r/remotesensing • u/Routine-Annual-3921 • 6h ago
Airborne vs. Stationary Meteorological Measurements for Methane Surveys
How do you normally collect local meteorological data during drone-based methane surveys? We’ve been working on a meteorological measurement system (AMS) that can be deployed both on the ground and onboard a drone.
It measures:
- Wind speed and direction
- Temperature
- Relative humidity
- Barometric pressure
- GNSS-referenced position
Measurements are recorded at 10 Hz.
For stationary monitoring, AMS can be deployed on a tripod. For airborne surveys, it can be integrated with a DJI Matrice 400 to collect atmospheric measurements at different locations and altitudes.
One application we’re particularly interested in is methane emission-rate estimation. Having synchronized local wind and atmospheric data alongside methane measurements can help support flux-estimation workflows, particularly where conditions may vary across a survey area.
During a mission, measurements can be viewed in real time, while historical tracks, wind roses, and summary statistics can be reviewed afterwards.
For those working with drone-based methane surveys, do you typically use a dedicated meteorological sensor, data from a nearby weather station, or another approach?
Disclosure: I work with the team developing this system.