Using drones to detect emissions – Key take-aways from our recent webinar

Spotlight on Innovation: Drones for Methane Detection

HydroTerra recently hosted a fascinating webinar with Dr. Grazia Gargiulo of Terra Sana Consultants.  Grazia shared cutting-edge insights into using drones to detect fugitive methane emissions. With over 500 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based methane surveys under her belt, Grazia highlighted how drone technology is transforming environmental monitoring across landfills, biogas plants, mining, and oil & gas operations.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a short atmospheric lifespan, is a key target for near-term climate mitigation. Traditional walk-over surveys are being replaced by UAVs equipped with advanced sensors and geolocation tools, offering safer, faster, and more accurate data collection. The presentation emphasized how removing human bias, improving sensor response times, and leveraging technologies like SLAM and LIDAR are enhancing data reliability and operational efficiency.

The session also addressed regulatory recognition, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for drones to detect other emissions like odour and carbon monoxide. With growing interest from councils, regulators, and industry, UAV methane surveys are poised to become a cornerstone of emissions management and compliance reporting.

Thanks again Grazia for your fantastic presentation.

If you missed the webinar or are interested in any of our past presentations, please visit our webinar library.