Deploying UAS Directly Inside the Active Crater of Turrialba for Photogrammetry Data Collection Designed for Active Volcano Monitoring

• Published in: Mersin Photogrammetry Journal Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 37 - 42
• Main Authors: Godfrey, Ian, Brenes, José Pablo Sibaja, Avard, Geoffroy, Cruz, Maria Martinez, Meghraouı, Khadija
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.06.2025
• ISSN: 2687-654X; 2687-654X
• DOI: 10.53093/mephoj.1499133

Modern UAS or drones are quickly advancing when it comes to the collection of high-resolution images which are georeferenced and can be used to create a high resolution 3-D model of complex topography. Researchers in the field are making quick progress with new algorithms and analytical applications. These drones are being used in the field of volcanology in quite a useful manner as active volcano craters are one of the more challenging and complex areas to access. UAS have now assisted several departments of Universidad Nacional with data collection, analytics and optimization practices. In May of 2023 with the assistance of the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory of Universidad Nacional LAQAT-UNA and the Volcanic and Seismic Observatory of Costa Rica OVSICORI-UNA showed that our efforts using UAS at active volcanoes was greatly beneficial and the collective efforts proved the usefulness of deploying UAS around active degassing volcanoes such as the Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica. Researchers in several departments at Universidad Nacional are keen on collaborating with others in international institutions for data fusion and synergy, to work together on gathering information on how to create better UAS hardware and payload components, and to cooperate for a better understanding of user needs, regulations and requirements for the safe operation of UAS. UAS allow for collection of accurate images which keep the researchers and remote pilots safe and out of the danger zone. UAS assist with the rapid accumulation of data, they can be pre- programmed for a specific type of UAS flight mission designed for a certain objective of gathering images for complex terrain or topography. The system can be used around active volcano craters, it can monitor mountains and cliffs subject to cracking, erosion and rock falls. Different extreme and complex environments can be documented and digitalized using this same method such as glacier zones and other sophisticated regions with difficult to access areas. All remote flights were using the SINAC Special Use UAS Research Permit – SINAC-ACC-PI-LC-037-2021