Micro-payloads dedicated to the acquisition of data by drone for the study of natural areas

The recent years have shown a growing interest in low-altitude remote sensing (LARS) for the study of natural areas. But beyond the problematic of access to the study environment, the mapping of these areas on a large scale poses many constraints on acquisition sensors. Indeed, these environments are difficult for traditional image processing algorithms : inherently moving (at observations scales of individuals), composed of hardly distinguishable objects, these environments have varying weather conditions, sometimes hostile (lighting, humidity, temperature, etc.). This mapping is usually up in a thematic study which adds its own operational constraints (need for 3D information as relief or roughness, specific spectral signature, oblique views to simplify visual identification by experts, etc.). Furthermore, the use of low altitude remote sensing lightweight carriers, such as micro-drones, severely limits the available resources for sensors : onboard power calculation, size, weight, etc. We present in this article two sensors : the tri-cameras sensor and the uEyes stereoscopic rig. The tri-cameras sensor was developed in 2009 for the acquisition of stereoscopic or oblique views at low altitude. By analyzing the experience of ground mission, we will emphasize the crucial importance of a precise synchronization of between the stereoscopic shots. We then present our new amphibious stereoscopic rig that we are developing since 2013. We designed it so it will offer the possibility of acquire perfectly synchronized stereoscopic images, which makes it an ideal tool for the study of coastal areas (for low altitude remote sensing and in situ at low depth). We conclude with a qualitative analysis of the first results obtained.