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The advanced sensor provides valuable insights into Australia’s landscapes, resources, and emissions - offering new opportunities for scientific discovery from the sky.

A new airborne sensor is set to enhance environmental research at UNSW Sydney and other universities across New South Wales, offering scientists an additional tool to study vegetation, minerals, and methane emissions from above. 

The sensor features a $230,000 hyperspectral camera, mounted on a twin-engine aircraft, which has been modified to accommodate the research equipment. 

“While hyperspectral imaging is commonly used in labs and industrial applications, using this specific spectral range for airborne methane detection and environmental studies is relatively new,” explained scientist Peter Mumford, who has overseen the integration of the sensor into the UNSW aircraft.

Mr Mumford frequently takes to the skies to operate remote sensors, flying over large parts of New South Wales to conduct research. From agricultural landscapes to remote bushland and coal mine vents in southern Sydney, the aerial surveys provide crucial data for scientists.

“With this camera, we can identify different vegetation types, assess plant health, and even detect specific minerals on the surface.” 

Unlike standard cameras that capture red, green, and blue light, the new sensor records hundreds of spectral bands in the shortwave infrared range (930–2500 nanometres). This allows researchers to detect materials and environmental changes that are invisible to the human eye.

“It opens up possibilities for researchers to find out things about the environment they are studying,” Mr Mumford said.

He said the way the sensor gathers information is a bit like mowing the lawn: “You fly strips over an area and then end up with a what we call a data cube.”

A data cube captures the colours and patterns of light reflected from the land below during a flight. By analysing this data, scientists can identify unique light signatures that help detect specific features or materials.

Mr Mumford recently conducted a beach survey from the Queensland border to Newcastle for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The survey assessed coastal erosion following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, providing vital and timely data to inform environmental management strategies.

A new approach for environmental research 

One of the most exciting applications of the new sensor is its ability to detect methane emissions. In 2023, Australia produced , which is more than many larger developed economies, including the UK and Canada. 

In a recent test flight over a coal mine in southern Sydney, the sensor successfully identified methane plumes emerging from ventilation shafts. 

“This kind of data is crucial for tackling climate change,” Mr Mumford said. “By improving our ability to detect and measure methane, we can help develop strategies to reduce emissions.”

The sensor’s vegetation monitoring capabilities are also highly valuable. , and improved environmental monitoring could enhance land management practices and also help protect fragile ecosystems.

Crewed aircraft vs drones

While drones have become an important tool for environmental monitoring, having a sensor on a crewed aircraft has advantages for certain studies. Aircrafts can carry larger payloads, including advanced hyperspectral sensors, and survey extensive areas in a single flight, making them more efficient for large-scale environmental studies.

“Our new hyperspectral camera is not suitable for drone operations due to its size and complexity,” Mr Mumford explained. “However, other cameras and sensors can be effectively deployed on drones for specific applications.”

By combining both technologies, researchers can select the best platform for their research - using drones for targeted, smaller-scale surveys, and aircraft for broader, high-resolution data collection.

The airborne sensor also provides unique learning experiences for postgraduate students, who can fly in the aircraft as part of their studies. By participating in these missions, students gain hands-on experience in remote sensing and environmental monitoring techniques.

Research collaboration 

The new UNSW sensor is the only one available for environmental research in New South Wales. UNSW’s system is designed for a wide range of research applications and is open to collaboration with scientists across the state, including government, industry, commercial and other universities.  

For researchers interested in using the sensor, the process is highly collaborative. “We work together as a team,” Mr Mumford said. 

“We develop a flight plan to cover the area of interest, schedule a time, and fly the mission. I will normally be the operator in the aircraft, but there is potential for others to also take this role.

“We’re looking for researchers interested in using this technology,” Mr Mumford said. “There’s so much potential to discover new things about the environment, and we need experts in different fields to help us make the most of it.”

Researchers interested in using the airborne sensor for environmental research can contact Peter Mumford on p.mumford@unsw.edu.au to discuss opportunities.