEGL VQ-840-GE

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.

RIEGL VUX-120

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.

Elitescan W50

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 RGB camera

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.

Ceasium Vapour CS-VL Magnetometer

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.

Sony ILX-LR1 Sextuple Lens

 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.

Medusa MS-2000

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

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.

ARACE Angel

Arace Pheonix

Callisto 50

Acecore NOA

DJI Mavic 3M

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.

Hyperspectral Imaging Surveys with HySpex Mjolnir 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.

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 RGB camera (colourisation), the W50 delivers exceptional range, precision, and vegetation penetration—making it ideal for complex terrain and dense canopy environments.

Airborne Geophysical Surveys – Magnetics, EM & Gravity

Our airborne geophysical survey services offer high-resolution magnetic 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 total magnetic field measurements.

Gamma-Ray Surveys with Medusa MS-2000

Our gamma-ray spectrometry services utilize the Medusa MS-2000, a rugged 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.

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.

Multispectral/Photogrammetry Surveys with Sony ILX-LR1 Sextuple/Quad Lens

Our multispectral imaging surveys utilize the Sony ILX-LR1 Sextuple/Quad 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/photogrammetry data acquisition for a wide range of scientific and environmental studies.

UQ Drones Temporary Management Procedure

Drones (uncrewed aircraft) are an invaluable emerging aviation technology that can provide enormous benefit to society. However, their rapid uptake necessitates comprehensive regulation to ensure safety while potential risks are being identified and addressed.

Whether you are aware or not, operating an uncrewed aircraft recreationally or commercially encumbers you, your employer, and the owner of the aircraft with responsibilities and liabilities under the Airspace Act, Civil Aviation Act, and Damage by Aircraft Act; this is called strict liability ('uncrewed aircraft' herein referred to as 'unmanned aircraft').

You need approval to operate a drone on any UQ campus or site, or in any other activity associated with your employment at the University.

What you need to do if you want to operate a drone in activities associated with your employment at the University:

Step 1

• Familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations (https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules)
• Apply for your individual aviation reference number (ARN) (https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-reference-numbers)
• Complete either your operator accreditation (free online) or remote pilot licence (1 week course)  (https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/get-your-operator-credentials/operator-accreditation#Operatoraccreditationrequirements)
• Contact the Chief Remote Pilot to ensure the drone is registered under UQ's ARN (https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/registration-and-flight-authorisations/register-your-drone#Droneregistrationrequirements)
• Complete the UQ drones training module in Workday (Not yet in force)
• Consider the HSW risk, ethical, and privacy implications associated with your planned operation

Step 2

• Notify the relevant site/security manager
• Use UQSafe to submit a risk assessment to your manager considering the HSW risks, frequency and duration of your operations (consult template #35797)
• Complete the UQ Drones Excluded Category Planning Form and submit to drones@uq.edu.au  
• Refer to the UQ Drones Excluded Category Guideline for an Operational Checklist to assist you in operating safely

For enquiries and operational support, contact drones@uq.edu.au

• UQ Drones Collaborative Research Platform
• External Parties for Drone Operations at UQ

UQ Drones Collaborative Research Platform

The UQ drones platform is currently in an establishment phase, now is the chance to have your say.

Let us know what you want the UQ drones platform to do or you at drones@uq.edu.au

The UQ Drones Collaborative Research Platform is a national common-use initiative designed to enhance uncrewed survey capabilities in the research community.

Our services include:

• Equipment Library: Availability of cutting-edge uncrewed systems and sensors.
• Uncrewed Survey Services:
  • Remote Sensing
  • Geophysics
  • Water, Soil, and Air Sampling
  • Bespoke Payload Integration
• Consultation: Access to uncrewed survey expertise.
• Compliance Support: Guidance for complex operations and regulatory requirements.
• Training: Tailored training for specific operations and basic training for users at all levels.
• Data Processing and Evaluation: Advanced data analysis services.
• Computing Resources: High-performance computing for data-intensive tasks.
• Commercial Services: Industry partnership for research conversion.
• Research Support: Merit-based co-contributions for research projects and assistance with relevant grant applications.

For more information, please contact drones@uq.edu.au

External Parties for Drone Operations at UQ

If you are engaging an external party to operate drones in activities associated with the University, refer to the contractor safety management procedure.

Consult the Chief Remote Pilot to record the necessary contractor details regarding drone operations.

These will include:

• Certificate of currency for contractor’s public liability and professional indemnity insurance
• Evidence of licences certificates and accreditations
• CASA Certificate of registration for drones