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NERC UAS Landscape review supports low-carbon science vision

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has commissioned a review of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to support low-carbon science research for the environment.

The report, co-authored by experts from eight NERC centres, highlights the role of UAS in reducing carbon emissions and advancing environmental science. Key recommendations include investing in UAS technology and addressing barriers to its use. The report also features case studies demonstrating the benefits of UAS in various applications. Two projects have been funded to implement these recommendations, focusing on geophysical data collection and mapping underwater environments.

To overcome key barriers, the report makes the following recommendations:

  • To overcome regulatory barriers
  • To build capacity and capability
  • To encourage the most fruitful technology development and integration
  • To strengthen trust in the veracity of measurements
  • To facilitate data uptake by third-party-users
I’m hugely grateful to all those who were involved in contributing to this report.
It offers a valuable and comprehensive roadmap for advancing the use and capabilities of UAS to support new insights across the environmental sciences and doing so in a way to reduce the carbon emissions in field research.
The report contains some important recommendations and fascinating case studies on the use of UAS in a wide range of environmental science applications.
Dr Iain Williams, NERC Director of Strategic Partnerships
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Funded UAS projects

Linked to this scoping study, NERC has recently funded two projects that will begin delivering on some of the key recommendations of the report.

These projects are as follows:

Net zero aerial capability for geophysical sensing (NZArC GeoSen), Led by Luke Bateson, BGS

This project, delivered in collaboration with BAS, will establish the capability to characterise the shallow subsurface through geophysical data collected by UAS will provide valuable insights into geological structures, hydrogeological processes, and the impact of climate change.

By developing two complementary capabilities, the project will enable high-resolution, low-cost data collection. The two complementary capabilities are:

  • for local 3D subsurface imaging in the UK using time-domain electromagnetics
  • for large-scale ice thickness measurements in Antarctica using ice-penetrating radar

Current geophysical sensing technology relies on larger aircraft or ground vehicles, which aren’t suited for low-carbon, drone-based systems.

NZArC GeoSen aims to change that by developing new technology that works with UAS, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Testing in Antarctica, where rules for flying drones are more flexible, will help create procedures that could eventually lead to changes in UK regulations.

A remotely piloted aerial Green LiDAR for mapping bathymetry of shallow waters and elevation of boundary land, Led by Aser Mata, PML

This project is delivered in collaboration with BGS, NOC, SAMS and UKCEH and aims to revolutionise how underwater environments, particularly shallow waters like river sections and coastal areas, are mapped.

Mapping of shallow waters is vital for studying blue carbon habitats such as mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes as these are some of the most efficient natural carbon sinks on Earth.

These habitats store and sequester carbon at rates far exceeding tropical forests but mapping their underwater terrain (bathymetry) and estimating carbon storage has been a major challenge.

The project will use a novel sensor, designed for both topographic and bathymetric surveys, for mapping underwater environments that are hard to reach, and this will be mounted on a low carbon UAS platform.

This research will have reduced carbon footprint compared to if delivered via a traditional aircraft so will enable faster, more accurate data collection with less environmental impact.

24 October 2024

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Protected: Drone Operator Regulation Feedback Loop (Members Only)

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CAA Summary of Airspace Modernisation 2023 Progress Report Now Online

The new summary document is now available on the CAA’s website to accompany the Airspace Modernisation – 2023 Progress Report. Providing an overview of the progress made toward each aspect of AMS delivery over the year, it highlights key aspects of the strategy, including topics such as electronic conspicuity for uncrewed aircraft.

If you would like to read the full Report for 2023, this can also be found on the CAA website.

Read the summary for 2023’s progress and key findings….

1st November 2024

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Survey Results: Drone Permissions in FRZ & TOLA from Private Land

Drone Charging Levels & Process Efficiency for permission to operate in FRZ & TOLA from Private Land: Survey Findings. The results of the survey reveal key insights on obtaining permissions for operations from private land.

The survey, conducted online in September 2024, gathered responses from 135 locations across the country, with input from both commercial and recreational drone operators. It aimed to understand the experiences of drone pilots when seeking approval to fly from areas such as aerodromes and private land. The results offer valuable insights into the efficiency, cost, and communication methods involved in the permission process.

The results reveal encouraging findings, indicating that the majority of permission requests are granted within a reasonable timeframe and without any associated fees. Two-thirds of approvals were granted within just three days and a substantial 84% of processes were free of charge. The survey also highlights the preferred methods of communication for obtaining permissions and these findings suggest a generally streamlined and accessible process for drone operators seeking flight approvals.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of the survey findings and their implications, we encourage you to watch the video below. It provides an analysis of the data, explores trends, and offers valuable insights for both drone operators and landowners. It will also look at next steps for ARPAS-UK, including engagement with organisations regarding processes and continued monitoring of charging practices.

The survey itself remains open, allowing the database to expand and provide an even more comprehensive picture of drone flight permissions in the UK. Click on the link at the base of this page to take part.

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Drone Video Insight: Drones in Roof Maintenance & Inspection – InView Assets

This drone video short highlights a key moment from one of our ARPAS-UK webinars, featuring industry expert David Holmes from InView Assets.

In this clip, David discusses their work with the University of Exeter, focusing on roof maintenance and inspection using drones.

Discover how drones enhance the efficiency and accuracy of inspections like these.

Watch the full webinar REAL ESTATE: Asset Management Using Drones – Proactive vs Reactive where David Holmes tells us more about their commercial drone work within the survey and inspection industry.

Found this video interesting? Find out more about our webinars at ARPAS-UK.

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Drone Video Insight: Asset Management as a Drone Service Operator

Are you a drone pilot or part of a drone services company working in the property or real estate sector?

In this short clip from ARPAS-UK’s webinar Proactive vs Reactive Asset Management, David Holmes from InView Assets discusses how drone technology is delivering value to clients – especially those managing extensive asset portfolios such as universities and housing estates.

Learn how drones provide accurate, cost-effective data, enhancing inspection efficiency and enabling informed, collaborative decision-making.

Watch the full webinar REAL ESTATE: Asset Management Using Drones – Proactive vs Reactive where David Holmes tells us more about their commercial drone work within the survey and inspection industry.

Found this video interesting? Find out more about our webinars at ARPAS-UK.

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Saudi Arabian AI & Drone Exhibition Forum

ARPAS-UK is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking partnership with SAADEF, the Saudi Arabian AI & Drone Exhibition Forum, taking place from the 4th-6th of November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This collaboration signifies an incredible opportunity for ARPAS-UK to extend its reach into the Middle East, a region poised for rapid expansion in drone technology and AI applications. Representing the UK drone industry, Mohammed Hasan will lead the ARPAS-UK delegation at the exhibition, showcasing the innovation and expertise of our members to a global audience.

For ARPAS-UK Members:
This partnership provides unparalleled exposure to a booming international market, allowing members to gain visibility among Middle Eastern stakeholders, government bodies, and private enterprises with interests in drones, AI, and advanced air mobility. Through this event, ARPAS-UK aims to create new avenues for collaboration, sharing knowledge, and aligning with emerging global standards.

Networking and Expansion Opportunities:
As members of ARPAS-UK, this collaboration offers you a channel to explore partnerships beyond UK borders, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and promoting your work on an international platform. By joining our delegation, you have the chance to network with key players in the Saudi market and beyond, giving you insights into local demands, potential clients, and future prospects in a rapidly evolving region.

Invitation to Participate:
To maximise member representation, we invite all interested members to submit an A4 poster summarising your company’s services, recent projects, or drone innovations to membership@arpas.uk. These posters will be featured prominently at our stand, ensuring your work reaches an audience of global industry leaders and potential collaborators.

Get Involved in Shaping ARPAS-UK’s Middle East Strategy:
Beyond the exhibition, we are also compiling a list of member interests regarding the Middle Eastern market. If you have specific areas of interest, whether in direct partnerships, regional insights, or unique applications for drones and AI within the Middle East, please get in touch. Together, we aim to create a tailored approach that maximises the benefits of this partnership for all our members, paving the way for an annually revived collaboration with even greater potential in the future.

This partnership represents ARPAS-UK’s commitment to supporting our members as the drone industry expands globally. Join us as we seize the opportunity to foster growth, knowledge-sharing, and innovation on a global scale.

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Protected: ARPAS-UK Proposals to boost the Drone Economy to RIO – MEMBERS ONLY

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Enhancing Safety and Efficiency with DJI: WATCH AGAIN

DJI Presentation on the Latest Enterprise Use Cases and an Overview of Data Security

In this webinar, DJI presents real-world enterprise use cases that showcase the practical applications of DJI solutions across sectors. Additionally, they provided a comprehensive overview of data security measures integrated into their products, ensuring that daily operations remain secure and compliant. DJI: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency.

Speaker Bios:

Freda Peng, Head of Overseas Solutions Engineering, DJI Enterprise

Freda joined the DJI Enterprise team in 2018, and has been involved in the creation of several DJI Enterprise products, such as the M300 RTK. She has been amazed by the hard work of Enterprise users and is proud that drones can revolutionize productivity and increase the work safety in hazardous environments. She hopes to continue to optimize DJI products and solutions by learning from Enterprise end users.

Tingting He, Senior Policy Manager at DJI

Tingting leads policy engagement between DJI and government stakeholders in Europe and in the UK. Since joining DJI Europe in 2017, Tingting has focused on drone policy discussion across Europe and in the UK, as well educational and advocacy campaigns to help drive industrial efforts in operating safely.

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Protected: Atypical Air Environment Policy: Explanation and Debrief webinar 30 Oct 4-5pm. MEMBERS ONLY

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