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Speed up your scientific studies and research with advanced drone-based technologies

Whether you're mapping glaciers, surveying archaeological sites, or monitoring environmental change, drone-based integrated systems help you collect data faster and in places that are difficult or unsafe to access. SPH Engineering provides research-ready UAV solutions used in scientific projects worldwide.

Scientific Case Studies

Applications in academic and scientific research

Scientific fieldwork often faces challenges such as slow data collection, rugged terrain, and safety constraints. These limitations are especially visible in disciplines such as glaciology, archaeology, subsurface mapping, and coastal research, where accessing remote or hazardous environments is part of the workflow.

To address these limitations, SPH Engineering offers drone-based sensor integrations that allow researchers to collect high-resolution data quickly, safely, and consistently across remote or hard-to-access field sites.

Geophysics & subsurface mapping

UAV magnetometers and GPR allow non-invasive detection of geological structures and buried features while improving survey speed and spatial coverage.

Glaciology & snow/ice studies

Automated terrain-following enables accurate measurements of snowpack, crevasse patterns, and glacier morphology in high-risk alpine environments.

Bathymetry & coastline research

UAV-mounted echo sounders support shallow-water bathymetry, sediment mapping, and coastal erosion monitoring where boat access is limited.

Environmental monitoring & water quality

Multispectral sensors and water samplers enable ecosystem assessments, pollutant tracking, and long-term environmental observations.

Archaeology & cultural heritage

UAV-based magnetometry and GPR provide non-intrusive mapping of buried structures and protected heritage sites with precise georeferencing.

Mineral exploration & resource mapping

UAV geophysics and imaging improve the identification of structural patterns and mineralized zones in remote locations.

Scientific Case Studies with Universities and Research Institutes Using Drone-Based Technologies

SPH Engineering’s solutions are used by universities and research institutes worldwide, including teams at Oxford, Stanford, and the University of Nevada. These projects span a wide range of disciplines, demonstrating the scientific value of UAV-integrated sensors. From glacier dynamics in Switzerland to geothermal surveys in Nevada, researchers rely on our systems to collect data that would be difficult, inefficient, or impossible to obtain using ground-based methods.

Our Drone-Based Solutions for Different Research Fields

SPH Engineering offers ready-made drone-integrated solution kits that combine the essential elements needed for scientific data collection: primary sensor, UAV mounting hardware, navigation components, power modules, and mission-control software. Each package provides researchers with a complete, field-ready configuration that can be deployed immediately or adapted as a foundation for customized setups.

Glaciology

Utilize the capabilities of drone-based Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) to examine the internal composition of glaciers and ice sheets

Coastline Research

Study the coastal and marine environments and acquire seamless bathymetry data using a drone equipped with an echo sounder

Water quality

Collect water samples from various aquatic sources, such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater, with drone-based water sampler system

Archaeology

Survey vast distances and leave potential archaeology sites undisturbed with drone-based magnetometers and GPRs

Mineral Exploration

Locate mineral deposits and assess their potential environmental impact with a drone equipped with a magnetometer

Environmental Research

Combine drone-based systems with echo sounders, water samplers, and current velocity profilers in environmental research to provide a comprehensive approach to studying aquatic environments

Environmental Monitoring

Use an Integrated System with a methane detector for natural gas pipeline surveys, tank inspections, landfill emission monitoring, gas well testing, and plant safety audits

Technologies Behind Our Drone Solutions for Academic Research

We develop integrated systems that make drones suitable for scientific research. Our technology stack provides the infrastructure that transforms commercially available UAVs into reliable data-collection platforms used across academic disciplines.

UgCS Flight Planning & Control Software

Desktop mission planning with automated routes, terrain following, multi-drone support, and offline maps for repeatable scientific surveys.

SkyHub Onboard Companion Computer

A research-grade drone companion computer enabling precise drone payload integration, synchronized triggering, True Terrain Following, and offline data logging.

Integration Hardware & Terrain-Following Components

Altimeters, mounting kits, and interface modules that ensure stable sensor height above ground or water for accurate measurements.

Sensors

Geophysical sensors: GPR and magnetometers for subsurface mapping, archaeology, and geophysical anomaly detection.

Hydrographic & Hydrology Sensors:

Echo sounders and water samplers for bathymetry, hydrology, and shallow-water research.
Non-contact water-level sensor and surface-velocity sensor for monitoring river discharge, flow dynamics, and hydrological processes.

Environmental & Gas Sensors: Methane and gas-detection payloads for emissions monitoring, landfills, industrial sites, and environmental studies.

FAQ: Drone Solutions for Scientific Research

What sensors can be mounted on drones for research?

SPH Engineering supports the integration of ground-penetrating radars, magnetometers, echo sounders, methane and gas detectors, water samplers, metal detectors and gamma-ray spectrometers.

Can drone systems be used in extreme environments (polar regions, high mountains, offshore)?

Yes. Many academic teams operate SPH Engineering’s systems in glaciers, alpine regions, marine environments, deserts, and other demanding field conditions. The combination of terrain following, altitude control, and robust data logging enables reliable field performance.

Do you offer educational pricing or special conditions for universities?

Yes. Universities and research institutions can access academic pricing tiers and project-specific conditions. Contact us to discuss your research needs.

Can we integrate your solutions into existing research workflows and GIS software?

Yes. Data is recorded in standard formats (e.g., SEG-Y, CSV, NMEA-0183, SVLOG), allowing easy integration with GIS environments, scientific analysis tools, and existing institutional workflows.