THE USE OF UAV SENSORS FOR GEO-SPATIAL DATA COLLECTION IN MINE ACTION TASKS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2217.2026.66.120-131Keywords:
geoinformation technologies, humanitarian demining, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), detection of explosive ordnance, remote sensing of the Earth; mine hazard; sensor systemsAbstract
Background. Mine contamination of territories poses a threat to public safety and sustainable development. Traditional demining methods remain dangerous, resource-intensive, and slow, which necessitates the implementation of innovative technologies. One of the promising directions is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as platforms for collecting geospatial data using various types of sensors. The aim of the study is to analyse the possibilities of using UAV sensors in mine action activities and to assess their potential for increasing the effectiveness of mine and explosive ordnance detection.
Methods. The study is based on the theoretical analysis of contemporary scientific publications, regulatory documents, and technical solutions in the field of mine action. Methods of systematisation and generalisation were applied to classify sensors according to their operating principle, functional purpose, and possibilities of use on UAV platforms. A comparative analysis of their advantages, limitations, and application areas was conducted. The classification of sensors for humanitarian demining was analysed, substantiated, and supplemented with consideration of contemporary technological solutions.
Results. Four main groups of sensors were analysed: mechanical, electromagnetic, electro-optical, and explosive detectors. Sensors generate primary measurements of parameters which, during the georeferencing process (using coordinate-time tags, navigation, and orientation data), are transformed into geospatial data of the corresponding type. The integration Sensors generate raw measurements of physical parameters, which are transformed into geospatial data of the appropriate type during the georeferencing process (using coordinate-time stamps, navigation and orientation data). The integration of these data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) ensures the creation of comprehensive environmental models (raster, vector, and three-dimensional), which increases the reliability of interpretation. It was established that electromagnetic sensors (in particular, ground-penetrating radars and magnetometers) are effective for detecting subsurface objects but depend on soil properties and survey conditions. Electro-optical sensors provide highly detailed surface information; however, they are limited in their ability to penetrate soil and are used mainly for detecting indirect indicators. Explosive detectors provide direct confirmation of the presence of explosive ordnance, although their integration with UAVs remains technically complex. It was found that the most effective approach is multi-sensor integration, which makes it possible to improve the reliability of results. The limitations of existing sensor classifications were also identified, as they do not take into account modern UAV technologies and data fusion methods.
Conclusions. The use of UAVs equipped with sensor systems is a promising direction in the development of humanitarian demining, enabling increased safety and efficiency of demining operations. No single sensor provides a universal solution; therefore, the key approach is the use of multi-sensor systems. Further research should focus on their integration, the development of data processing algorithms, and the improvement of classifications considering contemporary technologies.
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