The IF800 Tomcat drone from manufacturer Inspired Flight completed a survey of California’s historic San Miguel Mission site, equipped with a Sony ILX-LR1 camera and a 35 mm lens.
The mission aimed to create an orthomosaic map of the site by capturing high-resolution imagery for use in historical documentation, conservation, and potential restoration.
The drone completed the survey with 490 images captured at 61 megapixels from an altitude of 60 meters, delivering a high-quality dataset for subsequent processing.
The total flight time was 34 minutes, with a 20% battery remaining upon landing. The data obtained from this survey will reportedly be a critical resource for preserving the historically significant location.
Mission San Miguel Arcángel, established in 1797, is a vital cultural and historical site located in San Luis Obispo County, California. Its preservation is essential to help future generations appreciate the architectural and cultural legacy of early California.
Modern drone technology enables the capture of detailed, high-resolution data efficiently and without disruption, supporting archaeologists, conservators, and historians in safeguarding this site.
For this mission, the advanced IF800 Tomcat drone was utilized, selected for its capacity to carry heavier payloads and maintain stable flight in sensitive survey environments. The main objectives of this mission included:
- Capturing high-resolution aerial imagery of the San Miguel Mission site to produce an orthomosaic map.
- Documenting the site’s current condition using non-invasive aerial methods.
- Generating precise spatial data to assist in future archaeological and preservation projects.
Mission Details
Equipment Used:
- Drone Platform: IF800 Tomcat
- Camera: Sony ILX-LR1 with a 35 mm lens
- Altitude: 60 meters above ground level (AGL)
- Image Count: 490 images
- Image Resolution: 61 megapixels
- Flight Time: 34 minutes (landed with 20% battery reserve)
Ground Sample Distance (GSD)
The Ground Sample Distance (GSD) is an essential measure in aerial mapping, defining the spatial resolution of the captured images.
The 35 mm lens and 61-megapixel sensor, flown at 60 meters, provided a GSD of around 0.9 cm/pixel. This high level of detail supports the generation of an exceptionally accurate orthomosaic map, revealing fine features such as cracks, weathering, and structural details of the site.
Flight and Image Capture
The mission was carefully pre-planned to ensure comprehensive coverage of the site. The drone flew a grid pattern with 80% overlap between images, ensuring thorough documentation with adequate redundancy for precise 3D reconstruction and photogrammetry.
The IF800 Tomcat provided stable flight and completed the mission with a 20% battery reserve, highlighting the drone’s endurance and suitability for long-duration flights in critical operations.
Data Processing
The 490 images were combined using advanced photogrammetry software to create a high-resolution orthomosaic map of the site. This map offers a geo-referenced visual of the area, suitable for detailed analysis and record-keeping.
The Importance of Documenting Historic Sites with Drone Technology
Historic sites such as Mission San Miguel Arcángel are susceptible to natural decay, human impact, and environmental factors. Drone surveys help avoid the risk of disturbing fragile sites, as no physical contact with the site is needed.
The high-resolution imagery and accurate mapping allow for detailed views that aid in monitoring changes over time, helping to detect early signs of wear. Additionally, aerial surveys conducted with drones are more affordable compared to traditional methods and cover large areas quickly.
The data collected can also be used for various applications, such as 3D modeling, conservation planning, and virtual site tours.
For Mission San Miguel, the high-resolution orthomosaic map serves as a digital archive of the site’s present state, enabling historians and conservators to monitor changes, make informed preservation decisions, and prioritize areas needing more attention.
This mission underscores the value of drones in archaeology and historical documentation, enabling efficient and precise data collection that supports the long-term preservation of culturally significant sites. The IF800 Tomcat is a highly capable platform, with the endurance, stability, and payload capacity needed to perform detailed aerial surveys in challenging environments.
