by ARPAS-UK, in association with Connected Places Catapult
In this session, explore how using technology like orthomosaics, contour lines and point clouds mosaic images can be amassed and 3D models can be created.
Drones seem to have the potential to revolutionise numerous areas of our lives, but today their biggest disruption is in the field of surveying and mapping. These small flying machines have made mapping any area or an object a matter of few minutes or hours, instead of the typical days or weeks it used to take before. In addition, latest mapping equipment enables operators to achieve survey-grade accuracy in a photogrammetric map or 3D model.
But what exactly is this ‘accuracy’? How do you define it, measure it, and verify it? And finally, what is the accuracy you actually need and how do you achieve it using UAVs? In this online CPD learning session, Harry Atkinson, co-founder of Sensat, and Ben Craigie, survey manager at Sensat, will explain the degree to which the absolute accuracy approaches the relative accuracy is determined by the overall quality of the photogrammetric process and the accuracy of the Ground Control Points.
Key Learnings
Learn what a drone can and cannot do
Understand how data requirements match platform and operator
About the Speakers
Harry Atkinson is a technology entrepreneur with years of experience commercialising products and services. He co-founded SenSat in 2015 with the aim to digitise the world, enabling the next wave of technology to help in
Ben CraigieMCInstCES spent over 20 years in the field as a surveyor, moving with the progression of Total Station development, GNSS advances, Laser Scanning and Cad modelling before latterly moving into a management role. 3 years ago, Ben became a full member of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors and more recently joined Sensat as Survey Manager. Here he works to ensure Sensat meet expected standards, monitors and look to improve overall accuracy while liaising with clients and taking responsibility for the final data deliveries.
Professional development series brought to industry by ARPAS-UK, the drone industry trade association and Connected Places Catapult, who provide impartial ‘innovation as a service’ for public bodies, businesses, and infrastructure providers.
SAM IS ....
Drone noise: trials help build data on sound impact
Research into drone noise could inform future regulation
Trials found noise levels to be similar to an office or restaurant
Further trials planned to gather more data from different drone types and flight paths
Measurement trials with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at ARPAS-UK Member Cranfield University are paving the way for a better understanding of the noise impact of drones.
UAV noise is a concern often raised for flights over urban areas, encompassing not only noise volume but also frequency of sound from flights. A recent report by the UK Regulatory Horizons Council acknowledged that drones may be unpopular in residential settings due to their noise and this might be a growing issue as the use of drones for inspections and deliveries increases.
The Department for Transport (DfT) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are constantly reviewing drone noise, but there is a lack of high-quality data to guide future regulation. Currently there is no noise standard for UAVs within the UK. The learning from these trials hopes to inform the methods required to meaningfully measure and understand UAV noise.
Research event examines noise monitoring and levels
A research event hosted at Cranfield Airport – in partnership with noise specialists Envirosuite and drone industry group ARPAS-UK, and observed by the CAA and Cranfield environmental noise experts – confirmed that microphones can effectively capture UAV noise levels at different altitudes and that noise spectra can be used to identify typesof UAV.
The measurement trials involved commercially-available small to medium size multi-rotor UAVs flying a variety of defined and representative flight paths at Cranfield’s global research airport. Ground measurements were made using Envirosuite’s bespoke noise measurement equipment.
Maximum noise levels recorded from different UAVs flying at altitudes of 100 feet and above were typically in the range 50 to 60 decibels (dBA), similar to the sound levels that would normally be heard in an office or restaurant.
Professor Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University and Chair of the Drone Industry Action Groupsaid: “This preliminary work is important in starting to inform our understanding of the impact of drone noise levels. What’s key now is that further detailed work takes place, building a more complete picture to inform future operational practices for the industry.”
Increasing understanding of noise impact
Dr Karthik Depuru Mohan, Research Fellow in Aeromechanical Systems, Cranfield University, said: “As our skies become busier with UAVs, it is important to understand the noise impact they may have on the populations below them and the relationship between fight paths and noise spectra. A comprehensive study with a wider range of UAV types, flight paths and manoeuvres can help to establish UAV noise standards.”
Along with absolute noise levels, the type of noises generated by drones is also a subject for research. Certain noises – such as the ‘buzzing’ sound of some drones – may be considered more annoying or disturbing than others. As drones land or take off their noise levels may also change, and this may have an impact on those living in the immediate area.
Dr Simon Jude, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Decision Making in the Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Informatics and leading Cranfield’s Urban Observatory project, said: “This research highlights the urgent need for further work to investigate public understanding, perceptions and acceptability of UAV noise. Knowledge and attitudes towards drones vary across society and public concerns and perceptions could be a barrier to adoption if not addressed.”
Data will help shape urban soundscape of the future
Graham Brown, CEO – ARPAS-UK, said: “Having initiated the activity in conversations with Cranfield, we are very pleased that this exercise was carried out with the right team in place. ARPAS members were involved with the flying so thanks to those who made themselves available. This is all about making sure the right data is available to guide decisions and we look forward to being involved as the activity continues.”
Peter Rafano, Envirosuite, said: “The urban soundscape over the coming decade will change with the implementation of drones, undertaking everything from deliveries of goods to households, through to urgent medical supplies to hospitals. Envirosuite welcomes the opportunity to use our accurate, yet easy to use EVS Omnis noise monitoring technology to allow these trials to go ahead and the data to be shared and analysed. The results will help shape for the better the urban soundscape we all live in.”
Further trials are now planned to gather more data so that a comprehensive analysis can be undertaken by Cranfield’s specialist teams and the potential societal impact of such noise better understood.
