29 Sep Flying Beyond Boundaries: S2 UAS by Black Swift Technologies Ventures to Makushin Volcano
Black Swift Technologies strives to push the boundaries of what unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can achieve. Recently, our team embarked on an extraordinary journey to the Makushin Volcano in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, undertaking a mission that promises to unlock invaluable insights into volcanic activity and environmental monitoring.
The expedition to Makushin Volcano was driven by a dual-purpose mission: to conduct precise measurements of volcanic gasses and to capture high-resolution photogrammetry data of the volcano’s terrain. Using advanced sensors mounted on our S2 UAS drones, we meticulously measured and analyzed the composition and concentration of gasses. This data will provide crucial insights into the volcano’s activity and help scientists better understand volcanic activity.
In addition to gas measurements, Black Swift Technologies utilized state-of-the-art photogrammetry techniques to create detailed digital elevation models. Flying these unmanned aerial systems over rugged landscape, Black Swift Technologies captured thousands of high-resolution images from multiple angles. These images are processed to generate accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaics, offering scientists and researchers a powerful tool for studying geological features and monitoring changes over time. Depending on the camera resolution and the altitude of the aircraft, these models can have precision on the order of centimeters. The changing shape of these craters can indicate volcanic activity.
The Black Swift Technologies expedition to Makushin Volcano represents a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing scientific research and environmental monitoring through UAS innovation, best in class design and overall technology. By harnessing the capabilities of our UAS, we’re able to access remote and hazardous environments with unprecedented precision and safety. From enhancing our understanding of volcanic activity to informing disaster preparedness efforts, the potential applications of this research are vast and far-reaching.
To read the interview transcript by Andy Lusk, click here.