innovative Drone Technology Assesses the Health of the World’s Largest Tree
in a groundbreaking initiative, Doodle Labs’ mesh rider radios have been employed to conduct a health assessment of General Sherman, the largest living tree on the planet, located in Sequoia National Park.
Collaborative Efforts for Tree Inspection
In May, a coalition comprising the US National Park Service, the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, and various volunteers came together to execute this unprecedented operation. Participants utilized ropes to ascend the towering tree, analyzed satellite images, and, for the first time, deployed an industrial-grade drone to inspect the tree for potential damage caused by a native bark beetle, which has been threatening other trees in the region due to climate change and prolonged drought conditions.
Advanced Drone Technology in Action
The inspection was carried out using Freefly’s astro Prime, a newly developed drone that meets NDAA compliance and is approved by Blue UAS. This versatile drone was equipped with interchangeable payloads, including a Lidar scanner and a high-definition video camera, allowing for a thorough and safe examination of the 275-foot-tall sequoia, estimated to be over 2,200 years old.
Reliable Connectivity for Effective Monitoring
To ensure a stable data connection and maintain full control of the drone in a remote setting, the Astro Prime utilized Doodle Labs’ mesh rider radios. This technology enabled the drone to transmit high-bandwidth data back to the ground reliably. The capabilities of the Astro Prime, along with its compliance status, will facilitate the US Forest Service and other Department of interior agencies in utilizing this platform for expedited land mapping and inspections, substantially improving upon traditional manual methods.
The Future of Drone Applications
The commercial applications of drone technology are revolutionizing the way tasks are performed, making them faster, safer, and more efficient on a larger scale.
Discover more about the commercial applications of drones by visiting the Doodle Labs website.
