Aerial Survey Capabilities

APEM owns a Vulcanair P68 Observer 2 aircraft fitted with specialist image acquisition equipment and software, the first aircraft of its kind in the United Kingdom. The Observer 2 model is designed specifically for use with remote sensing instruments, and allows for the easy installation and removal of equipment for varied survey purposes. A large perspex cockpit gives flight staff unparalleled panoramic views, and enables us to carry up to five human observers if necessary.

APEM is also the first company in the UK to own the latest Track-Air MIDAS technology which enables us to capture high quality images with a ground resolution of up to 3cm. Custom flight software allows detailed pre-flight planning, ensuring that course, altitude and speed are accurately maintained for optimal image quality. The software uses GPS navigation technology to record aircraft position at regular intervals, and enables automatic camera triggering at precisely planned positions. A live video feed of the view from our 17 megapixel digital camera allows flight staff to assess image illumination and clarity.

A range of georeferencing options allow us to store and synchronise images and flight data in a standard GIS package, allowing for detailed examination of a range of parameters. By means of proprietary image processing algorithms, we are able to conduct detailed geomorphological analysis of river environments through the generation of fluvial particle size and bathymetry maps. Through the quantification of these physical habitat characteristics, we are able to provide a comprehensive investigation of some of the key components of the Water Framework Directive, and assessment of habitat change over time. Our specialist GIS scientists are also able to integrate our aerial photography datasets with geospatial records obtained in-house (Detailed RTK dGPS survey, SONAR bathymetry, field measurements) or from commercially available remote sensing (satellite imagery, digital elevation data), allowing for an holistic approach to information assimilation and analysis.

APEM's aerial capabilities enable us to survey large geographical areas quickly and economically at a range of resolutions. It provides a solution to problems caused by remote or inaccessible survey locations and allows a permanent geographic record to be established, facilitating objective assessment of change over time.

Latest developments

APEM has recently taken delivery of a new near-infrared camera capable of obtaining airborne infrared imagery in the >720nm range. The new camera acquires images in tandem with our existing visible-light camera using a specifically designed mount, and enables us to acquire four-band imagery (red, green, blue, near-infrared). Go to our Image Gallery for some examples of images taken with the new near-IR camera.