Item: DRONE DOCKING STATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SNOW DEPTH AND AVALANCHE MAPPING: POTENTIAL AND LIMITATIONS
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Title: DRONE DOCKING STATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SNOW DEPTH AND AVALANCHE MAPPING: POTENTIAL AND LIMITATIONS
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Andreas Stoffel [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ] [ Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Center CERC, Davos, Switzerland ]
- Yves Bühler [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ] [ Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Center CERC, Davos, Switzerland ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: A drone docking station is an autonomous hub designed to support the remote operation of drones, thus eliminating the need for on-site personnel. In winter 2025/26, a drone dock was installed at the Weissfluhjoch research site above Davos, Switzerland. Operated by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, the Weissfluhjoch site (2536 m.a.s.l.) is a premier high-alpine facility for snow science. It provides the world's longest continuous series of daily high-altitude snow measurements, dating back to 1936. The DJI Drone Dock 3, which is used at the site, is equipped with a DJI Matrice 4D drone that offers three-directional photography, RTK geo-positioning and terrain following to meet high precision photogrammetric mapping requirements. The drone docking station at Weissfluhjoch aims to monitor the distribution of snow depth with high spatial and temporal resolution within two perimeters. Perimeter A (0.03 km²) covers the research site, where various operational and experimental measurements are conducted. Perimeter B (2.2 km²) includes ski slopes, other ski resort infrastructure, and many active avalanche tracks. Four of these tracks are equipped with Wyssen avalanche towers for proactive remote-controlled avalanche release. The first winter of operation was characterized by a lack of snowfall and long periods of high-pressure weather. Due to this weather pattern and the fact that the permit for autonomous flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) had not been obtained before the end of May, daily data acquisition was not possible yet. Nevertheless, 25 winter flights were performed for each perimeter. The high spatial resolution (0.01 m) data from Perimeter A provides valuable insight into the distribution and variation of snow depth at the research site. Even small-scale wind erosion can be observed. In Perimeter B, the focus of interest is snow depth spatial variability, snow drift and avalanche activity mapping at a spatial resolution of 0.1 m. The drone dock produced high-quality orthophotos and snow depth maps, demonstrating its robust operational potential in the challenging alpine environment. However, the main limitations are the persistent legal constraints on autonomous drone operations and downtime caused by adverse weather conditions, such as precipitation, fog, and high wind speeds and gusts. Sudden air traffic and rapidly changing weather conditions may also endanger the safety of drone operations and precision landings. Comparing flat-field snow depths to the distribution of snow depths in nearby avalanche release areas acquired with high spatial and temporal resolution provides valuable insights that aim to improve future avalanche hazard management. Placing multiple drone docking stations near mountain resort facilities could create a network, enabling continuous regional coverage. Other potential applications include ski resort operations such as precision snowmaking, ski slope supervision and infrastructure inspection.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P3.15.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099103
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Andreas Stoffel
Keywords: Remote sensing, UAS, drone dock, photogrammetry, snow depth.
Page Number(s): 722 - 727
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