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Unmanned Aerial Geophysical Remote Sensing: A Survey

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01 November 2024

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01 November 2024

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Abstract
Geophysical surveys, a conventional means of analyzing the Earth and its environs, have traditionally relied on ground-based methodologies. However, up-to-date approaches encompass remote sensing (RS) techniques, employing both spaceborne and airborne platforms. The emergence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has notably catalyzed interest in UAV-borne geophysical RS. This study comprehensively reviews the state-of-the-art UAV-based geophysical methods, encompassing magnetometry, gravimetry, gamma-ray spectrometry/radiometry, electromagnetic (EM) surveys, ground penetrating radar (GPR), traditional UAV RS methods (i.e., photogrammetry and LiDARgrammetry), and integrated approaches. Each method is scrutinized concerning essential aspects such as sensors, platforms, challenges, applications, etc. Drawing upon an extensive review of over 435 scholarly works, our analysis reveals the versatility of these systems, ranging from geophysical development to applications over various geoscientific domains. The reviewed studies unanimously highlight the advantages of UAV RS in geophysical surveys. UAV geophysical RS effectively balances the benefits of ground-based and traditional RS methods regarding cost, resolution, accuracy, and other factors. Integrating multiple sensors on a single platform and fusion of multi-source data enhance efficiency in geoscientific analysis. However, implementing geophysical methods on UAVs poses challenges, prompting ongoing research and development efforts worldwide to find optimal solutions from both hardware and software perspectives.
Keywords: 
Subject: Environmental and Earth Sciences  -   Geophysics and Geology

1. Introduction

Geoscience, which is also referred to as Earth science, includes a wide array of natural sciences focused on studying the Earth [1]. These fields include geophysics, geology, geodesy, geography, and others [2,3,4,5]. Within geoscience, geophysics specifically investigates the physical phenomena and characteristics of Earth and its surrounding spatial environment. It combines the fields of geology, physics, and mathematics in a single approach. It uses quantitative methods to analyze these phenomena. In essence, geophysics offers a means to describe various aspects of the subsurface environment, such as composition and structure thereby providing information on, e.g., objects, geological features, groundwater conditions, or pollution levels, through non-invasive techniques [6]. The term “non-invasive” indicates that these methods do not damage the Earth’s crust due to drilling or excavation. Geophysical methods include, among others, magnetic survey (magnetometry) [7], gravity survey (gravimetry) [8], electromagnetic (EM) survey [9,10], gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS)/radiometry [11], ground penetrating radar (GPR) [12], seismic tomography [13], electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) [14], and others.
Geophysical methods fall into two main categories: traditional close-range methods and modern remote sensing (RS)-based methods [15,16,17]. Close-range methods involve surveys conducted with equipment positioned as close to the Earth’s surface as possible, covering both terrestrial and aquatic environments. On the other hand, RS-based techniques utilize platforms and instruments situated at a considerable distance from the Earth’s surface [16,18]. These RS-based methods can be either spaceborne, employing satellites as platforms, or airborne, utilizing various manned and unmanned aerial platforms.
The increasing popularity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the last decade, along with ongoing efforts by universities and industries to develop UAV-compatible devices and payloads, has profoundly impacted geophysics [19]. UAVs offer several advantages for geophysical surveys, including cost-effectiveness, ability to cover larger areas, lightweight design for easy transport, autonomous flying capability (which eliminates potential risks for onboard pilots in manned aircraft), and low-flying capability, all among its favorable features. These characteristics establish UAV-borne geophysical survey methods as a balanced compromise between traditional airborne and ground-based approaches, effectively combining the strengths of both methods simultaneously.
An extensive examination of literature concerning UAV-based geophysical methods, drawing from both scholarly research and corporate endeavors, reveals that these methods encompass traditional manned airborne techniques and introduce innovative additions such as seismic surveys [20,21]. This evolution has led to the development of UAV-based magnetometry [22], gravimetry [23], EM surveys [10], GPR [24], gamma-ray spectrometry/radiometry [25], as well as seismic surveys [26]. In addition to these basic geophysical methods, UAV photogrammetry [27] and LiDARgrammetry [28], while not traditionally considered geophysical techniques, hold applicability across various geoscientific domains [29,30].
The growing trend of UAV-based geophysical surveys in recent years and the increasing volume of research and papers published annually highlight a gap for a comprehensive review of UAV-based geophysical surveys. Existing research tends to focus on specific aspects of UAV-based geophysical surveys, as exemplified by the works of [22,24], which review UAV-based magnetometry or GPR, respectively. However, a comprehensive review paper, similar to a handbook, covering all feasible UAV-based geophysical survey methods remains needed. To address this gap, we aim to thoroughly review all methods feasibly developed for geophysical (or other geoscientific) surveys using UAVs.
To the best of our knowledge, no prior work has comprehensively compiled and reviewed all the methods mentioned. Thus, the novelty of our work is in collecting all standard UAV-based geophysical methods and providing new insights into methods that may initially not be recognized as geophysical techniques but can be applied effectively in this domain.

2. Research Methodology

A comprehensive search across different databases and sources has been done to address our research objectives. Our search comprises two methods: systematic querying in Scopus and manual search in Google Scholar, ResearchGate, etc. Although it is challenging to determine the definitive superior database for scientometrics, Scopus has been chosen as the foundation for our systematic querying. This decision is based on previous studies that have analyzed bibliometric bases, including [31,32].
Initially, relevant and similar terms were selected in an automated search strategy, and a query was made in Scopus using the filtering possibilities available there. The query for keyword search was as follows: TITLE-ABS-KEY (uav AND geophysics) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (uav AND magnetic AND survey) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (uav AND gravity AND survey) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (uav AND ground AND penetrating AND radar) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (uav AND gamma AND spectrometry) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (uav AND gamma AND radiometry) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (uav AND electromagnetic AND survey). Various word forms were examined and compared to ensure no significant articles were missed in our collection. For instance, in some cases, along with the commonly used term “UAV”, terms like “unmanned aerial vehicle” or “drone” were also used.
In addition to the automated query, a manual searching approach was also employed in the other resources above to address any deficits in studies that might not have been identified in the automated search. These deficits primarily pertain to UAV-borne RS methods such as photogrammetry and LiDARgrammetry, which are not typically considered geophysical methods and may not be easily identified through automated searches1. Relevant studies in manual searches were finalized by reading the papers’ text. Various word forms were examined to ensure that no significant documents were lost. The joint search returned a total of 587 studies, characterized by the word cloud shown in Figure 1. The word cloud offers a visual representation of the interdisciplinary nature of UAV-borne geophysical RS, bridging concepts from both the geoscience discipline and RS technology. The words presented in the cloud provide insight into the research landscape and the various themes explored within this field.
Moreover, an overview of the gathered publications is presented in Figure 2. There is an increase in publications (Figure 2a). This emerging topic is mainly developing through articles in journals and presentations at conferences, with no dedicated books yet available (Figure 2b). The impact of this topic extends across various disciplines, including computer science and environmental science (Figure 2c). Figure 2d illustrates that both developed and developing countries have begun to delve into the domain of UAV-borne geophysical RS, indicating its widespread relevance. Notably, universities and research centers, predominantly from developed countries, are leading in this field (Figure 2e). Furthermore, Figure 2f reveals that research is published in various journals, ranging from geosciences to RS technology, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of this topic. Following the PRISMA flowchart [33] In Figure 3, the gathered documents were refined (containing three steps: identification, screening, and eligibility). Ultimately, 435 papers were considered eligible for review.

3. UAV-Borne Geophysical Survey Methods

Geophysical methods are classified into two primary categories based on sensor operation: those employing passive sensors and those using active sensors. For detailed information on passive and active sensors and their operation, refer to [34]. Additionally, a third category considers methods that integrate sensors and fuse data. Figure 4 illustrates this categorization. Note that “active/passive methods” indicate whether the method utilizes an active or passive sensor.

3.1. UAV-Borne Geophysical Survey: Passive Methods

3.1.1. Unmanned Aerial Magnetometry

The introduction of UAVs in geophysics, especially in airborne magnetometry, has driven notable global academic and technological progress [35]. UAV-borne magnetometry offers safety, cost-efficiency [22], and prolonged flight endurance, facilitating low-altitude flights and high-resolution magnetic data collection [36,37,38], compared to traditional ground-based or airborne surveys using a low-flying airplane. There is a noticeable trend towards the adoption of UAV-borne magnetometry, with universities and companies actively engaging in pioneering research [39].
Reliable surveying systems on lightweight UAV platforms address the limitations of traditional terrestrial and aerial magnetometry [22,40]. These systems efficiently collect high-quality magnetic data, enhancing spatial resolution at low altitudes [41]. They extend operations to previously inaccessible areas, reducing costs and offering flexibility [42,43]. UAV-based surveys bridge the gap between terrestrial and airborne methods, enhancing detectability [44]. Challenges include ensuring data quality comparable to manned aerial systems and developing lightweight magnetometers for small UAV platforms. Figure 5 depicts a UAV-based magnetometer system, with subsystems detailed in [22].
Different manufacturers offer a variety of magnetic sensors (magnetometers) compatible with UAVs [41]. Table 1 overviews the most widely available cutting-edge options, with confirmed quality and reliability.
Table 2 presents an examination of diverse cutting-edge UAV-borne magnetometry systems currently accessible worldwide, including both commercial options and those developed through scientific research and development (R&D).
In the domain of UAV magnetometry, one of the critical issues is EM interference. Mounting magnetic sensors on aerial vehicles poses challenges due to magnetic interference from propulsion and flight control systems. This interference originates from both the environment and onboard systems, diminishing sensor sensitivity and detection ranges [39,81,87,94]. Environmental factors include anything in the UAV’s surroundings that impacts the magnetic survey, while onboard factors pertain to various UAV components with magnetic characteristics. Due to these magnetic components, UAVs may compromise the accuracy of total magnetic field measurements [60]. Advances in magnetometer technology enable increased use in small to medium UAVs, but miniature UAVs face challenges due to their compact size and shorter distances between interference sources and sensors [22,43,49,81]. Addressing magnetic interference is a paramount challenge in aerial magnetometry development [39,49,94,95,96]. This section explores solutions to counter magnetic interference, considering both active and passive approaches.
  • Active Solution: Post-compensation addresses UAV magnetic interference [22,39,96], utilizing calibration flights to gather high-altitude data and calculate compensation coefficients using a model (Equation (1)) [97]
H T = C 1 C o s α + C 2 C o s β + C 3 C o s γ + H G C 4 C o s 2 α + C 5 C o s α C o s β + C 6 C o s α C o s γ + C 7 C o s 2 β + C 8 C o s β C o s γ + C 9 C o s 2 γ + H G C 10 C o s α C o s α + C 11 C o s α C o s β + C 12 C o s α C o s γ + C 13 C o s β C o s α + C 14 C o s β C o s β + C 15 C o s β C o s γ + C 16 C o s γ C o s α + C 17 C o s γ C o s β + C 18 C o s γ C o s γ = i = 1 18 C i A i
Where H T is the total interference field intensity, and H G represents the geomagnetic field. Cosα, cosβ, and cosγ are the directional cosines of the geomagnetic field vector with respect to the UAV’s axes. Cj (1 ≤ j ≤ 18) are compensation coefficients aimed at mitigating magnetic interference effects.
Compensation coefficients (Cj) are estimated using magnetometer data (α, β, γ) through the least squares method according to Equation (2). These coefficients, along with the model, mitigate aircraft interferences during magnetic surveys.
C = ( A T A ) 1 A T H i n t
Where H i n t and C are column vectors representing H T and Cj, respectively, and A is the design matrix [22,39].
To evaluate compensation, the “improvement ratio” and the “fourth-difference” metrics are used [22,98]. Calibration flights correlate UAV maneuvers with magnetic field changes for compensation. Flight of maneuver data should mirror UAV behavior, ideally collected at high altitudes. Post-compensation is not suitable for low-altitude flights, especially for multi-rotor UAVs due to instability. Yet, during high-altitude operations, post-compensation can be applied with magnetometers placed away from the UAV’s platform [22,39].
  • Passive Solution: Post-compensation may not suffice for UAV magnetometry, necessitating an alternative approach by placing the magnetic sensor away from the aerial platform. Methods include suspending it beneath the UAV with a semi-rigid tether or affixing it to the UAV frame with a rigid bar. Various sensor attachment configurations are illustrated in Figure 6, accommodating different UAV types [41,99,100,101]. Placing the magnetometer away from the aerial platform can lead to sensor errors and fluctuations due to vibrations. Firmly affixing it to the airframe or using an extended boom may compromise flight stability, especially for fixed-wing UAVs [22,43,60,96,98]. Comparative studies suggest optimal sensor-platform distances of 3 to 5 meters to minimize interference [22,43,49,56,66,81,96,102]. For VTOL fixed-wing systems, mounting sensors at the winglets or nose-tip via a fixed-boom configuration is effective [80].
Figure 6. Different arrangements for mounting magnetometers on UAVs: (a-i to a-iv) fixed-boom design for rotary-wings, fixed-wings, helicopters, and airships, respectively; (b-i to b-iv) towed sensor design for the mentioned UAV types; (c-i to c-iv) towed bird design for the mentioned UAV types; and (d) fixed wing-tip design for fixed-wing UAV.
Figure 6. Different arrangements for mounting magnetometers on UAVs: (a-i to a-iv) fixed-boom design for rotary-wings, fixed-wings, helicopters, and airships, respectively; (b-i to b-iv) towed sensor design for the mentioned UAV types; (c-i to c-iv) towed bird design for the mentioned UAV types; and (d) fixed wing-tip design for fixed-wing UAV.
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Table 3 presents a comprehensive compilation of studies conducted in the field of UAV-borne magnetometry, with a specific emphasis on applications.

3.1.2. Unmanned Aerial Gravimetry

Integrating UAV-borne gravity surveys with ground-based methods aids subsurface resource exploration, enhancing gravity field determination for diverse applications [124]. The UAV-based gravimetry system, depicted in Figure 7, includes a ground base station and an airborne gravimetry system. The ground base station comprises components like a ground control/command station (GCS), ground data transmission (GDT) station, and ground support equipment (GSE). The GCS facilitates real-time transmission of gravimeter data via satellite links. The airborne gravimetry system consists of an unmanned vehicle, UAV-compatible gravimeter, data-transferring computer, GNSS signal recorder, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The UAV, central to any unmanned aerial system (UAS), can take various forms, including airships, helicopters, fixed-wing, and multirotors, with no usage restrictions [23].
Two main operational modes of UAV-based gravimetry exist: continuous-flight and grasshopper (see Figure 8). Continuous-flight mode entails the drone collecting data while traversing an assigned area, ideal for large surveys such as those in the petrochemical industry. Challenges include distinguishing between platform and gravitational accelerations, often addressed using isolation platforms and gimbals. Grasshopper mode involves the UAV landing at specific points for data collection before taking off again. This mode, suitable for rotary-wing drones, collects data during stationary periods. Challenges in this mode include aligning the gravimeter’s axis and sensitivity to angular errors. Grasshopper mode typically requires more time for gravimetry due to flight and landing [125]. Further details and comparisons are available in the cited reference. The successful integration of UAV-compatible gravimeters onto unmanned platforms for continuous-flight and grasshopper mode operations requires several auxiliary systems. These include isolation (self-leveling) platforms, gimbals, and differential GPS capabilities [125,126].
Figure 7. UAV-based gravimetry system (the scheme was depicted based on [23,127,128]).
Figure 7. UAV-based gravimetry system (the scheme was depicted based on [23,127,128]).
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Figure 8. Operational modes in UAV-borne gravimetry (R: flight rans, P: sampling points).
Figure 8. Operational modes in UAV-borne gravimetry (R: flight rans, P: sampling points).
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Various corrections must be applied during gravity data collection, particularly in airborne gravimetry operations, including UAV-borne methods. These corrections include latitude correction, free-air (elevation) correction, Bouguer correction, topography (terrain) correction, Earth tides, Eötvös correction, and low-frequency translation correction, among others [23,129,130,131]. For brevity, readers seeking more detailed insights into these corrections are referred to the cited references.
This section provides a concise overview of gravity sensors compatible with UAVs. Miniature gravity sensors are designed for UAV integration, considering the payload capacity of UAVs. These sensors fall into two main categories: strapdown systems and Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) accelerometers. In strapdown configuration, a triad of accelerometers is directly affixed to the airborne vehicle. MEMS accelerometers offer a lightweight solution for UAV-based gravimetry. Triaxial MEMS devices have been successfully deployed in various UAV-based gravimetry operations. Table 4 lists advanced UAV-compatible gravimeters along with additional details. These are among the most widely available options, and their quality has been confirmed.
This section reviews the state-of-the-art UAV-borne gravimetry systems developed to date. Table 5 provides a comprehensive list of these advanced drone-deployed systems, along with relevant information for each.
Table 6 offers a comprehensive examination of the literature on UAV-borne gravimetry, emphasizing its applications. In contrast to magnetometry, the range of applications is currently restricted due to the emerging status of the field, with most studies focused on system R&D.

3.1.3. Unmanned Aerial Gamma-ray Spectrometry and Radiometry

GRS geophysical technologies are challenging to integrate with drones due to their bulkiness and traditional design [161,162]. New UAV-compatible spectrometer systems, designed within drone weight constraints, and improved data processing methods, e.g., [163,164], show promise for enhanced survey efficiency and accessibility. This shift requires innovative equipment design and data analysis methods to maximize potential.
UAV-borne GRS feasibility relies on precise gamma-ray radiation measurement in low-altitude environments with limited air attenuation [165,166]. UAVs use gamma-ray spectrometers to map soil properties, texture, and contamination [167], advancing from proof-of-concept to common practice [168,169]. Radiation mapper UAVs carry payloads suitable for efficiently mapping radionuclide activities [170]. UAV GRS combines ground-based and traditional airborne methods, using UAVs for gamma radiation investigations at lower altitudes, minimizing risks and costs, especially in smaller survey areas [169,171,172]. Radiometric surveys by UAVs are more common than spectrometric surveys due to lightweight UAV constraints, limiting traditional GRS methods’ effectiveness [171]. Ground-based GRS requires stops, while airborne GRS uses large-volume scintillation detectors for high-quality surveys [173]. Semiconductor detectors are expensive and less adopted compared to classical scintillation detectors, preferred for spectrometric measurements during movement [174,175,176]. Unmanned systems utilize heavy detection units with multiple crystals [171,174,175], impacting UAV flight time and range. Increasing UAV size is not cost-effective. Compact scintillation detectors offer economical and reliable data acquisition for geological mapping, ensuring high-quality outcomes in gamma-ray survey [171,175,177].
Let’s examine how a UAV GRS system operates. In a UAV GRS system (Figure 9), the calibrated gamma-ray spectrometer is mounted beneath the UAV to measure radionuclide concentrations [167]. An onboard rover logs GNSS data for georeferencing, with corrections from a ground-based receiver improving accuracy. The spectrometer captures radiation spectra at each position, synchronized with location data and processed onboard [168,178]. Spectrometer data is transmitted to the GCS via RF systems like TETRA network, UMTS, and others [178,179,180,181]. Post-flight processing includes spectrum analysis for radiation heatmap generation [180]. The GCS software integrates radiation levels, coordinates, and altitude for visualization [181]. Measured radionuclide concentrations obtained from the spectrometer are used in application models, correlating them with soil properties or contaminants. Proper sensor calibration is crucial for accurate results, often achieved through laboratory analyses known as ground truthing [167,180]. During field operations, soil samples are collected. These samples undergo air-drying, milling, and sieving for clay and sand content analysis [169,182]. Lab testing includes radionuclide content, grain-size distribution, and clay fraction analysis, essential for application model development. Models can be developed based on as few as 14-20 soil samples, generating soil maps for various applications [167]. Expert analysis can further enrich the final map.
In this section, spectral data processing is explored, specifically the methods for calculating radionuclide concentrations. Fundamental processing steps involve consolidating data from different detectors and filtering out points during UAV stationarity or survey line transitions [183]. Spectrum analysis techniques, such as the Windows method and Full Spectrum Analysis (FSA) procedure, are used to derive radionuclide concentrations from recorded spectra [161,170,184]. The Windows method extracts 40K, 238U, and 232Th concentrations from specific energy windows [161,169]. In contrast, the FSA method, introduced in [185,186], utilizes nearly all spectral data, enhancing precision [161,184]. FSA fits “standard spectra” to acquired spectra, reflecting the detector’s response to pure radionuclide sources (40K, 238U, or 232Th) [169,184]. Monte Carlo simulations and modeling generate standard spectra, a standardized practice detailed in references such as [163,169,187]. FSA reduces uncertainties by half compared to the Windows method, improving data quality [184]. It enables the use of smaller detectors while maintaining quality and provides richer count and spectrum structure [161].
In UAV-borne GRS, elevation impacts signal reception and footprint size. Higher altitudes reduce detected signal quantity due to increased air attenuation [163]. Elevating the spectrometer broadens the footprint, known as the “table lamp effect,” expanding the effective measured area [169,182]. Gamma-ray spectra conversion to radionuclide concentrations requires altitude correction for signal attenuation and detector field-of-view variations. Traditional corrections for airborne ranges may not suit UAV altitudes. Previous studies proposed corrections, but wide adoption was lacking. Some surveys (e.g., [175,188,189,190]) used International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) corrections even at lower altitudes. In [169] the corrections was refined specifically for UAV GRS operational ranges (0-40 m) using experimental and computational methods, as detailed in the cited study. For more detailed insights of the commonly used footprint and height corrections applied in the domain of UAV-borne spectrometry and radiometery and also some innovative methods in this domain type refer to [169,180,191,192].
To provide an overview of UAV-compatible radiation sensors, it is important to note that several ready-to-use gamma-ray spectrometers have been tested and confirmed to be attachable to drones. These spectrometers are listed in Table 7. In Table 8, a thorough list of state-of-the-art UAV-borne GRS systems is provided, offering detailed technical specifications sourced from published papers.
Table 9 presents an overview of the applications of UAV-borne GRS derived from existing research in the field.

3.1.4. Unmanned Aerial Imaging Geophysics

A UAV photogrammetry system comprises both aerial and ground sections, with the aerial section featuring the UAV and various imaging sensors such as visible-light (RGB), multispectral (MS), hyperspectral (HS), or thermal-infrared (TIR) cameras [209,210]. The system operates through fieldwork, including ground operations and aerial surveys, and office tasks involving survey planning and data processing. Key steps involve acquiring overlapped images, identifying key points, and performing Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) [211] to generate dense point clouds, orthomosaics, and different other geospatial products. While this overview doesn’t delve deeply into UAV photogrammetry, interested readers can refer to relevant references (e.g., [212]) for more details. UAV photogrammetry extends beyond civil applications [213], offering valuable geometrical, structural, spatial, and spectral data about the natural Earth. Consequently, it’s a versatile UAV RS method applicable to various geoscientific endeavors.
This section provides an overview of UAV-compatible optical and TIR imaging sensors. In the UAV visible photogrammetry category, two types of visible cameras are commonly used on UAV platforms for imaging and photogrammetry [214]. These include UAV-integrated cameras, exemplified by the 20-MP 4/3-inch image sensor (e.g., used in DJI Mavic 3 drone) and the 20-MP 1-inch image sensor (e.g., used in AUTEL’s EVO II Pro V3 drone), and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras like the Sony A7RIII. In UAV MS photogrammetry and RS, state-of-the-art sensors include the Parrot Sequoia+, MicaSense Altum-PT, MicaSense RedEdge-MX/P, Sentera 6X, and DJI P4 Multi [214,215]. State-of-the-art TIR sensors include the WIRIS Pro/Pro Sc, Zenmuse XT 2 (dual-light TIR imager), Uncooled FPA 6404, FLIR SC305, and TELEDYNE FLIR VUE Pro. In the realm of UAV HS photogrammetry, cutting-edge sensors include OCI™-UAV-1000/2000, OCI™-F series, and GoldenEye™ (by BaySpec); CHAI S/V-640, S 185 FIREFLEYE SE, S 485 FIREFLEYE XL, and Q 285 FIREFLEYE QE (by Cubert); Nano/Micro-HyperSpec, VNIR-1024, Mjolnir V-1240, and SWIR-384 (by Headwall Photonics HySpex); Rikola, vis-NIR microHSI, Alpha-vis microHSI, SWIR 640 microHSI, and Alpha-SWIR microHSI by MosaicMill NovaSol; MV1-D2048x1088-HS05-96-G2 (by PhotonFocus); Hyperea 660 C1, Pika L, Pika XC2, Pika NIR, and Pika NUV (by Quest Innovations Resonon); VIS-VNIR Snapshot by SENOP; SPECIM FX10/17 (by SPECIM); SOC710-GX (by Surface Optics); and MQ022HG-IM-LS100-NIR/ IM-LS150-VISNIR (by XIMEA) [209]. For the sake of brevity, no further details about the sensors or their specifications are provided here. Readers are referred to the cited references for more information.
In UAV photogrammetry, spatial resolution—denoted by ground sampling distance (GSD)—along with spectral resolution (referring primarily to the number of bands the sensor can capture) and radiometric resolution, are key factors [216,217]. Common corrections in UAV photogrammetry include radiometric and geometric calibration [218,219]. Radiometric calibration aims to derive absolute reflectance measurements from the digital number (DN) [218]. Geometric calibration encompasses band-to-band registration (primarily for multi-lens sensors) and true orthorectification, which allows objects in the orthomosaic to be viewed from a top-down perspective [219]. Additionally, point cloud filtering is another type of correction applied not to images but to point clouds, eliminating non-ground points to generate a bare-land point cloud and digital terrain model (DTM) from the initial point cloud [220].
The geoscientific applications of UAV photogrammetry can be listed as follows:
  • Digital Terrain Modeling for Geomorphological Applications: The initial application of UAV photogrammetry in geoscience focuses on ultra-high-resolution digital terrain modeling for geomorphological purposes. A crucial step in this process involves filtering the original point cloud to isolate the natural terrain points [220]. Subsequently, topographical maps are generated by combining the orthomosaic with contour lines. These maps facilitate further geomorphological analysis and applications.
  • Landslide Mapping and Monitoring: Table 10 presents a comprehensive review of efforts in landslide mapping and monitoring using UAV photogrammetry.
  • Land Subsidence and Ground Failure Mapping:Table 11 provides a thorough list of research conducted in the realm of land subsidence and ground fissure mapping.
  • Geothermal Exploration: The application of UAV photogrammetry in geothermal exploration is explored here, with a collection of them provided in Table 12.
  • Soil Moisture Mapping: Research conducted in the realm of soil moisture mapping using UAV photogrammetry has been reviewed in Table 13.
  • Mineralogy, Mining, and Soil Mapping: Table 14 provides a comprehensive overview of UAV-based imaging and photogrammetry applications in mineralogy, mining, and soil mapping. It is noteworthy that research focusing on mining was gathered and reviewed building on [272].
  • Volcanoic Research: Table 15 offeres a collection of researches in the realm of volcanoic mapping using UAV photogrammetry.

3.2. UAV-Borne Geophysical Survey: Active Methods

3.2.1. Unmanned Aerial EM Survey

The EM method, utilizing induced currents to detect conductive underground structures, aids in subsurface geology understanding. It’s divided into time-domain EM (TDEM) and frequency-domain EM (FDEM) survey methods. Aerial EM (AEM) schematics depict induced and measured magnetic fields (see Figure 10). Measurements involve primary EM fields from the transmitter and secondary EM fields correlated with geological features [306,307,308,309]. AEM methods are categorized by excitation modes (AFEM and ATEM), platform types (fixed-wing TEM, fixed-wing FEM, helicopter-borne TDEM or simply HTEM, and helicopter-borne FDEM or simply HFEM), and EM field transmission types (active, passive, and semi-passive/airborne systems) [306,310,311,312,313,314]. Different ATEM and AFEM systems have been developed based on various types of manned aerial platforms [311,313,315,316,317,318,319,320,321,322,323,324,325,326,327]. Despite this variety, UAV-borne EM survey systems are a relatively new topic compared to traditional methods.
AEM has found various geoscientific applications including finding Quick Clay [328,329,330], identifying hazardous substances [331], mapping the fresh-saltwater interface [332], freshwater potential investigation [333], deep groundwater mapping in Antarctica [334,335,336], hydrologic mapping and environmental assessments [337], detection and mapping impermeable aquifer boundaries [310], groundwater and soil investigations [338], exploring the relationship between groundwater and surface water [339], 3D geological modeling of complex buried valleys [340], observations of a collapse-prone volcano [341], mineral exploration [327], gold exploration [342], mapping sub-Phanerozoic basement features [343], UXO detection [63], magnetite ore tonnage estimation [344], and application in the fields of uranium exploration [345,346].
Developing EM-sounding systems for lightweight UAVs faces challenges due to weight and bulkiness issues with conventional techniques, such as helicopter-based systems. Aerial exploration presents difficulties like precise loop positioning and adapting methods to UAVs, requiring bulky generator setups [347]. Integrating EM sensors with UAVs introduces stability, interference, and control challenges, addressed with solutions like sensor suspension, tail fins, noise avoidance, and real-time monitoring [348,349]. These innovations aim to enhance data quality and address engineering challenges in UAV-based EM surveys. The scheme of Figure 10 is also valid for the UAV EM method.
There are two configurations in UAV-borne EM surveys: single-drone and dual-drone configurations. To illustrate these configurations, we focus on the Louhi geophysical EM survey system. Developed by Radai Ltd. under the NEXT project, this system facilitates practical drone-based operations for FDEM methods [309]. It features a single drone equipped with a transmitter, offering flexibility in surveying approaches (see Figure 11). Additionally, a two-drone configuration is utilized to maintain consistent separation distance between the receiver and transmitter drones, allowing for deeper exploration and rapid deployment in challenging terrains [350]. The fixed loop transmitter system enhances source moment and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), crucial for subsurface exploration. Accurate position and orientation measurements enable conversion to global 3D coordinates, although variations in loop spacing and orientation can introduce noise. Synchronization between the receiver and transmitter units is achieved using GNSS time, allowing for precise data recording and analysis. Payload constraints and synchronization between dual-drone autopilots pose challenges, necessitating ongoing research and development efforts [309].
In the realm of UAV-based EM RS, the concept of the “Semi-UAV-borne EM (SUEM) System” is emerging as a promising innovation. The Semi-Airborne EM (SAEM) setup presents a promising avenue for UAV-based EM surveys [351]. In this configuration, the transmitter remains stationary on the ground while the receiver is deployed on a UAV (similar to Figure 11b), offering unique advantages over conventional AEM [352,353]. However, the payload limitations of current UAVs restrict the maximum speed of the SAEM system. Addressing challenges related to turbulence-induced shaking and motion-related noise in the dataset necessitates innovative solutions [311]. Advancements in drone technology have enabled the adaptation of SAEM systems to UAVs, reducing application and maintenance costs and facilitating multi-component surveys. Notably, MGT’s SAEM system, developed in collaboration with the geophysical industry and research organizations in Germany, exemplifies the successful integration of an EM system onto an unmanned multicopter, enabling data collection with enhanced depth penetration and accuracy. These developments mark significant progress in the evolution of SUEM systems, holding considerable potential for future UAV EM RS applications [311,352,353,354].
Very-low Frequency (VLF) EM methods are frequently mentioned in the literature, especially in the context of UAV EM applications. UAV integration with the VLF method evolved since Kipfinger’s lightweight system in 1996-97 [353,355]. Recent developments led to VLF systems on rotary-wing UAVs with a 12 kg payload capacity [356]. VLF induces primary horizontal magnetic fields and captures secondary fields in conductive subsurface formations with a receiver equipped with two coils [357,358,359]. Equation (3) calculates the vertical magnetic field component using transfer functions or “tippers” [360,361].
H z ( ω ) = A ( ω ) . H x ( ω ) + B ( ω ) . H y ( ω )
Modern VLF instruments capture time series data for all three magnetic field components, enabling analysis in both time and frequency domains. Automated spectral analysis, like the method proposed in [362], identifies VLF transmitters. These advances highlight the potential of UAV-based VLF EM systems for large-scale geophysical surveys [356,363].
Let’s explore the data collection modes in UAV-borne EM surveys. UAV-borne EM surveys use fixed-point and continuous data collection modes [364]. In fixed-point mode, the UAV hovers at each measurement point, ensuring high-quality data but limiting data points due to energy-intensive hovering. Continuous mode collects data seamlessly during low-level flight, offering substantial data volumes similar to grasshopper mode [125]. Post-processing ensures data quality comparable to fixed-point mode [365].
This section discusses three key aspects of UAV-based EM surveys: compatible EM sensors for UAVs, UAV platforms used in EM surveys, and the development of UAV-based EM systems.
  • EM Sensors: Various EM instruments have been utilized in UAV-borne surveys, including GEM-3D, MPV, MPV-II, Pedemis, High-Frequency EMI, Dualem-1S, EM38, Profiler 400-EMP, CMD MiniExplorer, US Army’s drone-mounted EM induction sensor, CAS & Jilin University single-component sensor and others [311,349,366,367]. Among these, the GEM-2UAV is prominent, weighing 3 kg and operating at ten frequencies (25 Hz to 96 kHz). It requires a GNSS antenna, WinGEM software, and consumes 20 W during surveys, offering configurable operational modes and data logging initiated through a control unit [348,349,368].
  • UAV Platforms: UAV platforms for carrying EM instruments are categorized into four types: multi-rotor [347,349,352], fixed-wing [73,369], helicopters [356], and airships/balloons [370]. The choice of platform depends on factors like survey objectives and the size of the EM instrument.
  • UAV-borne EM Survey Systems: Building on the information provided in the preceding two bullets, Table 16 offers a thorough overview of the UAV-borne EM systems that have been developed.
Table 16. Review of state-of-the-art UAV-borne EM survey systems.
Table 16. Review of state-of-the-art UAV-borne EM survey systems.
Sys. Platform Type UAV Name/Model EM Instruments References
1 Multi-rotor MTOW octocopter Miniaturized induction coil triple [352,353]
2 Multi-rotor X825 octocopter Metronix SHFT-02e induction coil triple [351]
3 Multi-rotor SibGIS hexacopter A measuring system with an inductive sensor [201,347,371,372]
4 Multi-rotor SibGIS hexacopter A grounded transmitter line spanning 2.2 km serves as the origin of the current pulses, coupled with an airborne PDI-50 receiver loop on the UAV. [373]
5 Helicopter Aeroscout Scout B1-100 The Super High-Frequency Induction Coil Triple sensor, in conjunction with the ADU07 data logging module, both developed by MGT. [356]
6 Multi-rotor DJI Matrice 600 Pro GEM-2UAV CSEM sensor [349]
7 Fixed-wing VTOL Mother-Goose Louhi portable EM transmitter and three-component receiver [309]
8 Unmanned VTOL airship Quaddirigible (filled with helium) A VLF-type EM survey system [370]
9 Multi-rotor ZION CH940 and LAB6106 multicopters GEM-2 [348]
10 Multi-rotor Hexacopter A coil wound with enameled copper wire, comprising 25 turns and a diameter of 25 cm, designed for the generation of a magnetic field. [374]
11 Hexacopter and fixed-wing SGU’s fixed-wing VLF Three orthogonally mounted induction coil sensors and a data acquisition system with up to 1 MHz continuous data sampling of the EM components. [369]
12 Multi-rotor Hexacopter The drone-borne TEM system utilized a central loop device. [365]
13 Not specified Not specified D-GREATEM system [375]
14 Fixed-wing Silver Fox UAV A sensing coil towed behind the UAV [73]
15 Multi-rotor Hexacopter A measurement setup using an inductive sensor (receiving loop) is tethered by a UAV, while a galvanically grounded power transmitter is positioned on the ground and linked to a pulse generator. [376]
16 Unmanned helicopter Tianxiang V-750 A SAEM system, designed by the CAS, encompasses a single-component sensor, transmitter, and receiver, all equipped with vibration isolation. [311]
17 Multi-rotor Hexacopter A SAEM system, engineered by Jilin University, consists of a robust ground-based transmitter generating high-power signals and a single-component sensor. [311]
18 Multi-rotor DJI Matrice 600 The Geophex multi-coil, CMD MiniExplorer EM instruments, and GEM-2 [366]
19 Multi-rotor DJI Wind4 quadcopter Geophex GEM-2UAV [377]
20 Fixed-wing A long-range drone UAV-borne gravity and EM sensors [158,160]
21 Octocopter System name: MGT-GEO Radio EM The sensor system weighs 6.5 grams, operates in a frequency range of 1-524 kHz, encompasses channels for Hx, Hy, and Hz, boasts a sample rate of up to 524 kHz, achieves synchronization through GPS, and utilizes compact flash disk storage media. [366]
22 Rotary-wing DroneSAM A low-frequency hybrid geophysical system integrating a ground active source transmitter system with a drone for slow-flying, low-level data acquisition of TEM and magnetometric resistivity data. [378]
23 Rotary-wing Multi-rotor (DronEM) Drone for EM fields Measurements (DronEM) is outfitted with a Selective Electric Triaxial Probe and is capable of scanning the EM spectrum ranging from 10 MHz to 3 GHz at altitudes up to 200 m. [379]
24 Rotary-wing Not specified UAV VLF EM System: two VLF UAV sensor coils with cables accompanied by other instruments. [380]
25 Rotary-wing Octo/helicopter 3-component EM sensor (induction coil DEEP) and fluxgate magnetometer. [381]
26 Rotary-wing Hexacopter Time-domain EM system suspended beneath the UAV [10]
In this part an overview is provided on the data integration, processing and inversion principles, and methods applied. The UAV-based EM data processing, following methodologies by [366,382], involves several key steps (Figure 12). Initially, raw datasets from various sources, including drone, EM instrument data, and additional sources (e.g., LiDAR, if available) are integrated, synchronized, and preprocessed for interpretation [383]. Noise filtering enhances data quality by removing high-frequency noise using a low-pass filter. Data segmentation categorizes raw EM sensor data into non-informative, grid/profile, and vertical sounding segments, facilitating anomaly analysis [366]. Inversion iteratively updates resistivity models by comparing field data with synthetic data, employing methods like Layered Constrained Inversion and Spatially Constrained Inversion [384,385,386]. Validation involves addressing noise sources and correlating EM data with geological maps and boreholes to discern soil characteristics and validate results. Additional geophysical data and hand drilling may be utilized for validation when alternative datasets are unavailable. A comprehensive review of UAV-borne EM survey geoscientific applications is summarized in Table 17.

3.2.2. Unmanned Aerial GPR

Over the past decade, UAV-based radar imaging has seen significant advancement, with various radar technologies, unmanned platforms, and payload configurations showcased [390,391,392,393,394,395]. Early research by [396,397] laid the foundation, leading to tests with high-frequency radars at P, X, and C bands [398,399,400], despite limited penetration capabilities. In [401] multi-frequency GPR for rotary-wing UAVs was explored, sparking a surge in contactless GPR research with UAV platforms. The convergence of UAVs and radar technology offers all-weather data recording and buried object detection, driving interest across scientific and industrial sectors [402,403,404,405]. Applications range from landmine detection to environmental monitoring, highlighting UAV-based GPR’s promising future in geophysical surveys and underground exploration [406,407,408]. UAV-based GPR systems are categorized as prototypes explicitly designed for UAVs or conventional GPR devices adapted for UAVs, with systems further classified based on whether antennas contact the ground, leading to ground-coupled and air-launched GPR systems [409,410,411].
Two approaches exist for assembling payloads in the UAV-GPR systems: independent and integrated designs (see Figure 13). In the independent approach, the UAV and payload are separate subsystems, while in the integrated method, they are developed collaboratively. The independent setup allows for compatibility with various UAV platforms but requires a separate interface for integration. Conversely, the integrated architecture simplifies subsystem synchronization and enables high-accuracy geo-referencing for navigation without redundant sensors. This approach is preferred for UAV systems with advanced sensors or specialized flight modes [24]. Visual examples include [412], for independent architecture, and [392], for integrated architecture.
In this part, the observation modes in UAV-borne GPR are reviewed. The scanning strategies employed in UAV-borne GPR are of significant importance. These systems are categorized into three main types based on observation modes and antenna orientation relative to the Earth’s surface (see Figure 14) [392,413].
Figure 13. Payload assembly architectures in UAV-GPR systems: (a) Independent-payload and (b) Integrated-payload architectures. The principles were borrowed from [24,414], with the flowcharts being reconfigured.
Figure 13. Payload assembly architectures in UAV-GPR systems: (a) Independent-payload and (b) Integrated-payload architectures. The principles were borrowed from [24,414], with the flowcharts being reconfigured.
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Figure 14. Observation modes in UAV-borne GPR survey (reconfigured based on [24]).
Figure 14. Observation modes in UAV-borne GPR survey (reconfigured based on [24]).
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Down-looking GPR (DLGPR) configurations position antennas perpendicular to the surface, offering advantages in detecting deeper targets while potentially obscuring shallow ones due to reflections at the air-soil interface [24,409,415,416,417]. Forward-looking GPR (FLGPR) orientations minimize clutter by reducing reflections from the air-ground interface through oblique antenna incidence [24,416,418,419]. Side-looking GPR (SLGPR) configurations utilize tilted antennas to mitigate specular reflection from the air-soil interface, often moving laterally or following circular paths for data capture [392,420,421,422,423].
The scanning architecture choice depends on the target depth and scenario. FLGPR or SLGPR configurations suit shallow targets, minimizing clutter and enhancing detection. DLGPR systems excel for deeper targets, despite increased clutter, offering extended dynamic range. DLGPR and FLGPR imaging capabilities are compared, with FLGPR optimizing transverse magnetic wave penetration, while DLGPR provides enhanced resolution but increased clutter [413,415].
UAV-based GPR methods are divided into fully-airborne and semi-airborne setups. In fully airborne configurations, both antennas are on one UAV or split between two UAVs for transmission and reception. Semi-airborne setups involve a ground-based vehicle with the transmission antenna and a UAV with the reception antenna, operating in down-looking mode (see Figure 15).
Data processing in UAV-borne GPR, inspired by air-launched systems (e.g., [416]), involves two categories: Standard methods and Advanced algorithms (see Figure 16). Standard methods filter noise and correct motion errors, while advanced algorithms aim for high-resolution imaging [395].
In standard processing, data undergoes positioning management and preprocessing, including background removal [394], dewow [425], and clutter elimination. Techniques such as time-gating [427], average subtraction [428,429], and SVD-based filtering [430] are employed for clutter removal. Ground profile retrieval and height correction are also essential for data accuracy [426].
Focusing methods aim to enhance image resolution and interpretability by transforming diffraction hyperbolas into distinct bright spots [431,432]. Figure 17 depicts a UAV-mounted DL-GPR surveying a region of interest, capturing backscattered radar signals along its flight trajectory (Γ) across the angular frequency range Ω = [ ω m i n , ω m a x ] . Each measured point (m) in the volumetric subsurface domain (D) is defined by the position vector r m = x m i ^ + y m j ^ + z m k ^ , representing various buried targets. The radar imaging process employs a simplified linear scattering model [433]. Equation (4) defines the scattered field at each point, with E s representing the scattered field, E i denoting the incident field within domain D, χ(r) characterizing the unknown contrast function at any point r in D, G corresponding to Green’s function, and k is the propagation constant.
E s r m , ω = k 2 D G r m , r , ω E i ( r , ω ) χ ( r ) d r
Various algorithms were proposed to address the UAV-GPR imaging challenge, discussed as follows:
  • Migration Techniques: Migration techniques like Kirchhoff’s wave-equation and phase-shift migration (PSM) algorithms, commonly used in GPR, are applied in UAV-based GPR data processing for efficient analysis [435,436,437,438,439]. However, PSM requires data interpolation to a regular grid, which may pose challenges in irregular survey trajectories. Newer approaches like Piecewise SAR (P-SAR) address these limitations by considering the reflection and transmission coefficients of EM waves through diverse subsurface layers [440].
  • Back-projection (BP) or Delayand-and-Sum (DAS) Method: UAV-based GPR often employs beam-forming or SAR-like Back-projection (BP) or Delay-and-Sum (DAS) methods due to non-rectilinear measurement trajectories [414]. They integrate radar echoes from the flight path to generate a reflectivity map using Equation (5).
χ r = Γ Ω E s r m , ω G r m , r , ω E i ( r , ω ) * d r m d ω
Where * represents the conjugation operator.
DAS involves summation of measurements at focal points across the target area [441]. Reflectivity ρ r is determined using scattered field data from N acquisition points and M discrete frequencies (Equation (6)), considering phase shifts from wave propagation (Equation (7)).
ρ r = n = 1 N m = 1 M E s ( r n , f m ) e + j 2 ( ϕ 0 + ϕ 1 )
ϕ 0 + ϕ 1 = k 0 , m r r n 2
Where r n represents the position where the n-th measurement was acquired, f m stands for the m-th discrete frequency (it is related to angular frequency), and ϕ 0 and ϕ 1 correspond to the phase shifts resulting from wave propagation. k 0 , m represents the free-space wavenumber for the m-th discrete frequency, while r i , n signifies the refraction point on the air-ground interface. The refraction point position ( r i , n ) is determine using Snell’s law [441].
DAS, suitable for irregular flight trajectories, are comparable to PSM techniques in performance for UAV-based GPR processing. They find application in various UAV-based GPR studies [392,394,397,406,414,428,429,442].
  • Microwave Tomography (MT): MT focusing algorithms, using inverse filtering techniques, aim to solve the EM inverse scattering problem [432,443]. Unlike SAR-like methods, MT directly inverts the linear integral equation [24,395], addressing the imaging problem through a solution to the linear inverse problem (Equation (8)).
E s = L χ
L : L 2 ( D ) L 2 ( Γ × Ω ) maps unknown to data space, both being square-integrable function spaces. Regularization, often through truncated SVD, stabilizes the ill-posed inverse problem [444]. MT’s resilience to noise surpasses SAR-like methods, promoting its widespread adoption in UAV-based GPR imaging across various data collection scenarios and environments [24,395,425].
  • Full-waveform Inversion (FWI) or Integral Equation (IE)-based Methods: FWI or IE GPR processing links radar backscattered fields with soil EM properties [404]. It estimates soil conductivity and permittivity by minimizing a cost function comparing the model and observed data [24]. In UAV-based GPR, FWI estimates soil permittivity, facilitating SWC mapping [395,406,434].
The mentioned methods reconstruct 2D images or 3D models of the subsurface and potential buried targets. These results can be refined using automatic target detection and recognition techniques, from traditional CFAR detectors [445] to advanced DL-based methods [446,447].
In this part the state-of-the-art UAV-compatible GPR antennas are reviewed. UAV-borne GPR systems rely on antennas to convert guided waves [424,448]. Modern UAV-compatible antennas include Vivaldi-like antennas, Archimedean spiral antennas, and helix antennas, as reported in [24,393,413,414,422], detailed in Table 18. Antennas in UAV-based GPR systems prioritize weight, dimensions, and radiation performance, often favoring horn-like or planar designs. These antennas are commonly featured in UAV-based GPR systems developed by [402,406,413,422,426,449,450]. Table 19 provides a comprehensive inspection of cutting-edge UAV-based radar and GPR systems, extracting detailed technical specifications from published works.
In this part, applications of the UAV-borne GPR survey are reviewed. Table 20 provides an outline of the key application domains in which the previously discussed UAV-borne GPR prototypes find utility.

3.2.3. Unmanned Aerial LiDARgrammetry

A UAV-based LiDAR system consists of an aerial section with a UAV platform and sensors, including compact LiDAR, GNSS receiver, and IMU, while the ground section comprises a control terminal, flight control system, and ground control points [469,470,471]. LiDAR emits laser pulses to the Earth’s surface, measuring distances based on pulse travel time. Integration of timing, LiDAR orientation, and location data determines point cloud accuracy [469]. For further details, interested readers are referred to [472,473].
When discussing UAV-compatible LiDAR sensors, it is important to distinguish between their mechanisms: Mechanical Scanning-based Sensors, Solid-state Technique-based Sensors, and Solid-state Hybrid Sensors [214,470,474,475]. The cutting-edge survey-grade UAV LiDAR sensors include Riegl VUX-1 UAV, Riegl mini VUX-1 UAV, Riegl mini VUX-1DL, Riegl VUX-240, Velodyne Puck LITE VLP-16, Quanergy M8, and Livox Mid-40. For more information, readers are referred to the relevant references (e.g., [470]).
To provide an overview of data processing and corrections in UAV-borne LiDARgrammetry, a comprehensive workflow comprising three main parts was proposed in [470]: point cloud production, point cloud refinement, and DEM generation. The initial phase involves calibration [476] and a combination of laser data and trajectory for initial point cloud generation [477]. Point cloud refinement includes removal of LiDAR point noises and outliers [478], as well as ground point classification [479]. Finally, DEM generation encompasses ground point filtering, followed by visualization and analysis. For further details, interested readers are referred to the provided reference.
Alongside the applications of UAV-borne LiDARgrammetry in urban mapping [28], this RS method are increasingly used in geoscientific studies for mapping inaccessible terrain and generating 3D models of geological features like cliffs, coasts, and volcanoes. This section explores UAV-borne LiDARgrammetry applications in geoscience, emphasizing its distinct utility from airborne LiDARgrammetry despite shared feasibility (Table 21). The applications mainly focus on capturing the surface geometry of the Earth’s exterior.

3.3. UAV-Borne Geophysical Survey: Integrated Approach

Sensor integration and data fusion are hot topics in traditional geophysical methods, encompassing ground-based methods [513,514,515,516,517,518,519,520,521,522,523,524], as well as spaceborne and manned airborne methods [525,526,527,528,529,530]. Even fusion scenarios involving ground-based geophysical data and spaceborne imageries are explored [531]. Extending into UAV-based geophysical surveys, sensor integration and data fusion continue to be of interest. Table 22 offers a comprehensive review of studies in this domain.

4. Discussions and Conclusions

This study presents a comprehensive review of cutting-edge geophysical survey techniques applicable via UAVs. To the best our knowledge, this is the first review to systematically compile and evaluate these methods. The reviewed methods encompass traditional geophysical approaches such as magnetometry, gravimetry, EM survey, GPR, gamma spectrometry, and radiometry, as well as non-geophysical methods like photogrammetry and LiDARgrammetry. The collected papers were categorized based on sensor type (active or passive) and another category explores sensor integration and data fusion concepts in UAV-based geophysical surveys.
While our study initially focused on geophysical survey methods, we also observed a significant rise in the use of UAV-based RS methods for various geoscientific applications, including geological mapping. The number of research conducted in these areas has increased dramatically, leading to the emergence of numerous UAV-based geophysical RS systems worldwide, with their numbers continuing to grow. This growing interest can be attributed to the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of UAVs, sensors, and related devices, which strike a balance between traditional RS-based (satellite-based and manned aerial) geophysical methods and ground-based methods. Additionally, the unmanned nature of UAVs reduces risks and challenges associated with traditional surveying methods, making them a groundbreaking tool in geoscience and related disciplines, which usually deal with rough terrains.
Upon reviewing the literature, it became evident that UAV-based magnetometry and GPR survey methods are the most commonly utilized among standard geophysical survey techniques. In contrast, UAV-based gravimetry receives less attention due to the challenges associated with deploying gravimetric instruments on lightweight drones. Our observations also revealed a variety of options for UAV platform types suitable for unmanned aerial geophysical RS. Rotary-wing multi-rotor drones, known for their high maneuverability, are the most commonly used platform type, with unmanned helicopters showing similar applicability. Fixed-wing UAVs are better suited for surveying larger areas, and the addition of VTOL capability enhances their applicability in scenarios where traditional runways are unavailable. However, unmanned airships are not as favored as the other three drone types. Regarding sensors, magnetometry benefits from a wide variety of sensor types among standard geophysical methods, while photogrammetry, as a non-standard method, exhibits the most variability in this regard.
Discussions on applications revealed that mineral exploration, detection of near-surface ferrous objects (primarily in magnetometry and GPR), soil contamination mapping (mainly using gamma survey), and landslide/subsidence mapping (mainly in photogrammetry and LiDARgrammetry) were the most prevalent applications. While some methods such as photogrammetry and LiDARgrammetry were primarily used for spatial and geometric analysis of the Earth’s crust (e.g., deformation mapping), others like MS imaging and HS spectroscopy found various applications related to soil mapping and analysis. Interestingly, certain applications such as mine or UXO detection were shared between different geophysical methods, illustrating the versatility of UAV-based geophysical techniques.
Although UAV-based RS is unmanned, it does not eliminate the need for fieldwork entirely. While certain survey methods like GPR require less fieldwork, others such as spectrometry/radiometry (for collecting ground-truth samples for laboratory analysis) and photogrammetry (for establishing ground control points) necessitate more extensive fieldwork. Thus, despite advancements, fieldwork remains essential in many UAV-borne survey methods.
The reviewed literature highlights significant attention to sensor integration in UAV-based geophysical RS. This integration involves deploying multiple geophysical sensors on a single or multiple UAV platforms. The benefits are evident, as it reduces costs, time, and human resources by enabling the collection of diverse data modalities in a single sortie. Notably, while individual sensors offer limited insights, combining data from multiple sensors can uncover novel perspectives not achievable with a single sensor. For instance, while an optical camera captures surface information, magnetometers delve into subsurface details, enhancing our understanding of the study area. However, sensor integration and data fusion pose several challenges, including differences in data modalities, acquisition time, misregistration, varying viewpoints, and spatial resolutions. These challenges become more pronounced when integrating UAV-based data with data from different sources such as space-borne, airborne, and ground-based platforms, as observed in our review. Consequently, careful consideration is essential when fusing different types of geophysical data to ensure accurate and meaningful results.
In conclusion, the reviewed studies unanimously affirm that UAV-borne geophysical RS methods offer comparable results to traditional ground-based and aerial methods. The cost-effectiveness and unmanned nature of UAVs, sensors, and related devices have revolutionized geoscience and related disciplines, bridging the gap between satellite-based, aerial, and ground-based geophysical methods. Despite significant progress, ongoing efforts are essential for further advancement in sensors, platforms, and methods. In terms of sensors, there is a need for more options capable of deployment on lightweight UAVs, similar to the variety available for traditional methods. Platforms are also evolving to become lighter and more endurance-focused, benefiting not only UAV-borne geophysical RS but also all domains of unmanned aerial RS. Methodologies require tailored development to suit UAV-specific requirements, such as customized processing methods.
The contribution of this review study extends to researchers across geoscience disciplines, providing a comprehensive and systematic overview of the possibilities offered by UAV RS in geophysical surveying. For instance, it aids researchers in selecting suitable methods, sensors, and UAV platforms for their desired applications. Overall, this review acts as a valuable resource, much like a mini-handbook, for the geoscience community.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, F.S., F.D.J., and A.T.; methodology, F.S, F.D.J., and A.T.; software, A.T.; investigation, A.T.; data curation, A.T.; writing—original draft preparation, A.T.; writing—review and editing, F.S., F.D.J., and M.V.D.M; visualization, A.T.; supervision, F.S. and F.D.J.; project administration, F.S.; funding acquisition, F.D.J. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The APC was funded by the University of Twente.

Data Availability Statement

No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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1
We refer to geoscientific studies such as soil mapping, crust deformation mapping/monitoring, and similar applications.
2
A ground-based magnetometer is typically used in extended aerial operations where the diurnal variations of the Earth’s magnetic field are significant. The data from this base station is essential for modeling these variations and correcting the data captured by the aerial method.
Figure 1. Word cloud presenting the keywords in the domain of UAV-borne geophysical RS (the words were collected from the “Keywords” section of each scientific article).
Figure 1. Word cloud presenting the keywords in the domain of UAV-borne geophysical RS (the words were collected from the “Keywords” section of each scientific article).
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Figure 2. A review of the collected publications by (a) year (b) type, (c) subject area, (d) country (first author), (e) affiliation (first author), and (f) source.
Figure 2. A review of the collected publications by (a) year (b) type, (c) subject area, (d) country (first author), (e) affiliation (first author), and (f) source.
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Figure 3. Refinement of studies based on the PRISMA workflow.
Figure 3. Refinement of studies based on the PRISMA workflow.
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Figure 4. Categorization of geophysical methods applicable to UAVs.
Figure 4. Categorization of geophysical methods applicable to UAVs.
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Figure 5. UAV-borne magnetometry system2.
Figure 5. UAV-borne magnetometry system2.
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Figure 9. The manner a UAV GRS system operates (depicted based on the outputs of [161]).
Figure 9. The manner a UAV GRS system operates (depicted based on the outputs of [161]).
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Figure 10. AEM survey—induced vs. measured magnetic fields (depicted based on [311,313]).
Figure 10. AEM survey—induced vs. measured magnetic fields (depicted based on [311,313]).
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Figure 11. Single-drone and dual-drone configurations in UAV-borne EM: The EM primary field is produced using either (a) a compact mobile current loop transported by a UAV or (b) a large loop placed on the ground. In both scenarios, the EM response is detected with a receiver transported by another UAV (depicted based on [309]).
Figure 11. Single-drone and dual-drone configurations in UAV-borne EM: The EM primary field is produced using either (a) a compact mobile current loop transported by a UAV or (b) a large loop placed on the ground. In both scenarios, the EM response is detected with a receiver transported by another UAV (depicted based on [309]).
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Figure 12. The processing chain of UAV-borne EM data (depicted based on [366]).
Figure 12. The processing chain of UAV-borne EM data (depicted based on [366]).
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Figure 15. Fully/semi-airborne UAV-GPR: (a, b) Fully-airborne GPR using Tx and Rx onboard a single UAV operating in DLGPR and/or FLGPR modes, (c) Fully-airborne GPR using double UAVs, and (d) Semi-airborne scheme combining ground-based FLGPR and UAV-borne DLGPR (subfigure ‘d’ conceptualized from [415,424]).
Figure 15. Fully/semi-airborne UAV-GPR: (a, b) Fully-airborne GPR using Tx and Rx onboard a single UAV operating in DLGPR and/or FLGPR modes, (c) Fully-airborne GPR using double UAVs, and (d) Semi-airborne scheme combining ground-based FLGPR and UAV-borne DLGPR (subfigure ‘d’ conceptualized from [415,424]).
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Figure 16. UAV-GPR data processing workflow (reconfigurated based on [24,425,426]).
Figure 16. UAV-GPR data processing workflow (reconfigurated based on [24,425,426]).
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Figure 17. UAV-borne GPR imaging problem (reconfigured based on [417,434]).
Figure 17. UAV-borne GPR imaging problem (reconfigured based on [417,434]).
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Table 1. Review of the cutting-edge UAV-compatible magnetometers (building on [22]).
Table 1. Review of the cutting-edge UAV-compatible magnetometers (building on [22]).
Spc. / Mag. GSMP-35U/25U MFAM QTFM MG01 G823A
Figure Preprints 138267 i001 Preprints 138267 i002 Preprints 138267 i003 Preprints 138267 i004 Preprints 138267 i005
Type Potassium vapor Caesium vapor Rubidium vapor 3-axis solid state Cesium vapor
Manufacturer Gemsystems (GEM) Geometrics QuSpin Ltd. UAV Navigation Geometrics
Sensitivity 0.0002/0.022 nT @ 1 Hz 7 nT @ 1 Hz 1 nT @ 1 Hz - 0.0004 nT @ 1 Hz
Resolution/Accuracy 0.0001 nT/± 0.1 nT 0.0001 nT - 27 μG/±1 G -
Heading Error ± 0.05 nT ± 7.5 nT ± 1.5 nT - ± 0.15 nT
Dynamic Range 15,000 to 120,000 nT 20,000 to 100,000 nT 1,000 to 100,000 nT ±2 G -
Gradient Tolerance 50,000 nT/m - 10,000 nT/m - 500 nT/in
Sampling Intervals 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 Hz 1,000 Hz 400 Hz 5,000 Hz 20 Hz
Temperature Operating Range -40 to +55 °C -35 to +50 °C -30 to +60 °C -40 to+85 °C -35 to +50 °C
Power Consumption 12 W 1-2 W 2 W 0.5 W 24-32 W
Head/Control box dimension 16.1×6.4/23.6×5.6×3.9 cm 3.3×2.5×3.2/12×5.2×2.2 cm 1.9×1.9×4.7/1.9×3.5×8.9 cm - 6×14.6/51×51×53 cm
Weight 1 kg 0.23 kg 0.15 kg 0.15 kg 14 kg
Table 2. Review of UAV-borne magnetometry systems.
Table 2. Review of UAV-borne magnetometry systems.
Sys. Manufacturer Platform Type Magnetometer Specifications References
AirBird/ GradBird Geosystems (GEM) Suitable for rotary-wing drone Single/double sensor GSMP-35U/25U Weight: 3.5 kg; Speed: > 10 m/s; Endurance: 1.5 h; Tow cable length: 10 m; Sensor shell: fiberglass; Components: GPS, IMU, laser altimeter, data acquisition module, etc. [45]
MagArrow Geometrics Any enterprise UAVs Two MFAM sensors Weight: > 2 kg; Speed: 10 m/s; Endurance: 2 h; Positioning: from UAV’s GNSS; Sensor shell: carbon fiber; Components: GPS, IMU, etc.; Sampling rate: every 1 cm. [46]
MagDrone Geometrics Theolog Tho-R-PX8-12 octocopter MFAM and fluxgate Weight: 10 kg; Speed: 40 km/h; Endurance: 25 min; Positioning: onboard GPS; Sensor shell: fiberglass; Payload: 4.5 kg. [41,47]
MG-1P
DJI, Lab of EM Radiation, and Sensing Tech. Rotary-wing (octocopter) MG-1P Cesium OPM (CAS-18-VL) Total/take-off weights: 9.8/13.7 kg; Endurance: 20 min; Speed: 7 m/s; Payload: 10kg; Outline dimension: 1.4×1.4×0.5 m. [48]
CMAGTRES-S100 DJI DJI M210 and Wind-4 rotary wing drones Optically pumped scalar magnetometer Weight: 6-7 kg; Survey speed: ~14 m/s; Sensor type: scalar total-field; Sampling rate: 10-20 Hz. [41]
Geoscan-401 Geo Matching Rotary-wing (quadcopter) Quantum magnetometer Speed: 50 km/h; Endurance: 40 min with a 2.5 kg load. [49]
Tholeg tho-R-PX-12 Tholeg Rotary-wing (octocopter) Fluxgate Endurance: 25 min with a 4.5 kg load; Max speed: 40 km/h. [47]
3DR X8+ Not specified Rotary-wing (octocopter) Fluxgate Weight: 2.56 kg; Endurance: 15 min with a 1 kg load; Max speed: 90 km/h. [50]
S1000 DJI Rotary-wing (multi-rotor) Overhauser Endurance: 20 min with a 2 kg load; Max speed: 64.8 km/h. [51]
Matrice 600 DJI Rotary-wing (multi-rotor) MFAM Endurance: 18 min with a 5.5 kg load; Max speed: 64.8 km/h. [52]
Heavyweight Not specified Rotary-wing (hexacopter) MMPOS-1 Quantum magnetometer Take-off weight: 15 kg; Speed: 7-10 m/s. [53]
Skylance 6200 Stratus Aeronautics Rotary-wing (octocopter) Cesium vapor magnetometer Endurance: 30 min with a 5 kg load; Cruise speed: 37 km/h. [54,55]
UAV-Mag Pioneer Exploration Rotary-wing (quadcopter) GEM GSMP35-A Sensitivity: 0.3 pT@1Hz; Resolution: 0.0001 nT; Accuracy: ± 0.1 nT; Sampling rate: 20 Hz. [56]
IT180-120 Sterna Mini multirotor Not specified Engine type: gasoline power [57]
MD4-1000 Microdrones, Germany Rotary-wing (quadcopter) Fluxgate Length: 1.03 m; Payload capacity: 1.2 kg; Endurance: 1 h with a 1 kg load. [58]
Single/Dual Mag Mobile Geophysical Technology (MGT) Multi-rotor (hexacopter) Fluxgate magnetometers Endurance: 20 (15) min with Single (Dual) Mag Payloads; Speed: 15 m/s; Resolution: 10 pT; Sampling rate: 1, 10, 50, 100 Hz. [59]
Wind 4 and Spreading Wings S900 DJI Multi-rotor (hexacopter) Potassium vapor
magnetometer
Total weight: 3.3 kg; Endurance: 5-7 min with a 2 kg load; Speed: 57.6 m/s. [60]
MG-1P DJI Multi-rotor (octacopter) CAS-L3 Cesium OPM Endurance: 20 min; Speed: ~43 km/h; Sensitivity: 0.6 pTrmsp Hz0.5@1 Hz. [40]
MAG-DN20G4 Zhejiang Danian Tech. Co. Multi-rotor Fluxgate Endurance: 25 min with a 7 kg load; Speed: 28.8 km/h. [61]
UMT Cicada Not specified Multi-rotor (hexacopter) Geometrics MFAM Endurance: 1 h with a 2.5 kg load; Engine type: hybrid gas-electric. [62,63]
Matrice M210 DJI Multi-rotor (quadcopter) Fluxgate Endurance: 27 min; Platform weight: 2.3 kg; Payload weight: 0.484 kg; Speed: 61.2 km/h. [64]
FY680 Tarot company Multi-rotor (hexacopter) Magneto-inductive
magnetometer
Platform weight: 0.6 kg; Endurance: 30 min; Speed: ~47 km/h; Type: carbon-fiber. [35]
Mavic Pro2 DJI Mini multi-rotor (quadcopter) Geometrics QTFM Endurance: 31 min; Speed: 72 km/h. [65]
Phantom 4 DJI Quadcopter Fluxgate Endurance: 28 min; Speed: 72 km/h. [66]
GJI S900 Queen’s University Multi-rotor GSMP-35U Endurance: 18 min; Payload: 2.2 kg. [67]
GeoRanger Fugro/CGG, the Netherland Fixed-wing (GeoRangerTM) Cesium vapor magnetometer Endurance: 15 h; Cruise speed: 75 km/h; Max payload: 5.4 kg. [22,54,68]
AeroVision Abitibi Geophysics and GEM Systems Fixed-wing (AeroVision) Cesium vapor magnetometer Endurance: 10 h; Cruise speed: 120 km/h; Max payload: 8.2 kg. [54,69]
Venturer Stratus Aeronautics Inc. Fixed-wing (Venturer) Fluxgate and two Geometrics G-823A cesium vapor magnetometers Endurance: 9-10 h; Speed: 95 km/h; Sensor shell: carbon fiber & fiberglass; Engine: gasoline-powered; Components: IMU, DGPS, altimeter, autopilot, etc.; Payload: 8.2 kg. [54]
ScanEagle Insitu & Boeing Fixed-wing drone OP magnetometer Weight: 12 kg; Wingspan: 3.1 m; Length: 1.2; Engine: fuel-based; Endurance: ~22 h; Components: GPS, gyros, accelerometers, magnetometer, etc. [70]
Ant-Plane series Not specified Ant-Plane 1, 2, 3, 3-2, 3-4, 4-1, 5, 6-3 fixed wings Magneto-resistant
magnetometer
Endurance: 1.5-10 h; Cruise speed: 70-150 km/h; Payloads: 0.8-2 kg. [71,72]
Prion Magsurvey, UK Fixed wing G822 cesium vapor Cruise speed: 90 km/h; Payload: 9 kg. [73]
GeoSurv II Sander Geophysics & Carleton University Fixed-wing Cesium G822A and fluxgate magnetometers Endurance: 8 h; Cruise speed: 111 km/h; Payload: 9.1 kg. [36]
SIERRA NASA Fixed-wing Cesium vapor sensor Endurance: 8 h; Speed: 117 km/h; Payload: ~28 kg. [74]
Cai Hong-3 (CH-3) IGGE & CAAA* Fixed-wing CS-VL cesium vapor sensor Endurance: 10 h; Cruise speed: 180 km/h; Payload: 145 kg. [75]
Albatros VT2 Radai Oy, Finland Radai Albatros VT fixed wing Fluxgate Take-off weight: 5 kg; Endurance: 3 h; Speed: 50-110 km/h; Resolution: 0.5 nT; Sampling range: ± 10 5 nT; Engine: electric-1000 W; Payload: 2 kg. [47,76,77]
Cai Hong-4 (CH-4) Chinese CAAA Fixed-wing Cesium fluxgate sensor Endurance: 12 h; Cruise speed: 150 km/h; Payload: 345 kg. [78]
MONARCH GEM Systems CTOL/VTOL fixed-wing GSMP-35U/25U potassium magneto/gradio-meters Endurance: 1.5-hour range with 70 km/h cruise speed; Cruise speed: 70 km/h; Payloads: 4 kg. [79]
Skywalker X8 Skywalker VTOL fixed-wing 3-axis Fluxgate
(FGM3D100 sensor)
Weight of magnetometer: 0.18 kg; Endurance: 25 min; Air speed: 65-70 km/h; Max flying altitude: 200 m; Sampling rate: 10-20 Hz. [80]
Brican TD100 Brican VTOL fixed-wing MAD-XR sensor unit (a 3-axis vector and three scalar magnetometers) Engine type: electric motor; Max payload: 8.2 kg; Max flight altitude: 91 m. [81,82]
Nebula N1 Nebula UAV Systems VTOL fixed-wing Not specified Cruise Speed: 50 km/h; Engine type: electric motor. [81]
JOUAV CW-25E JOUAV UAS VTOL fixed-wing Rubidium and Cesium OP magnetometers Endurance: 4 h (240 km); Engine: electric motor; Cruise speed: 20 m/s; Payload: 4 kg. [83]
RMAX-G1 Japanese Yamaha-Motor Co. Unmanned helicopter Cesium OPM Endurance: 1.5 h; Max speed: 20 m/s; Max payload: 10 kg; Platform’s total weight: 1.2 kg; Towing cable length: 4.5 m. [84,85]
V750 Weifang Freesky Aviation Ind. Co. Unmanned helicopter Helium OPM and fluxgate magnetometers Endurance: >4 h; Payload: 80 kg; Overall length: 6.6 m. [86]
Z3 Nanjing Research Inst. on Simulation Technique Unmanned helicopter Helium OPM and fluxgate magnetometers Payload weight: 25 kg; On-load endurance: ≥1.5 h; Overall length: 2.7 m. [86]
Scout B1-100 Aeroscout, Switzerland Unmanned helicopter Fluxgate Endurance: 1.5 h (with 10 liters of fuel); Max speed: 110 km/h; Payload: 18 kg. [58,87]
GEM Hawk GEM Systems Unmanned helicopter Potassium magnetometers (GEM Airbird) Takeoff weight: 16.4 kg; Endurance: 50 min; Speed: 50 km/h; Payload: 4 kg; Resolution: 0.0001 nT; Sensitivity: 0.0003 nT@ 1 Hz. [88]
AutoCopter (XL), Bergen, & RaptorCam INEEL Unmanned helicopter G823A magnetometer Endurances: 35, 30, and 20 min; Payloads: 6.8, 4.5, and 0.9 kg; Engine types: 120 cc Gas, 28 cc Gas, and 8cc Nitro. [89]
Maxi-Joker DJI Unmanned helicopter G823A magnetometer Endurance: 15 min; Payload: 4 kg. [90]
SICX-12 Mongoose Not specified Unmanned helicopter G823A magnetometer No information was released. [90]
WH-110A China Unmanned helicopter CS-VL cesium and fluxgate magnetometers Endurance: 3 h; Speed: 60 km/h; Payload: 35 kg. [91,92]
Unmanned flying object (UFO)-H China Unmanned helicopter Cesium fluxgate magnetometer Endurance: 180 min; Speed: 43 km/h; Payload: 35 kg. [93]
SU-H2M China Unmanned helicopter Potassium (GSMPc35U) and fluxgate (TFM100-G2) magnetometers Endurance and battery life: 3 h; Speed: 60 km/h; Payload: 45 kg; Engine type: oil-powered. [39]
Table 3. Review of UAV-borne magnetometry applications.
Table 3. Review of UAV-borne magnetometry applications.
Application/Aim of Study Platform Type UAV Name/Model Magnetic Sensor(s) References
Offshore geophysical surveying Fixed-wing GeoRanger Cesium vapor [103]
Beach-shallow sea transition area magnetic surveying Unmanned helicopter Z3 and V750 Helium OPM and fluxgate [86]
UAV magnetometry feasibility study Unmanned helicopter RMAX, AutoCopter, Bergen R/C, and RaptorCam Geometrics G823A [89]
Geomagnetic field variations mapping Fixed-wing GeoRanger Cesium vapor [104]
Volcanology using UAV magnetometry Unmanned helicopter RMAX-G1 (in [84,85]) Cesium OPM (in [84,85]) [84,85,105]
Volcanology (assessing geohazards associated with volcanic activity) Multi-rotor DJI Mavic 2 QTFM [65]
UAV magnetometry for antarctic studies Fixed-wing The Ant-Plane generation (e.g., Ant-Plane 6-3) Magneto-resistant and fluxgate [71,72]
Geophysical fault mapping Unmanned helicopter Bell 206B3 helicopter Cesium OPM [106]
Geophysical exploration Fixed-wing SIERRA Cesium vapor [74]
Geophysical/archeological exploration and UXO/pipeline detection Fixed-wing and multi-rotor Single/Dual Mag Fluxgate MGT
Anti-submarine warfare system Unmanned helicopter MQ-8 Fire Scout and Brican TD100 Not specified [81]
Integrated geophysical survey Fixed-wing CH-3 Cesium vapor [75]
UAV magnetometry for general purpose Fixed-wing Venturer Cesium vapor [101]
UAV magnetometry for general purpose Multi-rotor 3DR X8+ fluxgate [50]
UAV magnetometry for general purpose Unmanned helicopter Scout B1-100 Fluxgate [87]
UAV magnetometry for general purpose Fixed-wing GeoSurv II Cesium vapor and fluxgate [36,107,108]
UAV magnetometry for general purpose Multi-rotor Hexacopter Fluxgate [109]
Investigate mineral prospects, delineate UXOs, and survey archaeological sites Fixed-wing UAV The MONARCH Potassium vapor GEM Systems
Low-altitude geophysical magnetic prospecting Multi-rotor Heavyweight Quantum Overhauser [53]
Geophysical exploration Unmanned helicopter WH-110A and UFO-H Cesium OPM and Fluxgate [91,92,93]
Aeromagnetic survey and assessing the magnetization of a dipole Multi-rotor STERNA and IT180-120 Not specified [110]
Gas and oil infrastructure mapping Multi-rotor Octocopter Cesium and Rubidium vapor [111]
Orphaned gas and oil wells locating Multi-rotor UMT Cicada and DJI Matrice 600 MFAM [52,62,112,113]
Subsurface geophysical exploration Multi-rotor DJI Matrice 600 Pro Fluxgate [114]
Aeromagnetic mapping of regional scale Multi-rotor DJI M210 Fluxgate [64]
Mapping geological and geophysical features of surface outcrops Fixed-wing Albatros VT2 Fluxgate [47]
Flight safety test and data acquisition Fixed-wing CH-4 Fluxgate and Cesium vapor [78]
Planetary exploration Multi-rotor DJI Matrice 600 Pro Vector magnetometer [115]
Archeological survey Multi-rotor DJI Phantom 4 and S1000+ Fluxgate and Cesium vapor [66,116]
Mineral exploration/ minning applications Multi-rotor DJI S1000, S900, and Matrice 600 Pro Overhauser and Potassium vapor (e.g., GSMP-35U) [51,60,67,117]
Mineral exploration Multi-rotor and fixed-wing SkyLance, Venturer, and The Prion Cesium vapor [54,55,73]
Mineral exploration Multi-rotor Geoscan 401 Quantum magnetometer [49]
Mineral exploration Multi-rotor Tholeg and MAG-DN20G4 Fluxgate [47,61]
Mineral exploration Unmanned helicopter SU-H2M Potassium OPM (GSMPc35U) and fluxgate (TFM100-G2) [39]
Mineral exploration Multi-rotor FY680 Magneto-inductive [35]
Mineral exploration Multi-rotor DJI M210 Scalar magnetometer [118]
Mineral exploration VTOL fixed-wing Not specified GSMP-35U Potassium, GSM-19 Overhauser [119]
Mineral (Chromite) exploration Multi-rotor Pioneer UAV-MAG Potassium vapor [56,120]
Mineral (Gold) exploration Multi-rotor SkyLance 6200 Cesium vapor [121]
Target detection and identification Fixed-wing GeoRanger Not specified [68]
Near-surface target detection Multi-rotor DJI MG-1P octocopter Cesium OPM (CAS-18-VL) [48]
Near-surface ferrous objects (e.g., ordnance) detection Unmanned helicopter amd multi-rotor Scout B1-100 and MD4-1000 Fluxgate [58]
UXO detection Unmanned helicopter Maxi-Jocker and Mongoose Geometrics G823A [90]
UXO detection Multi-rotor DJI MG-1P Cesium OPMs [40]
UXO detection Multi-rotor An Octocopter Fluxgate [122]
UXO detection Multi-rotor DJI Wind 4 quadcopter QTFM [123]
Table 4. Review of the cutting-edge UAV-compatible gravimeters.
Table 4. Review of the cutting-edge UAV-compatible gravimeters.
Categories Strapdown gravimeter MEMS gravimeter
Name/model Light-weight iCorus iMAR iNAV-RQH Wee-g Imperial College’s MEMS-based devices HUST’s MEMS device Silicon Micro Gravity FG5-L Scintrex RG1*
Figures Preprints 138267 i006 Preprints 138267 i007 Preprints 138267 i008 Preprints 138267 i009 Preprints 138267 i010 - Preprints 138267 i011 Preprints 138267 i012
References [132,133,134] [135] [125,136,137,138] [139] [140] [141,142] [143,144] [125,145]
* Despite being primarily designed for underwater operations, they can also be used in UAV gravimetry [125].
Table 5. Review of state-of-the-art UAV-borne gravimetry systems.
Table 5. Review of state-of-the-art UAV-borne gravimetry systems.
Sys. Manufacturer/Funder Platform Gravity Sensor Specifications Reference
1 Portuguese Ministry of Defence CASA C212, Litton LN-200, and Crossbow AHRS440 Strapdown gravimeter UAV power consumption: <3 W, Gravimetry system: Strapdown, Aim: developed for the PITVANT project. [146]
2 Self-developed Autonomous cruise-type unmanned helicopter Not specified Not specified [147]
3 Geological Survey of Japan Unmanned helicopter Not specified Not specified [148]
4 Self-developed Penguin-B miniature drone Strapdown gravimeter Engine: combustion, Wingspan: 3.3 m, Payload: 10 kg, Flight altitude: 4,500 m, Endurance: 20 h, Cruise speed: 120 m/s, Max range: 1,400 km. [149]
5 University of Glasgow A type of UAV Miniaturized chip-based gravimeter Not specified [150]
6 Self-developed VTOL unmanned helicopter IMU iNAV RQH/RQT for navigation, coupled with GNSS receiver. Resolution: 0.5 km, Accuracy: 4-11 mGal, Navigation modes: DGPS and PPP, Syetem name: INS/DGNSS UAV gravimeter [135,151]
7 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aurora Centaur OPA fixed-wing UAV Micro-g LaCoste TAGS-7 gravimeter Control type: optionally piloted aircraft, endurance: 16 h at 25,000 ft. [152]
8 Self-developed Long-endurance Boreal drone Gravimeter and GNSS antenna Weight: 20 kg, Endurance: 10 h, Stabilization: robust to flight turbulent conditions [153]
9 UK-funded project Fixed-wing Prion Mk3 Not specified Endurance: ~2h, Payload: 15kg, Cruising speed for surveying: 80 km/h, Note: BP proof of principle demonstrated its feasibility. [154]
10 University of Glasgow A drone with an isolation platform and active stabilization Wee-g MEMs gravimeter Not specified [137]
11
National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), China
CH-4 medium-range fixed-wing UAV SGA-WZ04 strapdown gravimeter Endurance: 21 h, Range: 2,712 km, Gravimeter weight: < 50 kg, Max. takeoff weight: 1,330 kg, Gravimetry accuracy: > 0.6 mGal [23]
12 Proje[158–160ct team: UAVE, DTU, and iMAR’s joint UAV gravimetry system
Sponsor: bp and New Resolution Geophysics (NRG)
The long-endurance Prion Mk3 fixed-wing UAV iMAR’s iCORUS SISG Gravimeter weight: 6.8 kg, Endurance: 2.5 h, UAV Dimension (length×wingspan): 4×3 m [134]
13 Self-developed A type of UAV Strapdown gravimeter Max. accuracy: 0.47 mGal, Configuration: strapdown [155]
14 The Russian Helicopters holding (the Rostec State Corporation) The unmanned helicopter-type BAS-200 A modern 31 kg UAV-borne gravimeter Payload: 50 kg, Endurance: 4 h, Flight altitude: 3,900 m, Dim.: 3.9×1.2 m, Range: 100 km. [156,157]
15 EIT Raw Materials, Geological Survey of Finland, RADAI Oy, Technical University of Denmark, and Beak Consultants GmbH Long-range fixed-wing drone UAV-borne gravity and EM sensors The system was used for Drone Geophysics and Self-Organizing Maps (DroneSOM) project [158,159,160]
Table 6. Review of UAV-borne gravimetry applications.
Table 6. Review of UAV-borne gravimetry applications.
Aim of the study/Application Platform Gravity Sensor Reference
System R&D: Assessment of affordable IMUs for UAV-based gravimetry to estimate gravity disturbances UAVs developed within PITVANT and different regular aircraft (CASA C212, Litton LN-200, and Crossbow AHRS440) Strapdown gravimeter [146]
System R&D: Development of UAV gravimetry system Unmanned helicopter A type of drone-deployed gravimeter [148]
System R&D: Developing a drone-borne gravimeter for geophysics surveying purposes Not specified (any kind of drone can be utilized). Miniaturized chip-based gravimeter [150]
System R&D: Analyzing the performance of the UAV-based vector gravimetry system by surveying the gravity disturbance vector Unmanned helicopter A navigation grade IMU iNAV-RQH/RQT and a GNSS receiver [151]
System R&D: Developing an INS/GNSS UAV-based vector gravimetry system Unmanned helicopter iMAR iNAV-RQH and NovAtel GNSS receiver [135]
System R&D Long-endurance Boreal drone Gravimeter and GNSS antenna [153]
System R&D: Developing a miniature UAV-borne gravimetry system A drone with an isolation platform and active stabilization Wee-g MEMs gravimeter [137]
System R&D: Developing a UAV-borne gravimetry system CH-4 medium-range fixed-wing UAV SGA-WZ04 stap-down gravimeter [23]
Datum definition: NOAA’s Centaur program for conducting gravimetry across the US and redefining the American vertical datum (GRAV-D) Aurora Centaur OPA fixed-wing UAV Micro-g LaCoste TAGS-7 gravimeter [152]
Proposal for 100 km line survey of gravimeter/gradiometer on drone-based platforms Fixed-wing Prion Mk3 A type of UAV-compatible gravimeter [154]
Earthquake study: Quick survey of gravity and magnetic data for earthquake ground motion prediction Autonomous cruise-type unmanned helicopter A type of UAV-compatible gravimeter [147]
Mineral exploration Any possible type of UAV in continuous flight and grasshopper modes Any possible type of UAV-borne gravimeter [125]
System R&D: Flying a SISG device on a fixed-wing UAV with suitable endurance, less cost, and less carbon for commercial gravity data surveys The long-endurance Prion Mk3 fixed-wing UAV iMAR’s iCORUS strapdown inertial scalar gravimeter (SISG) [134]
Error compensation based on the undulating flight in UAV gravimetry A type of UAV Strapdown gravimeter [155]
Arctic research: Explorations of geophysics in the Arctic region, encompassing mineral, oil, and gas investigations. The Russian unmanned helicopter-type BAS-200 A modern 31 kg UAV-borne gravimeter [156,157]
DroneSOM: Using commercially available drones for the acquisition of gravity and EM data, followed by data interpretation using integrated modeling software. Long-range fixed-wing drone UAV-borne gravity and EM sensors [158,159,160]
Table 7. Review of the most widely available UAV-compatible gamma-ray spectrometers.
Table 7. Review of the most widely available UAV-compatible gamma-ray spectrometers.
Radiation Sensors Specifications Figures References
Medusa MS Spectrometer Series Medusa Radiometrics provides UAV-ready gamma spectrometers, like the MS-1000 for real-time analysis, MS-2000-CsI-MTS for vehicle mounting, MS-4000 for airborne mapping, and MS-700 series for on-foot or drone-based applications. The MS-350 ultralight detector serves for small-scale UAV surveys and handheld use. Preprints 138267 i013 [163,169,182]
Georadis D230A Spectrometer This spectrometer, suitable for drone-based applications, serves multiple fields including security, environmental monitoring, health protection, and exploration. Preprints 138267 i014 [175,183]
CeBr3 (and Twin NaI-CeBr3) Scintillation Detector Medusa offers the CeBr3 scintillation detector for UAV applications, featuring a 3x6-inch crystal and 2,048 spectral channels. They also provide a twin NaI-CeBr3 scintillation detector, with a NaI detector boasting a 3x3-inch crystal and a CeBr3 detector featuring a 2x2-inch crystal. - [180]
CsI(Tl) detector The Hamamatsu C12137-01 CsI(Tl) scintillator and CsI 6.5/100 cm³ device are designed for drone-mounted radiometric and spectrometric surveys. Since the sensor is connected to other subsystems, readers are referred to the references for high-quality images. [171,193,194]
Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) Semiconductor Detector and GR1/-A Kromek Spectrometer The CZT semiconductor radiation detector integrates seamlessly with UAVs, offering lightweight and low-power operation. The GR1-A CZT module by Kromek, designed for UAVs like multicopters, features a compact 1 cm³ CZT crystal, providing discrete gamma spectra data. It operates with low power consumption (~250 mW) and covers an energy range of 30-3,000 KeV, ensuring versatile performance. Preprints 138267 i015 [168,172,194,195,196]
Cs2LiYCl6:Ce3+ (CLYC) Elpasolite scintillation sensor A cylindrical CLYC sensor, measuring 2.54 cm × 2.54 cm, facilitated gamma-neutron sensing on a UAV platform. Emitting scintillation light in the 275-450 nm range, peaking at 370 nm, it boasted a 95% 6Li isotope enrichment and operated sans cooling. The setup comprised a customized housing, super bialkali photomultiplier tube, compact digitizer, and high-voltage generator. Since the sensor is connected to other components, readers are referred to the references for a high-quality image. [172,197,198]
Geiger-Müller Tube Particle Counter Geiger-Müller tube detectors are commonly used for drone-mounted radiation detection due to their simplicity and compatibility with digital systems. Although they lack energy measurement capabilities and may miss radiation events at higher levels, they offer a solution for basic radiation detection tasks. Since the sensor is mounted on a UAV, refer to the reference for a high-quality image. [199]
Table 8. Review of the state-of-the-art UAV-borne GRS systems.
Table 8. Review of the state-of-the-art UAV-borne GRS systems.
Sys. Specifications Objectives Reference
1 Platform: APID One unmanned helicopter; Engine type: petrol-powered; Rotor diameter: 3.3 m, Weight: 130 kg; Max take-off weight: 210 kg; Payload: 25 kg; Endurance: 4 h.
Payload and sensors: A suite of three gamma spectrometers, crafted by Medusa Radiometrics, comprises the MS-2000 Agri detector, MS-1000 UAV-borne detector, and MS-350 ultralight UAV detector, securely housed in a dedicated container. These detectors feature scintillation crystals of varying sizes—2000 ml CsI(Na), 1000 ml CsI(Tl), and 350 ml CsI(Tl), respectively. The survey system seamlessly integrates GPS, LiDAR, and a barometer within its navigation modules to ensure precise 3D positioning of the measurements.
System development: Enhancing the efficiency of UAV-borne gamma spectrometers for geophysical applications. [169]
2 Platform: RMAX G1 unmanned helicopter; Weight: 94 kg; Payload: 10 kg; Max speed: 72 km/h
Payload and sensors: The setup includes three 38.1×38.1 mm LaBr3:Ce scintillation detectors, forming the Aerial Radiation Measurement System (ARMS), weighing about 6.5 kg. It features a DGPS module and a Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) to process pulse signals within the 0 to 3,000 keV range across 1,024 channels.
Nuclear emergencies monitoring (the FDNPP case study). [200]
3 Platform: SibGIS hexacopter; Flight speed during the survey: 5 m/s
Payload and sensors: three types of payloads were used including a gamma spectrometer with a CsI(Tl) detector and with a superior crystal and PMT providing an energy resolution of 6% for 137Cs mapping. The spectrometer has 8,096 ADC channels. The recording frequency of the spectra is 0.3 Hz.
Developing a triad of UAV-borne GRS-TDEM-Magnetic prospecting systems for geological mapping (blind ore deposits prospecting). [201]
4 Platform: SibGIS UAS.
Payload and sensors: Including three payloads: (1) A radiometer equipped with a CsI(Tl) crystal measuring 6.5 cm3 and a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), (2) A spectrometer featuring a CsI(Na) crystal measuring 30×150 mm and a Hamamatsu 6,095 photomultiplier, (3) A spectrometer equipped with a CsI(Tl) crystal measuring 40×80 mm and a SiPM, featuring a detector volume of approximately 100 cm3.
Comparative analysis of gamma spectrometry and radiometry using compact detectors at various altitudes and ground levels. [171]
5 Platform: DJI-S1000 octocopter
Payload and sensors: CZT GR1-A Kromek and Cs2LiYCl6:Ce3+ radiation sensor for gamma and neutron detection, gas sensors, thermal imaging camera, LiDAR system, RTK GPS module, SONAR sensor, manipulator, sampling equipment, and radio transceiver.
Creating an integrated sensor for UASs dedicated to remote monitoring of gamma and neutron radiation. [172,198]
6 Platform: A hexacopter (the Kingfisher model from Robodrone Industries).
Payload and Sensors: Equipped with a 1,024-channel Georadis D230A gamma spectrometer, this setup uses two Bismuth Germanium Oxygen scintillation detectors with a volume of 103 cm3.
Evaluation of the D230A for the detection and localization of uranium anomaly. [175]
7 Platform: DJI Spreading Wings S1000+.
Payload and Sensors: Compact Compton camera with a wide field of view fisheye lens. The camera includes scatterer and absorber layers, both featuring Ce:Gd3(Al,Ga)5O12 (Ce:GAGG) scintillator arrays optically coupled to a multi-pixel photon counter array.
Identification of nuclear disaster-related contamination in residential areas, exemplified by the Fukushima Daiichi NPP case. [202]
8 System’s name: Radai’s UAV-based radiometric measurement system.
Platform: A custom-designed quad-copter drone (Terrain Scout 3.2)
Payload and sensors: Georadis D230A digital spectrometer equipped with two sets of 1,024 channels each for gamma radiation intensity measurement. Detectors include BGO and NAI/TI.
Using UAVs for radiometric surveys over the tailings of the deserted Rautuvaara iron mine to assess the feasibility of radiometric data collection. [183]
9 Platform: A customized hexa-rotor aerial vehicle (Hexa XL, Mikrokopter)
Payload and sensors: GR1 Kromek spectrometer, AR2500 LiDAR, and GPS module.
Creating a UAV-based system for rapid high-resolution evaluation of radionuclide contamination in radioactive incidents. [168]
10 Platforms: Electric-powered multirotors such as Hexacopter V680, Quadcopter V650, Octocopter V1000, and Heavy Lift Quadcopter V690.
Payload and sensors: The system incorporates detectors for beta radiation (electrons), gamma radiation (photons), and X-rays. Additionally, it features an air/gas sensor for collecting air quality data. Supplementary sensors include HD Video/DSLR/thermal cameras.
System description: A wireless radiation monitoring system, named Aretas Aerial-Live Actionable Data, has been developed with the capability to remotely detect beta (electrons), gamma (photons), and X-ray radiations.
Monitoring NPP events/disasters using drones for radiation source detection and injured personnel location [203]
11 System’s name: Radiation Monitoring System (RMS)
Platform: DJI MATRICE–600
Payload and sensors: The system comprises various modular components, such as the RMS-000 communication and control module, the RMS-WASP communication software, and three distinct sensor modules: RMS-001, RMS-002, and RMS-003. RMS-001 is dedicated to online measurements of the effective dose rate of gamma and beta radiation, RMS-002 serves as the air sampler module, and RMS-003 functions as the GPS tracker.
Monitoring radiations in the proximity of an NPP or any area where ionizing radiation sources may exist. [204]
12 Platform: A hexapod-type drone
Payload and sensors: CdZnTe semiconductor detector and a video camera
System description: The gamma monitoring system integrates a drone module and supplementary components attached to the drone. These modules incorporate lightweight radiation detection and position monitoring elements crafted to gather data on radiation levels along with the respective coordinates of the locations.
Environmental radionuclide surveillance [181]
13 Platform: DJI M600 Pro UAV
Payload and sensors: The instruments comprise the Medusa MS-1000 sensor, housing a 1-liter NaI scintillation crystal, and equipped with a GPS module.
Soil nuclide concentrations mapping [182]
14 System’s name: RotorRAD
Payload and sensors: Specifications and technical attributes include a system mass of less than 15 kg, a dose rate range spanning 0.1 μSv/h to 100 mSv/h, gamma rays’ energy coverage from 20 keV to 3 MeV, energy resolution below 7% at 662 keV, a flight endurance of approximately 30 minutes, a maximum transmission distance of 5 km, and an operational temperature range from -20 to 40 °C.
Swiftly locating lost radioactive sources [205]
15 The team of developers installed gamma radiation and gas sensors on a custom-built robotic fixed-wing unmanned aircraft, named Chelidon, and on multirotors, known as Inspire drones. Detection of gamma radiation and airborne pollutants in three dimensions. [206]
16 System’s name: AARM—stands for “autonomous airborne radiation mapping”
Platform: WingtraOne Gen One COTS fixed-wing VTOL drone.
Payload and sensors: The instrumentation comprises a Hamamatsu C12137-01 CsI(Tl) scintillator, a Kromek GR-1 CZT semiconductor detector with volumes of 1 cm³ and 36.1 cm³, respectively, alongside an SF11/C LiDAR, and a GNSS receiver.
Incorporating gamma spectrometry capability into the drone for the purpose of mapping legacy uranium mine sites. [194]
17 Platform: The Penguin C fixed-wing UAV.
System description: Communication between UAV and GCS is established through long-range data transferring using a tracking antenna, providing an impressive range of 100 km and a data transfer rate of 12 Mbps. The UAV operates within an altitude range of 120-5,000 m, maintaining a cruise speed between 19-22 m/s, and reaching a maximum speed of 32 m/s.
Radiological monitoring—to identify and quantify releases or contamination in scenarios involving gamma-emitting nuclides. [166]
18 System description: The Patria mini-UAV stands as a versatile modular multi-mission airborne RS system, proficient in executing a spectrum of tasks ranging from reconnaissance to the surveillance of radiological, biological, chemical, and nuclear elements.
Unmanned systems configuration: The configuration comprises one to three UAVs, each equipped with a range of payload options. Additionally, the system includes a communication suite, a GCS featuring a laptop PC, a telescopic antenna mast, launching equipment, and a dedicated sampling unit.
Payload and sensors: Using a handheld radiation detection device featuring a cylindrical CsI probe with a volume of 5 cm³, diameter of 13 mm, and length of 38 mm, complemented by a photodiode.
UAV-based remote radiation surveillance [207]
Table 9. Review of UAV-borne GRS applications.
Table 9. Review of UAV-borne GRS applications.
Applications Descriptions References
Precise soil mapping (for precision farming and related topics) Agricultural field properties, like clay content and grain size, were mapped using drone-borne GRS with MS-1000 spectrometers mounted on a DJI M600 PRO drone. Results closely matched ground measurements, demonstrating UAV GRS’ effectiveness in predicting soil properties. [161,162,163,169]
Soil texture and environmental contamination mapping A DJI M600 multi-rotor drone with an MS-1000 mapping system assessed sediment contamination along Spittelwasser Creek floodplains. Results (Dioxin concentrations maps) informed basin-scale remediation decisions. [161,167]
Contamination mapping and monitoring at critical sites—mapping mine tailings A drone-mounted MS-1000 system mapped an inaccessible mine tailing area, replacing expensive helicopter surveys. Flying at 15 meters, it identified a significant 238U hotspot above the tailings, challenging to detect with ground-based or higher-elevation helicopter surveys. [162]
Contamination mapping and monitoring at critical sites— monitoring radioactive substances in industrial plants UAV-borne GRS conducted at the Novellara landfill in Italy used a CdZnTe gamma detector to detect nuclear waste materials. Altitude trials confirmed no nuclear waste detection, with garbage shielding reducing background gamma radiation. The prototype’s effectiveness in localizing dispersed nuclear materials was validated through laboratory and operational tests involving an intense 192Ir nuclear source and the landfill scenario. [196]
Contamination mapping and monitoring at critical sites— locating lost radioactive sources A method for rapidly localizing lost radioactive sources was proposed using RotorRAD, a UAV-based radiation mapping/monitoring system. Upon detecting a radiation anomaly, the UAV surveys a selected square area for precise localization, calculating the actual source location in real-time after completing the final hover. [205]
Characterization and surveillance (exploration and monitoring) of Uranium Legacy Sites (ULSs) In the DUB-GEM project, a UAV-borne GRS system with CeBr3 and NaI gamma spectrometers was integrated into a multi-rotor drone for prolonged surveillance of ULSs. Test flights over ULSs in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan demonstrated satisfactory lateral resolution for risk assessments. UAV-borne GRS holds promise for nuclear emergency response and historical uranium mine exploration and monitoring. [180,194,208]
Accurate mapping of radiation sources (gamma rays) and polluting gases Practical systems were developed, using gamma detectors for localizing low radiation doses and generating gamma radiation maps. Gas sensors were utilized for visualizing pollutant distribution, finding primary applications in field scenarios for detecting low-activity gamma emitters, and analyzing emissions from industrial facilities. [206]
Radiometric measurements for mining applications The Rautuvaara mine near Hannukainen village, Finland, was subjected to a UAV-based radiation survey. The survey employed a quadcopter system, with measurements taken at heights of 2, 5, and 10 meters AGL, employing a 50 m line spacing covering approximately 14.4 kilometers in total. [183]
Table 10. Landslide studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Table 10. Landslide studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Reference Objectives Equipment and Methods Descriptions (Additional Information)
[221] Employing UAV photogrammetry for high-resolution mapping of landslides. Platform: Quadcopter UAV
Sensor: Praktica Luxmedia 8213 camera
Method: Analysis used OrthoVista software, while DTM generation employed VMS and the GOTCHA algorithm.
Manual data acquisition and processing took considerable time. However, errors introduced during plane rectification degraded the georeferencing accuracy to about 0.5 m over most of the landslide.
[222] The workflow entails processing UAV images into very high-resolution DEMs and orthomosaics, facilitating the quantification of landslide dynamics via multi-temporal image correlation. Platform: Octocopter UAV
Sensor: Canon 550D DSLR camera
Method: Agisoft PhotoScan (for image processing and analysis) and GeoSetter (for geotagging).
SfM accuracy, confirmed with 39 DGPS GCPs, achieved a horizontal RMSE of 7.4 cm and a vertical RMSE of 6.2 cm. It tracked ground material movements, vegetation patches, and landslide toes, but faced difficulties in mapping the main scarp’s retreat.
[223] UAV imaging system was employed to capture high-resolution RGB images for monitoring a large landslide. Platform: MikroKopter OktoXL
Sensor: Canon EOS 650D DSLR Camera
Method: Processing in Metashape
A comparison of both models, i.e., GCP-referenced vs. UAV-referenced, revealed a deviation of 11.3 m ± 1.6 m.
[224] Applying the image correlation methods for surface motion detection to a UAV multi-temporal imagery dataset. Platform: Octocopter micro-UAV
Sensor: Canon 550D DSLR camera
Method: Analysis used Mikrokopter autopilot, a Photoshop One camera gimbal; and Photoscan.
RMSE averages 4-5 cm horizontally and 3-4 cm vertically. Coregistration errors between successive DSMs minimize alignment error to ±0.07 m on average.
[225] Automated approaches to detect and extract the geomorphological features of landslides scarps. Platform: DJI Phantom 2 UAVs
Sensor: LFOV GoPro Hero 3 digital camera
Methods: Simultaneous Multi-frame Analytical Calibration (SMAC) to generate a dense point cloud; both SfM and SGM methods are used.
RMSE for the Eigenvalue ratio, topographic surface slope, and surface roughness index methods were 11.98 cm, 9.05 cm, and 10.45 cm, respectively.
[226] Multi-temporal analysis of an earthflow impacting an olive grove. Platforms: Falcon 8 Asctec and FV-8 Atyges
Sensors: Sony Nex 5N
Method: Generation of dense point clouds using Agisoft PhotoScan.
Automated point identification and matching between multi-temporal images face challenges due to factors like sun illumination, vegetation, and landslide movement. Achieved accuracy is 10 cm in XY and 15 cm in Z.
[227] Quantification of vertical measurement sensitivity and accuracy (for a real-world landslide over two years) Platform: Mini fixed-wing UAV (Quest UAV 300)
Sensor: Panasonic Lumix DMC LX5
Method: Analysis used PhotoScan, TerraSolid TerraScan, and Cloud Compare.
Seasonal vegetation influences created elevation differences. A value of ± 9 cm vertical sensitivity for the SfM-derived change measurement was derived.
[228] Mapping landslide potential area Platform: DJI Mavic Pro™
Sensor: A 4K resolution digital camera.
Method: Chan-Vese segmentation approaches.
The ability of UAV photogrammetry to map landslide potential areas is highlighted.
[229] Studying kinematic and geometric features of the Mabian landslide (in China) combined with video captured by residents. Platform: DJ Pro4
Sensor: An unknown digital camera
Method: The DEM and orthographic data of the landslide were acquired by the SfM technique.
A 0.15m-DEM was used to recover and correct the pre-landslide contours.
[230] Survey a village (in Italy) that was strongly affected by active landslides. Platform: “Saturn” multicopter UAV.
Sensor: Sony RGB camera with 8-MP resolution
Methods: Multiple photogrammetric surveys provided multitemporal 3D models of the slope. Orthomosaics were processed in Photoscan.
Two mass movements were detected and characterized with a ground resolution of 0.05 m/pix.
[231] Using spectral and point cloud data to digitize structural features like faults, joints, and bedding planes for kinematic analysis of the sea cliffs at Telscombe, UK. Platform: DJI S1000 octocopter
Sensor: Nikon D810 FX DSLR 36-MP camera
Method: Image analysis used ADAM 3DM Technology Mine Mapping Suite.
The accuracy and density of the point cloud are comparable to those produced by TLS.
[232] UAV imaging was employed in two landslide-prone/rockfall areas in Greece to assess an Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) approach for landslide detection. Platform: DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Sensor: A stabilized built-in camera
Methods: Pix4D SfM-MVS was used to generate 3D point cloud, DSM, and orthophoto supplying data for the OBIA phase in eCognition software.
The proposed method’s spatial level of detection (LoD) was 0.5 m.
[233] UAV imaging was used to characterize the activity of the Maierato landslide in Italy and evaluate residual risk. Platform: DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Sensors: 20-MP visible and RedEdge MS sensors.
Method: Metashape SfM algorithm for image processing and 3D model reconstruction. Using an open-source GIS environment, several DEM of differences (DoD) were obtained.
Ground resolution of 0.05 meters and point cloud density up to 419 points/m² were achieved, enabling quantification of morphological changes induced by the landslide using the MS sensor.
[234] UAV-based multi-temporal imaging for landslide detection and monitoring in an extensive area Platforms: MD4-1000 quadrocopter and Feima F1000 fixed-wing UAV
Sensors: Sony ILCE 7R and ILCE-5100 cameras
Method: Mesh model differentiation.
UAV photogrammetry was conducted five times over two years for mapping historical landslides, measuring landslide volume, and monitoring horizontal and vertical displacement.
[235] Extraction of landslide information based on UAV survey Platform: DJI Phantom Pro 4
Sensor: A 1-inch 20-MP visible camera
Method: Photogrammetric processing and extraction of deformation data based on DEM and orthomosaic image
UAV photogrammetry rapidly detects landslide changes, aiding monitoring and analysis.
[236] Analyses for landslide monitoring in a mountainous area Platform: DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Sensor: A 20-MP visible camera
Method: Change detection approach between the generated point clouds.
A time period of two years was considered for this change detection project.
Table 11. Land subsidence and fissure mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Table 11. Land subsidence and fissure mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Reference Objectives Equipment and Methods Descriptions (Additional Information)
[237] Investigating the limitation and potential of UAV photogrammetry for subsidence mapping and monitoring in municipal landfills Platform: UAV helicopter system
Sensor: Visible-light camera
Method: Photogrammetric processing
It was shown that UAV photogrammetry (using an unmanned helicopter) is more flexible and productive than some other counterpart techniques for similar precision.
[238] Application of UAV-based digital terrestrial photogrammetry for landslide mapping. Platform: Fixed-wing GATEWING X100
Sensor: A 10-MP visible camera
Method: MetaShape-based processing
UAVs documented landslides and remote mines at the Czech Nástup Tušimice mine, capturing aerial photos and generating orthophotos and 3D models
[239] Surveying hazardous mining-induced sinkhole subsidence by UAV photogrammetry Platform: Phantom 2 Vision+ drone
Sensor: A 14-MP visible camera
Method: Sinkhole subsidence was identified using orthoimages and DTMs, with area and volume calculated using vertical profiles.
GCP validation showed a 14 cm error in the DTM, acceptable for subsidence mapping. This method offers accurate, rapid, low-cost, and safe surveying, complementing conventional methods at mining subsidence sites.
[240] Subsidence mapping and land-surface deformation modeling using UAV photogrammetry Platform: Quadrotor UAV
Sensor: A 28-mm fixed-lens camera
Method: Depth info. extraction from overlapping photos using SfM.
SfM-built topographic models align with high-resolution LiDAR topography, boasting vertical accuracy of about 12 cm.
[241] Investigation of the capability of UAV photogrammetry for large mine subsidence mapping Platform: DJI Phantom 4
Sensor: DJI FC330 camera
Methods: utilization of total stations, GNSS, and UAV photogrammetry
Both GNSS RTK and UAV photogrammetry are effective for mine subsidence monitoring. UAVs offer dense and high-resolution DEMs while reducing human exposure to hazardous areas.
[242] Measuring land subsidence throughout DEM and orthomosaics using GPS and UAV Platform: DJI Phantom 4
Sensor: 20-MP camera
Method: MetaShape-based processing
The DTM revealed a significant variation between extremes, pinpointing the fault location that delineates the subsidence zone.
[243] Monitoring the deformation and spatiotemporal evolution of mining areas using D-InSAR and UAV technology Platform: Dajiang M300 quadcopter
Sensor: The Saier 102s five-lens camera
Methods: SAR data processing and UAV photogrammetry
The novelty lies in integrating UAV and DInSAR for enhanced accuracy in mining subsidence analysis.
[244] Subsidence mapping induced by underground coal mining by combining UAV photogrammetry and DInSAR technique Platform: D2000 FEIMA Intelligent Aerial Survey System
Sensor: D-CAM2000 camera
Methods: Fusion of UAV and DInSAR data
Combining DInSAR and UAV technology yielded more precise settlement monitoring compared to using either technology alone.
[245] Simulating the use of UAV photogrammetry for urban land subsidence monitoring. Platform and Sensor: Not specified
Method: Generation of a model from sampled data from DTMs of two times.
Photogrammetry was done at different heights and epochs, with a one-month gap between collections, aligning with changes due to dredging.
[246] Investigating slope displacements over time (time-series analysis) with UAV photogrammetry and its correlation with rainfall intensity. Platform: DJI’s Phantom 4 pro
Sensor: Visible camera
Method: Image processing used Pix4D software, enabling horizontal and vertical deformation mapping via orthoimages and DSMs.
Various UAV photogrammetry campaigns between 2019 and 2020 monitored slopes, generating orthoimages and DSMs. Ground displacement was estimated via slope extraction, displacement area evaluation, and analysis of vertical and horizontal displacement.
[247] Mine subsidence mapping integrating DS-InSAR with UAV photogrammetry products Platform: Trimble UX5 UAV
Sensor: SONY A5100 SLR camera
Method: Fusion of multi-source geospatial data
DS-InSAR technology, combined with UAV photogrammetry products, was utilized to monitor subsidence in two mining areas with diverse landforms and mining characteristics.
[248] Mapping mining-induced ground fissures and their evolution utilizing UAV photogrammetry Platform: DJI M100 quadcopter
Sensor: DJI X3 gimbal visible camera
Method: Combining RS and field survey data for extraction and spatial-temporal evolution mapping of ground fissures.
This method combines regional gradient changes of ground fissures in images with statistical feature differences from other ground objects to highlight ground fissures.
Table 12. Geothermal mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Table 12. Geothermal mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Reference Objectives Equipment and Methods Descriptions (Additional Information)
[249] Thermal imaging of subsurface coal fires using a UAV in Xinjiang, PRC. Platform: An octocopter drone
Sensor: Thermography and visible camera
Method: Analysis of georeferenced mosaicked thermal and visual images.
The study demonstrated that UAV-borne data effectively match ground-level temperature measurements and offer detailed coverage over extensive areas.
[250,251] Highlighting drones’ potential as a key tool in geothermal exploration. Platform: DJI Phantom 2 Vision+
Sensor: ICI 640x480 uncooled thermal camera
Outputs include thermal and visible orthomosaics, 3D thermal model, and DEM.
[252] Demonstrate the use of quadcopter to map the biological and physical characteristics of geothermal areas safely and accurately Platform: Blade 350 QX2 Quadcopter
Sensors: Spectrum DX5e DSMX 5-channel transmitter equipped with a Sony HDR-AS100V, FLIR Tau 320 camera, and sensors for capturing TIR videos.
Outputs include visible and thermal orthophotos.
[253] Assessment of groundwater discharge into the coastal zone using UAV thermal infrared mapping Platforms: DJI S1000 octocopter and a manned aircraft
Sensors: FLIR T450sc/A615
UAVs excel in studying localized submarine groundwater discharge dynamics, while manned aircraft are better suited for regional characterization of discharge locations.
[254] UAV-based thermal imaging for monitoring volcanic geothermal areas Platform: AI-RIDER YJ-1000-QC
Sensors: XM6 TIR camera, GPS, compass, air pressure sensor, and IMU.
A solution for addressing challenging terrains, diverse topography, and extreme environmental conditions was offered.
[255] Assessing the suitability of UAVs for monitoring geothermal plant environments. Platform: Geoscan 201 UAV
Sensors: Thermoframe-MX-TTX thermal imager and Sony DSX-RX1 optical camera
Outputs include visible and thermal orthophotos
[256] UAV-based surface temperature mapping No information has been provided from platform, sensor, and methods. UAV surface temperatures are compared with ground temperature measurements and Landsat-8 thermal imagery.
[257] Demonstrating the efficiency and affordability of an integrated UAV system with optical and thermal cameras Platform: DJI Matrice 210
Sensor: Optical and thermal cameras.
Outputs include thermal orthomosaic, DSM, and surface temperature map
[258] Assessing the potential of drone-borne TIR imagery in measuring river temperature variation/heterogeneity. Platform: DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter
Sensor: DJI Zenmuse XT Radiometric thermal camera
UAV imaging improved river advective input quantification at intermediate spatial scales.
[259] Finding the relationship between deep and surface expressions using UAVs Platform: DJI Matrice 100
Sensor: FLIR Tau 2 thermal camera and DJI Zenmuse X5R optical camera
Outputs include DEM, thermal 3D model, and infrared mosaic (a case study in Geysir geothermal field)
[260] Examine surface temperature and thermal signature distribution in the geothermal regions of Tuscany. Platform: FlyBit octocopter
Sensor: FLIR VUE PRO R thermal camera
Outputs include RGB orthomosaic and surface temperature maps (thermal orthomosaic)
[261] Controls of cold-water areas over a groundwater-dominated Riverscape using UAV TIR and optical imagery Platforms: Inspire 1 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro
Sensors: Zenmuse X5/XT (thermal and vis.)
Method: Image processing in Pix4D
Outputs include RGB and thermal orthomosaics
[262] Study the efficacy of UAV MS and thermal sensors in soil water content (SWC) estimation. Platform: DJI Matrice M210
Sensor: Zenmuse XT2 camera
Method: ML approach
UAV-based SOC mapping aids precision irrigation despite prediction errors.
[263] Geothermal mapping and RS of thermal anomalies at Grændalur area, Hveragerði, SW Iceland Platform: DJI Matrice 200
Sensor: Zenmus XT thermal camera
Method: Combining satellite (Landsat and ASTER) and UAV thermal anomaly images.
A geothermal mapping survey identified various surface manifestations like hot springs, mud pools, and fumaroles. Additionally, it detected new geothermal activity likely triggered by an earthquake.
[264] Analyze and construct a DEM map of the geothermal manifestations using drone-borne thermal imaging. Platform: DJI Phantom 4
Sensor: FLIR One Gen 2 thermal camera and Milwaukee Mi306
Method: Elevation and slope analysis
UAV imaging emerges as a valuable tool for ensuring safety during exploration in geothermal manifestation areas.
Table 13. Soil moisture mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Table 13. Soil moisture mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Reference Objectives Equipment and Methods Descriptions (Additional Information)
[265] Assessment of surface soil moisture using high-resolution MS images and artificial neural networks (ANNs) Platform: AggieAir (self-built)
Sensors: A MS camera including visible, NIR, and thermal sensors.
Method: An ANN model.
UAV images and vegetation indices helped estimate moisture via an ANN model for irrigation management. Model accuracy varies with location and time.
[266] Combining UAV HS imagery and ML algorithms for soil moisture content (SMC) mapping Platform: DJI Matrice 600 Pro
Sensor: Headwall Nano Hyperspec
Methods: The random forest (RF) and extreme learning algorithms.
A ML algorithm was applied to spectral indices derived from UAV HS images to estimate SMC.
[267] Proposing a method to estimate grassland SWC using UAV visible images. Platform: DJI Phantom3 Pro
Sensor: RGB camera with 4K lens, which can take 12-MP images.
The study validated estimating soil moisture at 0-10 cm depth. A linear regression model achieved an R2 of 86% for moisture estimation.
[268] Estimating SWC of agricultural land based on UAV HS images. Platform: DJI Matrice 600 Pro
Sensor: Headwall Nano-Hyperspec
Methods: Processing in Hyperspec III SpectralView, and MATLAB.
By using an XGBoost classifier, the correlation coefficient R2=83.5% was obtained.
[262] Estimating SWC based on UAV MS and thermal images Platform: DJI Matrice M210
Sensor: Zenmuse XT2 camera
Method: Machine learning (ML) approach
Estimating SWC using MS image yielded better results than using thermal image, with an R2 of 96%.
[269] Prospecting thermal water using UAVs, cost-effective sensors, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Platform: DJI Matrice 600
Sensors: WIRIS Pro dual TIR and non-metric visible cameras
Methods: SfM-MVS processing
UAVs with dual sensors and GIS tools offer a fast, affordable, and simple alternative to conventional methods, producing high-quality results adaptable to challenging terrain.
[270] Application of UAV photogrammetry and normalized water index to estimate rock mass rating Sensors: VNIR (RGB+NIR bands)
Methods: data preprocessing (image stitching and layer stacking) and processing (extracting information from water indices)
Spectral indices were used to generate the existence of water bodies on the slope, and to rate water conditions.
[271] Estimation of SMC in corn fields Sensors: Visible, MS, and TIR cameras
Methods: ML algorithms such as partial least squares regression, K nearest neighbor, and random forest regression
Fusion of UAV multimodal data improved the estimation accuracy regardless of the ML, especially the joint use of thermal and MS data.
Table 14. Mineralogy, mining, and soil mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Table 14. Mineralogy, mining, and soil mapping studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Reference Objectives Equipment and Methods Descriptions (Additional Information)
[273] Semi-automatic mapping of geological structures using UAV photogrammetry Platform: Octocopter Micro-UAV
Sensor: Canon 550D DSLR Camera
Method: An image analysis-based approach
The proposed method automates fault detection and orientation calculation, improving fault mapping efficiency.
[274] Meeting the demand for radiometric and geometric corrections of UAV HS images in mineral exploration Platforms: Sensefly ebee fixed-wing and Aibotix Aibot X6v2 hexacopter.
Sensors: Canon Powershot S110, Rikola HS Imager, and Nikon Coolpix A
Method: Standard SfM (Photoscan).
UAV HS data’s utility in geological studies is underscored, along with the introduction of a specialized toolkit for preprocessing drone-acquired HS data for geological applications.
[275] Leveraging UAVs for the study of carbonate geology Platform: DJI Phantom 3 Pro
Sensor: A 12-MP digital camera
Method: An SfM processing workflow and further processing in ArcGIS.
The research showcases the capability of UAVs in conducting geological studies focused on carbonate formations.
[276] Combining terrestrial and UAV-based HS and photogrammetric sensing methods for mining monitoring and exploration mapping. Platform: Aibotix Aibot X6v2 hexacopter
Sensor: Senop Rikola VNIR HS Imager (with 50 bands and spectral coverage of 500–900 nm)
Method: Integration of SfM photogrammetric point clouds and VNIR–SWIR–LWIR HS data.
Integrating ground- and UAV-based photogrammetry with hyperspectral imaging optimizes ground surveys for structural, geochemical, and petrological analyses.
[277] Exploring multi-sensor drone-borne geophysics for geological mapping and mineral exploration Platform: A multicopter from HZDR-HIF
Sensor: HS frame camera which captures images in the VNIR part of the EM spectrum.
The combination of magnetometry and HS photogrammetry has undergone testing for geological surveys.
[278] Investigating the fusion of drone-borne HS and magnetic data for deposit/ mineral mapping. Platforms: Aibotix Aibot X6v.2 multicopter and SenseFly Ebee Plus fixed-wing UAV
Sensors: Visible, MS, and Rikola HSI
Method: SfM-MVS processing in PhotoScan
Combining lightweight UAS tech. with visible, MS, and HS cameras, alongside fluxgate magnetometers, forms a foundation for thorough data analysis in non-invasive mineral exploration.
[279] Utilizing UAVs for HS environmental monitoring of water bodies impacted by acid mine drainage. Platform: Tholeg THO-R-PX8 multi-copter
Sensor: Rikola HS sensor
Method: HS data were preprocessed using the Python MEPHySTo toolbox. Further processing was done based on supervised classification.
The paper highlights the potential of UAV HIS data as a tool for environmental monitoring of surface water impacted by acid mine drainage, applicable across various hydrogeological applications.
[280] Mapping materials with the potential to generate acidity on abandoned mines utilizing remotely piloted aerial systems Platform: Tarot 650 RPAS
Sensors: RedEdge and Nano VNIR Hyperspec
Methods: Using SfM image processing in Pix4D and ML classification methods (for surface materials identification).
Monitoring acid-generating material and acid mine drainage using MS/HS sensors offers an alternative to field surveys, aiding in prioritizing regions for detailed investigation and remediation.
[281] Investigating mining exploration through the use of UAVs, cost-effective thermal cameras, and GIS tools Platform: DJI Matrice 210 V
Sensors: Zenmuse XT2 dual radiometric sensor
Method: Processing of RGB and thermal images using SfM-MVS in two parallel branches.
Using UAV-borne infrared sensors for mining prospecting has shown substantial promise, expediting research economically and effectively, particularly in challenging and remote terrains.
[282] The automated identification of magnetite in placer deposits through the utilization of a MS camera mounted on a UAV. Sensors: RGB and DJI P4 MS cameras
Methods: Spectral angle mapping (SAM) and AI (traditional and deep learning) methods implemented in MATLAB
Using 6-band MS imagery data, a 1D CNN deep learning model achieved accuracy of 99.7% and per-class precision of 99.4%, emerging as the most effective AI model.
[283] Combining UAV magnetic data and MS images for 3D modeling in a mineral exploration project. Platform: DJI Mavic Pro
Sensors: A 12.3-MP visible camera and a vessel-based DSLR photographer
Methods: Geosoft Oasis Montaj and photogrammetric processing software.
Combining UAV optical and magnetic data with ground and drill-hole measurements refines the identification of Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mineralization targets.
[284] Assessing mercury and arsenic pollution in the soil-plant system using a method combining UAV data, geochemical survey, and ML. Platform and sensor: A P4 MS UAV-RS from SZ DJI
Methods: Multiple Linear Regression, RF, Generalized Boosted Models, and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines.
The study demonstrated the modeling of As and Hg concentrations in soil-plant systems using low-density geochemical surveys and UAV high-resolution images.
[285] Application of UAV-geological mapping, satellite RS, and ML methods in podiform Chromite deposits exploration Platform: DJI Phantom
Sensor: Visible camera
Methods: Processing of satellite data using ENVI, ArcGIS, and Geomatica, and supervised classification of the outputs of field surveying, UAV mapping, and satellite images.
The ultimate result of the proposed approach is a geological map at a 1:5000 scale, facilitating the identification of novel podiform chromite outcrops.
[286] Presenting the possibility of creating 3D point clouds from UAV video images (rock slope analysis) Platform: Aeryon Scout VTOL UAV
Sensor: A camera for capturing video images at a resolution of 640 x 480 pix and 12 fps.
Besides its significance in mining, there are potential geological applications, such as assessing slope stability.
[287] Accuracy analysis of 3D geometry generated from low-attitude UAV images for topographic surveying in open-pit mines Platform: BNU-D8-1 hexacopter
Sensor: Canon 5D mark II
Method: SfM and patch-based MVS algorithms
UAV-driven point cloud and DSM of the study area were compared with TLS data. Deviations in 3D distance map within ±0.4m, relative volume error 1.55%.
[288] Verification of on-site applicability of aerial triangulation using UAV images Platform: DJI S1000
Sensor: Cannon Mark VI
Method: A Photoscan-based processing
Study creates orthophotos and DEMs for monitoring ore production and landslides using rapid and low-cost photography.
[289] Topographic mapping of open-pit mine using a rotary-wing drone Platform: DJI Phantom 2 Vision+
Sensor: A digital RGB camera
DGPS-measured GCPs compared to those from UAV photogrammetry had an RMSE of about 10 cm for all coordinates.
[290] Investigation of open-pit mines’ characteristics employing topographic maps and landscape metrics Platform: Skywalker X5 fixed-wing
Sensor: Sony QX100 20.9 MP camera
Method: SfM methodology in Agisoft Metashape and point cloud manipulation in CloudCompare.
The method used landscape metric, high-resolution topography from UAV, and SfM to characterize open-pit mine geomorphic features.
[291] Proposal of UAV’s usefulness in investigating outcrops of geological rocks Platform: Phantom 2 Vision+
Sensor: A 14-MP FC200 camera
Method: SfM (PhotoScan).
UAV photogrammetry documented inaccessible geological outcrops, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
[292] Volume evaluation, monitoring the safety of slopes, and mapping the underground mine Platform: A fixed-wing UAV
Sensor: A digital camera
UAVs mapped the Ulan and Tahmoor mines in Australia, measuring stockpiles, monitoring slope safety, and mapping mine subsidence.
[293] Proposal methodology for reconstructing the topography using oblique and nadir imageries Platform: ESAFLY A2500 hexacopter
Sensor: Canon EOS 550D camera
Methods: Image processing with Photoscan and Pix4D mapper.
UAV photogrammetry aids in the regular monitoring of mining activities and quarry management by operators, utilizing nadir and oblique imagery.
[294] Prototype development of UAV for underground mining surveying Platform: Rotary-wing UAV
Sensor: A drone-deployed digital camera
UAV’s role in underground mining, including a prototype with auto-rotation for scanning, was outlined.
[295] UAV design for imaging in areas inaccessible to underground mines due to mining and blasting Platform: A quadcopter
Sensor: A digital RGB HD camera
GPS-free UAV illuminated underground mine features, revealing rock walls, structures, blast evidence, and support elements during sublevel stope tests.
[296] 3D modeling of an underground mine using the forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery. Platform: A UAS that included thermal imagery, obstacle detection, lighting, and software.
Sensors: Visible and thermal cameras
UAV thermal imagery created 3D models in underground mines revealing geological data for geotechnical analysis.
[297] Development of automation technology for lithological classification using ML and small drones Platform: DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Sensor: Visible-light camera
Methods: Four ML techniques including SVM, kNN, RF, and gradient tree boost (GTB).
A UAV camera was used to classify rock types at the Cajati opencast phosphate mine in Brazil, with ML improving precision over manual methods.
[298] Mapping opencast highwall using UAV RS technology Platform: A rotary-wing UAV
Sensor: A digital RGB camera
Methods: Metashape SfM algorithm
UAV tech. mapped opencast highwalls, processing raw data to generate a model that correlated with the resource model.
[299] Review of the application of field and RS approaches for rock slope characteristics Platform: Different rotary-wing UAVs
Sensor: Digital visible cameras
Method: SfM-based image processing
UAV RS for rock slope investigations has been explored, emphasizing its applications, advantages, and limitations relative to traditional field methods.
[300] Proposal of a UAV-based surveillance system suitable for underground mining operations Method: A UAV monitoring system for enhancing safety, providing real-time results, and reducing human exposure in hazardous underground conditions. UAV image capture is enhanced for rock mass analysis in confined, low-light spaces, improving geotechnical analysis in challenging environments.
[301] Proposal of a method to detect and quantify geological discontinuities using thermal and MS images Platform: Not specified
Sensors: Thermal and MS cameras and LiDAR system
UAV thermal and MS imaging mapped geological discontinuities in hard rock masses. Thermal, MS, RGB, and LiDAR data were used to generate georeferenced meshes and 3D point clouds for mapping.
[302] Using UAV photogrammetry for geological mapping (exploring Vein-type Copper mineralization) Platform: DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Sensor: A built-in 20-MP CMOS camera
Method: PhotoScan photogrammetric processing
UAV photogrammetry proved efficient for quickly and affordably preparing base geology maps in rugged, remote areas for vein-type mineralization exploration.
Table 15. Volcanic studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Table 15. Volcanic studies using UAV photogrammetry.
Reference Objectives Equipment and Methods Descriptions (Additional Information)
[303] Using thermal UAV photogrammetry for 3D modeling and studying an active volcano in Stromboli, Italy Sensors: Visible and TIR cameras
Method: RGB and thermal data underwent processing separately. Integration of data resulted in the first 3D thermal photogrammetric model of the active volcano.
Their method, as an easy-to-use workflow, is applicable to any volcano, offering a low-cost monitoring system suitable for remote areas with limited budgets and poor access.
[304] UAV-based multi-temporal RS surveys of volcano unstable flanks Platform: Not specified
Sensor: Canon IXUS
Method: SfM photogrammetric processing technique
The approach enables detailed volume assessments at a local scale, facilitating rapid UAV-based georeferenced surveys, valuable in emergencies.
[305] Using cost-effective UAVs for studying dynamic tropical volcanic landforms Platform: A low-cost UAV
Sensor: An optical imaging sensor with a GSD of 8 cm/pix
UAV photogrammetry enabled precise analysis of volume, surface roughness, morphometric features, and surface classifications.
Table 17. Review of UAV-borne EM applications.
Table 17. Review of UAV-borne EM applications.
Applications Descriptions References
Mapping structural discordance and tectonics UAV-TEM mapped Eastern Siberia’s uranium region, overcoming terrain challenges. Surveying at 7.5 m/s and 40 m altitude, it covered 20 km in four hours, excluding transmitter setup. Control measurements followed opposite and orthogonal routes. [347]
A drone-borne TEM survey over Lake Baikal and Uranium deposits UAV-based TEM systems identified uranium ore-bearing strata in Bolshoe Goloustnoye, Lake Baikal. High-resistivity layers over the lake and deposit area indicated sediment deposits. Productive uranium ore deposits were reliably detected at depths of 120-170 m. [373]
Detection of buried power cables and pipelines in Neuchatel, Switzerland UAV-based VLF surveys identified a buried pipeline and power cable spaced 90 m apart. Using frequencies of 18.3 kHz and 23.4 kHz, anomalies were successfully detected, showing good agreement with results from the RMT approach. [356,387]
A survey over a Transition Zone from Freshwater to Saltwater in Cuxhaven, Germany UAS-VLF effectively mapped the freshwater-saltwater transition zone, showing conductivity shifts via transfer functions. Alignment with RMT data confirmed its efficacy. [356]
Mapping soil resistivity and investigating buried vehicles A drone system for EM mapping utilizes GPS, Wi-Fi, and ultrasonic sensors to control height, detect buried objects (e.g., vehicles), and map soil resistivity. It focuses on shallow subsurface resistivity surveys across large areas. [348]
Landmine detection A hexacopter-mounted EM sensor introduces a method for landmine detection, enhancing safety and efficiency in clearance operations by effectively locating landmines in mined areas. [374]
UXO detection A drone-borne TEM system was developed for UXO and ground fissure detection. It used compact coils for ATEM data collection, offering efficiency and safety in challenging terrains. The system proved effective in detecting near-surface UXO. [365]
Investigation of slope subsurface resistivity structure The D-GREATEM drone system mapped a steep slope, revealing shallow, intermediate, and deep resistivity layers. This validated the effectiveness of drone-borne EM surveys in mapping slope resistivity structures. [375]
Detection of underground tunnels and buried wires In a lecture note on UAV applications in resource exploration, a drone-mounted EM system was studied for detecting underground tunnels and buried wires. The setup included a sensing coil towed by a hexacopter. [73]
Fresh-saline water mapping A Netherlands site near Gouda was surveyed for brackish groundwater using a UAV equipped with a CMD MiniExplorer on a DJI Matrice 600. Within four hours, it generated a 3D resistivity model, shedding light on fresh-saline water interactions. [366]
Sand-clay lithology mapping A UAV-EM system was used to map diverse lithology along the southern levee of the Lek riverside in Vianen, Netherlands, outpacing ground-based FDEM mapping by 2-4 times and successfully identifying distinct lithological units. [366]
Cable, pipeline, and fence crossings A UAV-EM system, using GEM-2 with DJI Matrice 600, validated in Vianen, Netherlands, revealed line objects with clarity through multiple profiles and a single grid survey. [366]
Deep resistivity distribution mapping The “grounded electrical-source airborne transient EM system (GREATEM)” was introduced for resistivity distribution assessments at deep levels. It uses a grounded wire as a transmitter on the ground and a receiver coil suspended from a drone. [348,388]
Tunnel investigation A novel semi-airborne method for tunnel exploration was introduced, utilizing a UAV-based SATEM system with a grounded-wire source and an induction coil carried by a UAV. Its efficacy was validated at the Damo Tunnel in Guangxi, China. [389]
Subsurface target detection A hexacopter-based TDEM survey, combined with YOLOv8, was utilized to identify anomalous regions for subsurface target detection. [10]
Table 18. Review of cutting-edge UAV-compatible GPR antennas.
Table 18. Review of cutting-edge UAV-compatible GPR antennas.
Antenna Specifications Figures References
Vivaldi Antennas Vivaldi antennas, known for wide bandwidth and directional radiation, are popular in UAV applications due to their compact design and high performance. They come in two types: horn and planar. While horn antennas offer excellent radiofrequency characteristics, planar Vivaldi antennas are smaller and more suitable for UAV integration. Common models include IS-AV-0106G, TSA-600, and TC930-83 (dual-polarized Vivaldi), which provide versatility for different UAV-GPR applications. Preprints 138267 i016 [24,406,413,448,451]
Helix Antenna Traditional cavity-backed antennas, like sinuous and helix types, offer high directivity and bandwidth but are limited by their weight, often >1 kg, making them less suitable for airborne GPR systems. Recent studies have addressed this issue by employing miniature helix antennas mounted on lightweight rotary-wing drones for UAV-based GPR surveys. Preprints 138267 i017 [24,414,451]
Spiral Antenna A miniature spiral antenna has been successfully employed for GPR surveys in snow and ice. Archimedean spiral antennas, used in UAV systems with absorbing material, offer consistent gain and nearly frequency-independent input impedance. They may distort wideband signals, necessitating dechirping during post-processing to correct antenna group delay fluctuations across the frequency band. Preprints 138267 i018 [24,393]
Table 19. Review of the cutting-edge UAV-Radar/GPR systems.
Table 19. Review of the cutting-edge UAV-Radar/GPR systems.
Sys. Platform Specifications and Parameters Purpose/Application References
1 A drone non-specified type Model/antenna: Linear array; Technology: Pulsed; Frequency: 100 MHz; Penetration ability: None Environment monitoring [396]
2 Small fixed-wing unmanned airplane (ARTINO) Model/antenna: Linear array; Technology: FMCW; Frequency: Ka band; Measurement configuration: MIMO; Penetration ability: none Environment monitoring [397]
3 The NASA SIERRA UAS Model/antenna: Patch array; Technology: FMCW (LFM-CW SAR system); Frequency: 80–200 MHz; Penetration depth: A few meters Sea ice experiments/
monitoring
[398]
4 Fixed-wing drone Model/antenna: Log periodic; Technology: Pulsed; Frequency: 250-350 and 9,400-9,800 MHz; System type: InSAR; Penetration ability: None Forest mapping and environmental monitoring [399]
5 Fixed-wing drone Model/antenna: Patch array; Technology: FMCW; Sensor: CW/FM SAR; Frequency: 5.3-9.65 GHz; Penetration ability: None Environment monitoring [400]
6 Quadcopter Model/antenna: Horn and helix antennas; Technology: SFCW and Pulsed; Frequency: 350 MHz at 5 GHz; Penetration depth: A few cm for landmine and UXO detection task Landmine and UXO detection; security and Earth observation [401]
7 A mini multi-rotor UAV Antenna: Two Logarithmic-periodic dipole antennas (LPDA) and one Raspberry Pi; Technology: Portable FMCW Radar; Frequency: 745 MHz with a bandwidth of 510 MHz; Penetration depth: <20 m; Processing technique: SAR; Flight height: 1.5 m Archeological and geological applications [452]
8 Rotary-wing hexacopter drone Antanna: Vivaldi antipodal; Technology: Pulsed; Frequency: 1.5-6 GHz; Measurement config.: Bistatic config. with a 45° inclination; Penetration depth: <0.2 m; Radar technology: Bistatic SDR; Flight height: ∼0.5 m Landmine and UXO detection [402,449]
9 Self-assembled DJI F550 hexacopter Antenna: LPDA (two log-periodic PCB antennas named Ramsey LPY26); Technology: Pulsed Pulson P440; Frequency: 3.1-4.8 GHz; Measurement config.: Quasi monostatic in DL mode; Penetration depth: Not specified Archaeology and infrastructure monitoring [391]
10 DJI Matrice 600 Pro hexacopter Antenna: Horn (1 Tx and 2 Rx orthogonal arranged antennas); Technology: FMCW; Architecture: SLGPR; Frequency: 1-4 GHz; Measurement configuration: Bistatic or quasi-monostatic; Flight height: 3-4 m; Radius: 7.5 m; Penetration depth: objects buried at 5 cm depth; SAR processing: polarimetric CSAR; GPR payload: Independent Several: Infrastructure inspection, archaeological surveys, geological surveys, landmine and UXO detection [405,421,422,442]
11 Octocopter (Kraken) Antenna: One Spiral (Tx) and two Vivaldi (Rx) antennas with orthogonal arrangement and DL mode; Technology: Pulsed; Frequency: 0.95-6 GHz (M-Sequence UWB Radar); Penetration depth: A few meters (up to 1.7 m) Snow and ice monitoring (retrieval of snowpack properties) [393]
12 Multicopter: X8 model, made of 8 motors and 4 arms Antenna: Hybrid horn-dipole antenna in DL mode; Technology: SFCW Planar R60 VNA; Frequency: 0.25-2.8 and 0.5-0.7 GHz; Measurement config.: Monostatic SFCW; Penetration depth: operation from 10-20 cm depth in bare agricultural fields; Flight height: 1-5 m Soil moisture measurement (mapping) [404]
13 Rotary-wing drone Antenna: Ultrahigh frequency-UWB Radar; Technology: FMCW; Frequency: 0.5-3 GHz; Penetration depth: Not specified Buried IEDs (e.g., landmine) detection [453]
14 DJI Spreading
Wings S1000+ octocopter
Antenna: Helix with DL mode; Tech.: Pulsed (Pulson P410); Frequency: 3.1-4.8 GHz; Measurement config.: Quasi-monostatic; Penetration depth: <1.5 m; SAR processing: able (DAS); Flight height: ∼ 1.5 m Landmine and UXO detection [414]
15 DJI Matrice (M) 600 Pro Frequency: 1.5 GHz; Survey velocity: 1.2 m/s; Flight height: ~1 m. Snow hydrology [454]
16 DJI Matrice 600 Pro hexacopter Antenna: Hybrid Vivaldi-Horn antennas with DL mode; Technology: SFCW; Frequency: 0.55-2.7 GHz; Measurement config.: Bistatic or quasi-monostatic; Penetration depth: <0.5 m (objects in 0.2 m deep); Flight height: ≤ 0.5 m Landmine detection [406]
17 Octocopter Antenna: UWB Vivaldi; Technology: SFCW; Frequency: 150-309 MHz; Penetration depth: < 3 m Buried object detection [455]
18 Rotary-wing mini-UAV Antenna: 1 Tx antenna and 3 Rx with DL mode; Technology: SFCW; Frequency: 0.5-2 GHz; SAR processing: available; Flight height: ∼ 1.5 m; Penetration depth: detection of objects 5-15 cm deep Detection of buried objects (mines, explosive objects, and concealed targets) [450]
19 Hexacopter Antenn: Vivaldi patch antennas; Technology: FMCW; Frequency: 0.5-3 GHz; Architecture of Radar technology: SLGPR; Measurement config.: Bistatic or quasi-monostatic; SAR processing: available Landmine detection [392]
20 DJI Matrice 600 Pro hexacopter Antenna: horn; Technology: FMCW; Frequency: 1-4 GHz; SAR processing: SLGPR-CSAR; Flight height and Radius: 2.5-5 m and 7.7 m; Penetration depth: < 1 m Landmine detection [422]
21 Hexacopter Frequency: 3.1-4.8 GHz; Observation mode: DLGPR; Technology: Pulsed; SAR processing: MT; Flight height: 7.6-10.5 m Archaeological
surveys
[395,425]
22 Quadcopter (Cryocopter FOX) Antenna: Dual Vivaldi; Configuration: DLGPR pseudo-random radar (1 Tx and 2 Rx); Frequency: 0.7-4.5 GHz; SAR processing: frequency-wavenumber for velocity estimation; Penetration depth: snow depth from 1.5 5.5 m. Snow and ice studies (snow water equivalent content measurement and snowpack properties retrieval) [456,457]
23 Ground vehicles and UAVs Configuration: semi-airborne (an FL transmitter mounted on a ground vehicle and a drone-borne DL receiver); Frequency: 3.5-5.5 GHz; Survey schemes: Multimonostatic, multistatic, and multi-bistatic Landmine and IED detection [415]
24 DJI S1000 octocopter Sensor: UWB SDRadar; Tx/Rx antennas: UWB Vivaldi; Frequency: 0.6-6 GHz; Flight height: ~2 m Landmine detection [458]
25 DJI M600 hexacopter System name: IGPR-30; Central frequency: 0.4 GHz; Penetration depth: able to detect ice thickness of 6 m; Flight endurance: 30 min Revealing morphology dynamics of ice cover [459]
26 Hexacopter Antenna: Gekko-80; Central frequency: 80 MHz; Data processing unit: RTS1600; Flight height: ~ 1 m Mapping inland water bathymetry [460]
27 DJI Matrix 600 Pro hexacopter Antenna: COBRA plug-in SE-150 monostatic antenna; Frequency: 0.5-260 MHz; Technology: DLGPR pulsed radar; Measurement config.: Monostatic; Flight height: 6 m; Penetration depth: <40m; Vertical resolution: 0.27 m Excavation area characterization [408]
28 Quadcopter Antenna: Horn; Technology: FMCW; Frequency: 5.4-6 MHz; System type: SAR; Penetration ability: None A wide variety of applications [461]
29 Unmanned helicopter System name: SIR-3000 (GSSI); Antennas frequency: 400 MHz; Positioning devices: Onboard DGPS and Garmin handheld receiver Feasibility test of UAV-based geophysical (EM and GPR) measurements [462]
30 Hexacopter Technology: SFCW (SDR-USRP); Frequency: 0.55-2.7 GHz (UWB principle); SAR processing: available Anti-tank landmine detection [463]
31 Hexacopter System config.: array-based GPR SAR; Radar subsystem composition: UWB module with 1 Tx and 2 Rx, Frequency: 0.6-6 GHz Enhanced buried threats (IEDs and landmines) detection [464]
32 Hexacopter Technology and architecture: DLGPR impulsed radar; SAR processing: available (PSM); Flight height: ∼1.5 m; Frequency: C-band (3.1-5.1 GHz); Range resolution: 7.5 cm Non-destructive identification of buried objects, such as landmines [403,439]
33 Hexacopter Antenna: UWB Vivaldi; Config.: DL pseudo-random radar (1 Tx and 2 Rx); Frequency: 0.6-6 GHz; SAR processing: available; Flight height: 1.2-2.3 m; Penetration depth: 0.25-1.5 m Landmine and IED detection [413,426,451]
34 Hexacopter A GPR drone (GPRD) system with independent design: drone + GPR module Search and rescue (SaR) [412]
35 DJI M600 hexacopter Antenna: Drone it GmbH cylindrical-shape radar antenna; Central frequency: 80 MHz; Survey endurance: 15 min Archaeological prospection [465]
36 Hexacopter Technology: SLGPR FMCW; SAR processing: CSAR; Frequency: 1-4 GHz; Flight height: 2-4 m in 40 cm steps; Radius: 7.5 m; Penetration depth: <0.4 m Detection of snow avalanche victims [423]
37 DJI Spreading Wings S1000+ Radar technology: M-sequence UWB radar; Frequency: 0.1–6 GHz; Antenna: 2 UWB Vivaldi or two log-periodic antennas; Measurement configuration: Quasi-monostatic Landmine and IED detection [429]
38 Venture VFF-H01 Radar technology: Pulsed K2 IDS; Carrier frequency:
900 MHz; Antenna: Not specified; Measurement config.: Monostatic
Snow cover mapping [407]
39 DJI Matrice 600/Pro Radar technology: Pulsed Cobra Plug In GPR Cobra CBD Zond-12e; Frequency: 0.5–1000 MHz; Antenna: COBRA Plug-in SE-70 COBRA Plug-in SE-150 Cobra CBD 200/400/800; Measurement config.: Monostatic A variety of potential applications [417,466]
40 DJI Phantom 2 Radar technology: Pulsed PulsON P410; Frequency: 3.1-5.3 GHz; Antenna: Helix; Measurement configuration: Bistatic or quasi-monostatic in DL mode; Penetration ability: None Radar imaging of the environment [390]
Table 20. Review of UAV-borne GPR applications.
Table 20. Review of UAV-borne GPR applications.
Application Descriptions References
Buried Threats Object (Landmines, IDEs, and UXOs) Detection UAV technology advancements have revolutionized buried threat object detection, particularly in landmine detection systems, where safety is paramount. UAVs offer faster scanning, access to remote areas, and increased safety by avoiding ground contact. This progress has made UAV- GPR surveys a primary tool for detecting buried threat objects. [392,401,402,403,406,413,414,415,421,422,426,442,449,450,451,453,455,458,464]
Snow and Ice Studies In snow regions, UAV-GPR surveys prove valuable. Researchers in Quebec, Canada, used UWB radar-equipped UAVs for snowpack data collection during 2020-2021, enhancing safety and coverage. They achieved precise estimation of Snow Water Equivalent by integrating airborne snow density and depth measurements with UAV-mounted UWB pseudo-noise radar. Additionally, a UAV-GPR system demonstrated promising results in snow depth measurement quality, resolution, and accuracy. [393,454,456,457]
Archaeological Mapping UAV-GPR is widely used in archaeology for non-invasive surveys. Researchers employ drone-borne surveys, showcasing GPR’s detailed prospection capabilities. Despite shallow penetration depth, they achieve high resolution and develop imaging strategies using Mini-UAV sounders for robust 3D representations of investigated volumes. [395,465]
Agricultural Applications In precision farming, drones give detailed information about crops and soil but are more expensive than satellites. Research on GPR in farming and studies related to AI prepare the ground for combining GPR with drones in farming, showing great potential. [467]
Soil Moisture Mapping In Belgium’s loess belt, UAV GPR mapped soil moisture across three fields, employing full-wave inverse modeling. This generated high-resolution soil moisture maps aligned with topography and aerial observations, showcasing UAV GPR’s efficiency in rapid, precise soil moisture mapping for agriculture and environmental monitoring. [404]
Bathymetry UAV-GPR holds potential for inland water bathymetry, rivaling water-coupled GPR accuracy in Danish research. Despite constraints like minimum depth prerequisites (80-110 cm) and antenna height (~ 50 cm) above water, UAV-GPR surpassed sonar measurements in specific water body analyses. [460]
SaR (e.g., victim detection) A groundbreaking approach utilizes UAV-GPR for avalanche victim detection, eliminating the need for avalanche beacons. Operating as a SAR with FMCW modulation, the system was empirically validated in detecting buried mannequin torsos across varied snow conditions. [423,468]
Table 21. Review of UAV-LiDAR geoscientific applications.
Table 21. Review of UAV-LiDAR geoscientific applications.
Application Descriptions References
Fine-detailed digital terrain modeling UAV-LiDAR is crucial for generating detailed DEMs essential for landform research. Eagle Geosciences used UAV surveys integrating magnetic and LiDAR technologies in the Miakadow project, aiding geological and structural mapping. Despite challenges like noise filtering, UAVs offer cost-effective and detailed DEM generation, foundational for various geophysical applications, including morphometric analysis and geomorphological mapping. [480,481,482,483,484,485]
Fault zone mapping Near Burwash Landing, YT, UAV-LiDAR was used to map fault zones and assess geothermal potential adjacent to the Eastern Denali fault (EDF). The system generated 30 cm resolution bare-earth DTMs of EDF segments, surpassing the resolution and canopy penetration of photogrammetric DSMs and DTMs. Analysis revealed dextral offsets along the fault, with the geothermal drill site strategically positioned at a minor releasing bend. [486]
Landslide mapping and monitoring UAV-LiDAR plays a crucial role in landslide mapping and monitoring, particularly in hazardous or inaccessible terrains like Ystalyfera, Wales. In this project, the technology penetrated dense vegetation, enabling the creation of high-resolution DTMs for detailed analysis. Regular surveys facilitated the understanding of landslide dynamics, with results integrated into risk maps for informed decision-making by the local community. [487,488,489,490,491,492,493,494,495]
Land subsidence and fissure mapping UAV-LiDAR has become instrumental in monitoring subsidence. Studies have validated its accuracy and compared its performance against traditional methods. Techniques like Digital Subsidence Models (DSuMs) and algorithms such as Local Flat Point Extraction (LFPE) have improved subsidence monitoring in mining areas. UAV-LiDAR has also been used to map road subsidence, highlighting its versatility beyond mining contexts. These findings underscore its importance in environmental management and risk mitigation efforts. [30,495,496,497,498,499,500]
Geological mapping—geological structure measurement LiDAR enables precise measurement of geological structures, crucial for assessing hazards like rockfalls and pre-earthquake indicators. These structures, including folds and fault planes, influence slope stability and rock mass behavior. Traditionally, studying rock discontinuities required manual methods, limiting assessments in hazardous areas. Integration of UAV-LiDAR allows remote 3D investigation of slopes, facilitating detailed structural measurements. Recent studies highlight its efficacy in geological structure analysis. [501,502,503,504,505]
Geological mapping—geological catalogue production Geological cataloging is vital in geological applications, including mapping, prospecting, and sampling. Laser scanners, especially when integrated with UAVs, are invaluable for creating detailed geological maps efficiently. They replace traditional surveying methods, reducing workload and enabling comprehensive database creation for mining areas. [506]
Geological mapping—structural planes measurement In geological surveys, assessing structural planes, especially extended faults, is challenging due to variations and topographical factors. 3D laser scanning has emerged as a valuable solution. The associated software features a fitting plane tool that determines structural plane occurrences, overcoming limitations of single-point measurements with geological compasses. This approach yields highly satisfactory results in determining geological structures. [506]
Glaciological investigations: characterization of ice morphology evolution UAV-based technologies revolutionize the study of ice dolines, unique formations in remote ice streams. Researchers used specialized UAV systems to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of an ice doline during Antarctic expeditions. They found that a collapse event in 2017 was induced by surface melting, with the doline growing in area and volume by early 2018. Photogrammetry proved cost-effective for large-scale surveys, while LiDAR excelled in detailing intricate ice features. They recommend an integrated approach for optimal performance. [507]
Groundwater level mapping (hydrogeological studies) In a geoscientific RS project, a UAV-LiDAR efficiently acquired piezometric information from traditional large-diameter wells. Tested in a coastal aquifer, it provided high vertical accuracies (RMSE of 5 cm), surpassing official DTMs in Spain. This method eliminated the need for laborious leveling work and proved effective for monitoring extensive or inaccessible areas, filling gaps in hydrogeological databases. [508]
Topographic mapping for precision land leveling An innovative method using a low-altitude UAV with LiDAR and PPK-GNSS technology mapped elevation variations on farmland in Henan Province, China. PPK-GNSS data ensured accurate ground survey point elevations, factoring installation height and nadir distance. Over 2,300 sets of mapping data per field were interpolated, yielding precise topographic maps for precision land leveling. [509]
Volcanological studies UAV-LiDAR is revolutionizing volcano mapping by providing precise topographic data collection, and overcoming obstacles like vegetation, gas emissions, or water bodies. This technology enhances RS capabilities, enabling comprehensive volcano studies. [510]
Soil mapping—estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) Integrated UAV LiDAR/HS enhances soil mapping in forests. Using 40 HS visible and 101 LiDAR-derived variables, the study selected robust variables with the RRelieff algorithm to estimate forest SOC. Effective vegetation indices (VIs) included carotenoid reflectance index 2, non-linear index, and carotenoid reflectance index 1, while optimal LiDAR features were the canopy height model and DEM. Combining VI and LiDAR variables significantly improved estimation accuracy, with LiDAR features outperforming VIs. [511,512]
Table 22. Sensor integration and data fusion in UAV-borne geophysical survey.
Table 22. Sensor integration and data fusion in UAV-borne geophysical survey.
Integration/Fusion Method Descriptions References
Fusion of UAV Images and Magnetic Data Integrating magnetic data with RGB, MS, and HS images enhances mineral exploration efficiency. This fusion combines RGB photogrammetry for surface analysis, HS imaging for mineral signatures, and magnetometers for detecting magnetic minerals. Likewise, integrating MS photogrammetry with magnetometry and radiometry enables detailed geological mapping and mineralization modeling. This integration produces a realistic model of magnetic mineralization within its geological context. [47,532,533]
Fusion of UAV Images and GPR Data Integrating photogrammetry with GPR enhances quarry characterization and archaeological prospection. This fusion approach enables comprehensive subsurface investigation, aiding in identifying optimal areas for railway ballast production in quarries. Moreover, combining MS imagery and GPR survey facilitates precise archaeological anomaly detection and enables detailed 3D reconstruction, supporting interpretation in archaeological investigations. [408,534]
Integration of UAV Magnetic and GPR Data A UAV-based system combining GPR and magnetometer (MAG) for landmine detection was developed. Advanced methods like finite-difference time-domain simulations, SVD, Kirchhoff migration, and matched filtering were used for GPR signal identification and focusing. Magnetic dipole models with de-trending and spatial median filtering methods were employed for MAGs. Integration of the UAV GPR and MAG systems enabled experimental validation, crucial for parameter acquisition in landmine detection systems. [535]
Integration of UAV Images with Magnetic and GPR Data UAV images, magnetic, and GPR data were simultaneously surveyed at the Grumentum archaeological site. The integrated approach fused VNIR MS and infrared thermography with GPR and geomagnetic data, revealing Roman-era urban blocks and late antique/early medieval church features. The study underscores the potential and limitations of image fusion in enhancing archaeological insights, urging further experimentation across diverse case studies. [536]
Integrated UAV Magnetic and Gravity Survey System Integration of gravimetry with other methods is rare, but a system was developed involving the modification of a CH-4 medium-range drone. This work involved integrating a strapdown airborne gravimeter with a UAV-compatible aeromagnetic recorder, marking significant progress in this field. [23]
Integration of UAV-borne Magnetic, Gamma Radiometric, and Spectrometric Surveys The SibGIS UAS is a notable example of an integrated geophysical survey system, incorporating gamma radiometric, spectrometric, and magnetic surveys through integrated spectrometry-magnetometry systems. Experimental surveys demonstrate the feasibility of integrating gamma surveys with other geophysical surveys on a single UAV, offering rich information for geological and geophysical mapping. [171]
Integration of UAV-borne Gamma and EM Survey Methods TDEM offers promising capabilities to complement gamma surveys on UAVs. Lightweight TDEM systems can integrate seamlessly with gamma survey systems, enhancing geological information without significant impact on productivity or costs. [347]
Integration of UAV-borne Magnetic and EM Survey Methods In the Smart Exploration initiative, SGU and Uppsala University developed two UAV-based systems to jointly measure the total magnetic field and EM signals. Tests showed high-quality data collection with a strong signal-to-noise ratio. SGU applies the systems in projects like the FUTURE project, mapping and modeling mineral resources. [537]
Integration of UAV-borne Magnetometry System and Ground-based TDEM System A joint detection system was introduced, integrating UAVMAG and TDEM-Cart for UXO detection. The approach fuses magnetic field and EM data, yielding accurate positioning and enhanced UXO detection. Successful detection of various targets was demonstrated in field tests, with improved efficiency in cued survey mode and positioning accuracy of <10 cm achieved in joint interpretation. [538]
Fusion of UAV photogrammetry and TLS Data for Geophysical Applications UAV photogrammetry and laser scanning data fusion enhances geological mapping precision. It addresses the limitations of laser scanners by merging UAV photogrammetry point clouds, filling blind spots. Researchers employ algorithms like ICP for merging, retaining laser scanning precision. This method offers an approach for precise geological hazard assessment, yielding high-resolution DEMs for geomorphological studies. [539,540]
Integration of UAV LiDARgrammetry and Photogrammetry for the Characterization of Ice Morphology Evolution During consecutive Chinese Antarctic expeditions in 2017 and 2018, specialized UAV systems were used for glaciological investigations. The UAV-LiDAR system, named Polar Elf, characterized the spatiotemporal evolution of an ice doline using multi-temporal and multi-modal UAV RS, employing an analysis of DTM of Differences. [507]
Fusion of UAV HS-LiDAR, UAV MS-photogrammetry, and Ground-based LiDAR-digital Photography for Soil Mapping UAV RS accurately maps soil nutrients, detecting changes in rangelands. Combining multispectral imagery and photogrammetry achieved 95% accuracy in bare soil cover classification. Fusion with LiDAR improved classification to 87%, revealing carbon and nitrogen loss post-fire. Insights into post-fire plant-soil-nutrient interactions were gained, favoring grasses in shrub-affected rangelands, illuminating soil surface carbon and nutrient dynamics. [541]
Integration of UAV Imaging (MS and Thermal) and GPR for SWC Estimation UAV-based data enhanced SWC predictions using thousands of GPR-derived SWC measurements pre and post precipitation events. The RF method predicted SWC in a central US vineyard employing MS and thermal UAV data. Combining thermal data with MS data notably improved SWC estimation accuracy, while reflectance data showed comparable significance to VIs. [542]
Integration of UAV RGB, TIR, and MS Imageries for Biocrust Ecology Mapping In Spain’s dryland environment, UAV imagery mapped biocrust distribution. RGB and MS imagery delineated terrain attributes and ecosystem components. Thermal infrared data correlated with soil moisture levels. Analysis linked biocrusts to terrain attributes, highlighting apparent thermal inertia, elevation, and potential solar incoming radiation as influencers. Integrated UAV RS enhances dryland ecosystem understanding. [543]
Integration of UAV Magnetometry and LiDARgrammetry Eagle Geosciences applied UAV surveys with magnetic and LiDAR technologies for geological and structural mapping in the Miakadow project. Integrated data identified structures and favorable contexts for lithium-bearing pegmatite formations, enhancing insights alongside magnetic survey results. [483]
Fusion of UAV and Satellite Imageries for Geoscientific Applications Integrated satellite and UAV data enhance understanding of natural Earth processes. Researchers combine diverse data sources, such as historic aerial photographs and modern satellite imagery, to study archaeological sites and historical land use patterns. Additionally, studies use integrated approaches like D-InSAR and UAV photogrammetry to map surface subsidence in mining areas, providing insights into deformation patterns and land subsidence. [243,244,247,544]
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