Experts in Drone Technology, Operations, and Training since 2016
Aerial Imagery
Interpine are the experts when it comes to aerial imagery. Using the latest DJI UAVs and sensors, we can collect high quality imagery to suit your needs. Pixel size can range from 0.2cm for fine detail, to 5cm for covering large areas.
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.
UAV LiDAR
UAV based LiDAR enables cost effective data capture over smaller areas. We operate the DJI L series and Emersent Hovermap LiDAR units for a range of LiDAR acquisition applications. Interpine have been pioneering LiDAR acquisition and analysis in the forest industry for over 15 years.
Multispectural Vegetation Imagery
Interpine can capture high resolution multispectral imagery from our UAV platforms. This data allows calculation of vegetation indexes such as NDVI and EVI to manage monitor plant health, growth and survival.
Thermal Imagery
Interpine uses the latest thermal sensors from DJI to capture thermal data for a range of applications. We are experienced in thermal operations for geothermal and industrial sites, pest detection and fire-fighting operations.
Video Inspections and Overviews
We can capture high quality video for an aerial view of your land or operations. UAV video is a powerful tool for environmental monitoring, observing operations or getting a new perspective of your land.
Environmental Monitoring Surveys
Harvest Cutover Assessment
Use your UAV to complete harvest cutover assessment in your forest. This allows you to quantify slash and woody debris, both for NES compliance and value recovery.
Beyond Line of Sight Operations
Our drone operations team have BVLOS (beyond line of sight) privileges within our CAA102 certification, extending our drones capability to safely operate at extended ranges.
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:
- Above 400 ft Above Ground Level
- Night Operations
- Beyond Line of Sight
- 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 permitted for:
- Mapping
- Photography
- Videography
- Inspection
- Forestry Support
- Scientific / Engineering Research
- Search and Rescue
- Fire Fighting and Support
- Law enforcement and support
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.
- 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 Mavic 3 Enterprise, DJI Matrice 4, DJI Matrice 4D, DJI Matrie 400, and up to 30x optical and 180x digital zoom systems with the DJI Zenmuse H20T and H30T. 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, DJI Zenmuse L3 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.