Experts in Drone Technology, Operations, and Training since 2016
Aerial Imagery
UAVs fly at a low elevation which allows for high resolution aerial imagery. Pixel resolution is between 0.4 to 10 cm, allowing for every detail to be noticed.
3D Terrain and Surface Models
Using advanced photogrammetry or LiDAR allows us to create a surface point cloud from our UAV imagery. This allows us to build a 3D model of just about anything that can be viewed from every angle.
Volumetric Analysis
From woodchip piles, log stacks, slope cut and fill to quarry stock pile volumes, the use of the UAV derived 3D models enable volumes and measurements to made in a timely and precise manner.
Live First Person Video
Live video from the UAV provides a unique perspective on operations.
Multispectural Vegetation Imagery
Multispectral near-infrared imagery allows calculation of vegetation indexes such as NDVI and EVI to manage monitor plant growth and survival.
Thermal Imagery
Use of thermal sensors for monitoring and detection. Inspection of geothermal and industrial sites, pest control and fire fighting operations.
Fieldworker Drone Ready to Fly Kit
We work with you to operate your own drone for your organization. This is a recipe for success including procedures and checklists to reduce the complexity and risk of your drone use as a field worker.
Drone LiDAR Capture
Operating a range of LiDAR sensors using our Emesent Hovermap SLAM LiDAR sensor or the DJI L series LiDAR units.
UAV Pilot Sklls Training and Wings Badge
This course is suitable for anyone wanting to get started in using drone technology as a tool in the forestry industry.
Mapping Skills Courses
Learn to use Drone Deploy, Maps Made Easy, DJI Pilot for conducting small aerial mapping operations. Designed for fieldworkers with only a little GIS knowledge, whereby they can use online mapping services to create aerial photography updates.
Harvest Cutover Assessment
Use drones to complete wagner waste harvest cutover assessment, quantifying slash and woody debris, log product volume remaining onsite after harvest.
Flight Certification and Experience
“Use of UAV’s for quantifying our stock pile volumes has been a great step forward in a timely and more accurate process wood fibre management. Interpine have provided a innovative service that shows the usefulness of UAV’s in the forest industry”
“Fantastic use of UAV technology to deliver a timely and needed service for our quarries. Thanks to the Interpine team for introducing this technology to the Timberlands team, and we look forward to using UAV’s more in our forest management operations”
Out in Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification does Interpine hold for use of UAV's ?
Interpine hold Civil Aviation Authority CAR Part 102 certification. Part 102 is based on the risk of the operations. Interpine have an ‘exposition’ showing that we have identified hazards and risks of our operation, and ways they will mitigate those risks. Each applicant for a Part 102 is considered on its merit – this allows for the wide scope of operations made possible by RPAS. (more info: CAA Website http://www.caa.govt.nz/rpas/#Part_102)
Part 102 captures all unmanned aircraft that do not operate under Part 101. This includes any autonomous aircraft. The most common type of unmanned aircraft are remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Again, for the purpose of the Civil Aviation Rules (CARs), a remotely piloted aircraft is: ‘an unmanned aircraft piloted from a remote station and includes a remotely controlled model aircraft’.
Any unmanned aircraft operation will introduce hazards and risks that will need to be managed. Certificate holders must have an operational Safety Management System (SMS). This is a crucial to the acknowledgement of all the potential hazards, the level of risk each hazard poses, and the measures that will be taken to mitigate these risks. The focus is on certificate holders demonstrating that their operations will be safe. The CAA Director will look at the people involved in the operation, the aircraft, and the scope of the operation. The Director must be satisfied that the operation is safe, and that the operator is able to mitigate and control the risks before issuing the certificate. This requires the application of extensive standard operating procedures (SOP). These SOP include a process for conducting a risk assessment on the type of operation, and the organisation intends to undertake.
Interpine currently hold endorsement for the following operations outside of CAA CAR Part 101.
- Above 400 ft AGL
- Night Operations
- Operations in Low Flying Zones
- Operations Over Persons and Property
- Operations with Aircraft weighing up to 25kg take off weight
- Operating within 4km of an aerodrome.
With operations managed for:
- Aerial photography and videography
- Aerial mapping
- Aerial inspection
- Scientific / Engineering Research
- Forestry Support
- Search and Rescue
- Fire Fighting and Support
- Police Operational Support
- Pilot Training
- UAS Support Crew and Observer
- Firefighter UAS Training
What safety measures are in place while operating UAV's over our operations?
Our standard operating procedures are focused on safe operation of any of our UAV craft. Pilots undergo rigorous training and annual re-certification to operate. Our operations operate under our CAA CAR Part 102 certification. Our craft are all fitted with emergency systems suitable for the type of operation being conducted. In the event of an incident our public liability, aircraft and professional indemnity insurances are endorsed for operating UAVs for all our operations.
What insurances does Interpine hold specific to our drone operations ?
The following insurance is held and is endorsed for our UAV / Drone operations.
- Specific Aviation Insurance specific to our drone operations to the value of $1 million.
- Public Liability Insurance to the value of $10 million with drone operations endorsement.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance to the value of $5 million for professional services delivery.
- Motor vehicle cover for 3rd party to $10 Million.
What camera / sensors are available on our UAV's?
We operate a range of normal RGB, multi-spectral NIR, thermal IR resolution cameras together with LiDAR Scanners.
These include dual thermal IR and RGB camera systems such as the DJI FLIR XTR, DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual, DJI FLIR XT2 Dual, DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and up to 30x optical and 180x digital zoom systems with the DJI Zenmuse H20T. With resolutions up to 45mp with our DJI Zenmuse P1 optimized Photogrammetry sensor for large scale or high-resolution mapping there will be a sensor optimized to fit your needs.
Our multispectral capabilities include up to 10-band RedEdge MX Dual Micasense sensor, including a range of 5 band sensors with up to 4K resolution.
Our drone-based LiDAR is using our Emesent Hoverap and DJI Zenmuse L1 LiDAR units.
What kind of projects are we involved with ?
We regularly update our blog / articles with a range of services and projects our UAV Drone team are involved with, and our clients have permitted us to share. You will see some of these profiled in the “Out in Industry Link” above. Else follow this link to review a full range of articles.
How do we activate our after hours operations, what is our contact details ?
If you are requesting our drone operations as part of a Fire and Emergency NZ, or NZ Police response, our contact details are held by the COMCEN. To activate a request for our services throughout NZ just ask for Interpine RPAS Drone Operations contact. We have a range of contacts that remain available 24hrs.
If we didn't answer all of your questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime.