THERMAL INFRARED CAMERAS AND DRONES: A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN FOR COST-EFFECTIVE GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION, MONITORING AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Drones are now routinely used for collecting aerial imagery and creating digital elevation models (DEM). Lightweight thermal sensors provide another payload option for generation of very high resolution aerial thermal orthophotos. This technology allows for the rapid, safe and cost-effective survey of thermal areas, often present in inaccessible or dangerous terrain. Here we present results from recent surveying at the Tauhara thermal area, New Zealand. Our results show that thermal imagery collected by drones has the potential to become a key tool in geothermal exploration, including geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys, environmental baseline and monitoring studies, geotechnical studies and civil works.