Drone-Based Gas Mapping LiDAR for Methane Detection in Remote Energy Infrastructure

Advanced methane detection technology company Bridger Photonics has expanded the capabilities of its proven Gas Mapping LiDAR® (GML) system with the introduction of drone-based deployment.

This approach brings high-resolution emissions detection to hard-to-reach and logistically challenging environments such as offshore platforms, LNG terminals, and gas distribution infrastructure—areas traditionally underserved by aerial methane monitoring solutions.

Previously operated via crewed aircraft, Bridger’s patented GML technology has become a benchmark for precision methane emissions quantification and localization across the oil and gas value chain. With the new UAV-based deployment option, the company now extends these capabilities to areas where fixed-wing aircraft may be impractical or cost-prohibitive, while maintaining the same level of accuracy, efficiency, and actionable insight.

Bridger’s CEO Ben Little said, “We’re revolutionizing emissions reduction…again. This solution is a natural extension of our core capabilities, and we’re thrilled to answer the call of our clients and provide them with a best-in-class solution for methane monitoring across new parts of the value chain.”

The integration of Gas Mapping LiDAR onto drone platforms delivers a suite of operational and safety advantages while preserving the core performance metrics that have made GML the industry standard. Key features of the new deployment method include:

• High-precision detection and localization in complex, confined, or remote operational environments.
• Rapid data acquisition and delivery, minimizing downtime and enabling near-real-time decision-making.
• Reduced on-site personnel requirements, improving safety and lowering deployment costs.
• Comprehensive emissions reconciliation, capturing both source-level and site-level emissions in a single flight pass.

Mike Thorpe, Chief Scientist at Bridger Photonics, said, “This launch is the result of years of innovation and close collaboration with multiple industry and academic partners. We’re excited to address the unique challenges of methane emissions monitoring at large, complex, and remote facilities, like offshore platforms, while providing the same high-quality data our customers come to rely on. Drones provide key capabilities that allow operators to measure and manage emissions across their entire global asset base. Just another step in our mission to simplify methane emissions reductions.”

This drone-based approach provides energy operators with a versatile, scalable solution for emissions monitoring, particularly in areas where traditional flyovers are not feasible.

As global pressure intensifies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, methane detection and quantification have become critical tools for compliance, reporting, and sustainability initiatives. Bridger’s new drone deployment offering supports these efforts by enabling frequent, consistent monitoring across the full range of energy assets—onshore, offshore, and midstream.

The drone-integrated GML system complements existing aircraft-based operations to form a unified, flexible emissions detection platform that delivers consistent, high-quality data across entire asset networks.

With this advancement, Bridger Photonics reinforces its role at the forefront of emissions monitoring innovation, continuing to close critical gaps in methane detection while supporting a safer, cleaner, and more transparent energy industry.