Environmental Data Collection & the Need for Speed

This year, Earth Day is Race Day!

On Saturday, April 22, the Aerial and Aquatic Robot Research group (AARR) from the California State University Channel Islands is hosting the first ever Drone Data Race in Camarillo, CA. The event is sponsored by Pix4D, the industry leader in professional drone mapping and photogrammetric software solutions.

Drone Data Race

On top of all the adrenaline speeding around turns and crossing the finish line as quickly as possible -as in traditional drone races- Drone Data Racers’ goal is to collect environmental data.

Pilots will face two challenges. At first one, the “Barrel Race”, they will race around a 1.3 km course, competing for the fastest time across the finish line while estimating the number of faux “oil” drums encountered along the course. Along the way racers will come across a mock oil spill consisting in part of a series of potentially “leaking” barrels.

The second challenge, the “Spill Interpretation”, calls on pilots to focus on high-quality imaging, producing a data product of the overall faux spill.

Pix4Dmapper Pro software will be used for the “Spill Interpretation” challenge.
The winners will receive cash prizes and Pix4D licenses.

Need for Speed

When it comes to initial response to environmental disasters, there is no need for powerful, research-grade drones. Consumer drones can quickly collect valuable information and help first responders swiftly visualise the environment and assess the situation.

The goal of the event is to build awareness of the potential benefits of drone technology to ever-wider sectors of society and encourage drone hobbyists to become more proficient environmental data collectors.

• Pix4D https://pix4d.com/
• Event http://aarr.piratelab.org/ddr/