Inside the Drone Mission to Study Volcanos: Autel’s EVO Lite+ on Irazú

Autel Robotics Drone Deployed by Scientists for Volcano Research

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

An international team of scientists has deployed an Autel Robotics drone to monitor activities on Costa Rica’s Irazú Volcano.

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Selected for its high-quality sensor and durability, the Autel EVO Lite+ drone served as the perfect solution for conducting research using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Operable in conditions with up to 37 knot winds, the EVO Lite+ flew safely through 17 knots. The drone was operated by certified FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Ian Godfrey, who is SINAC Certified for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) operations in National Parks. The team successfully collected data and applauded the drone’s performance in spite of the high altitude volcanic environment and windy conditions.

“Personally I really like the sensor and overall durability of the drone. We operated in many complex environments, and the drone performed perfectly,” said Godfrey. “These factors allowed us to gather the necessary data without complication. The drone performed wonderfully in high altitude volcanic environments and had great wind resistance, making it both an economical and ideal solution for conducting professional research with a UAS.”

The scientific team employed the Autel EVO Lite+ drone to record various elements of the Main Crater of the Irazú Volcano, such as lake water levels, areas of mineralization or crystallization, potential vents degassing volcanic emissions, and the absence of subaquatic fumaroles. The team also evaluated areas for risk of future rock falls and erosion or cracking within the volcano’s main crater. The EVO Lite+ proved its ability to generate both 2-D maps and 3-D models of volcanic geological features, and the team continues to leverage the drone in the field.

Autel’s EVO Lite+ camera drone is able to remain aloft for 40 minutes, and features cinematic flight modes and camera settings. The drone utilizes ultra wide angle obstacle avoidance to maneuver around environmental obstacles. Autel SkyLink and a transmission range of 7.4 provide crystal clear visuals. Autel’s moonlight algorithm grants first-rate low-light performance.

Read more:

• New Autel Drone and NEST Accessories Launched at CES 2023
• NPS-DDP, Autel Donate Drone Solution for Public Safety in New Jersey
• Commercial UAV Expo’s Outdoor Flight Demos Highlighted the Latest Developments in the Field from Skydio, Autel, Wingtra and More
• Six New Autel Drones: New EVO II V3 Series
• Our In-Depth Review of Autel EVO Lite+

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.