Early Detection of Natural Hazards
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
High in the Swiss Alps, a proof-of-concept project at the Tsarmine Rock Glacier demonstrates how autonomous drone systems can support long-term environmental research, natural hazard monitoring, and public safety.
Natural hazards such as landslides, debris flows, and slope instabilities are becoming increasingly frequent in the Alpine region. Rising temperatures and thawing permafrost are accelerating ground movement, increasing risks for infrastructure and nearby communities. Monitoring these remote and hazardous areas requires robust, autonomous solutions that can operate reliably under extreme conditions.
A fully autonomous monitoring system at 2,550 meters
The project was led by Alltron AG in collaboration with Drone Harmony, SkyMap, Fieldwork, the CHANGE Group at EPFL, and other partners. At an altitude of approximately 2,550 meters above sea level, a DJI Dock 2 was installed and commissioned directly on the rock glacier.
The stationary drone system operates fully autonomously and enables:
Fully autonomous take-offs and landings
High-precision 3D mapping using RTK navigation
Weather-resistant, long-term monitoring
Increased safety by minimizing on-site personnel
Significantly reduced inspection and data acquisition time
Operating in a remote alpine environment, the drone performs scheduled flights and collects high-resolution imagery that forms the basis for precise 3D models of the terrain.
From raw data to decision-ready 3D insights
A key role in the project was played by SkyMap, whose task was to transform the collected drone data into actionable, decision-ready insights.
“Our role in this project was to take the collected data and turn it into decision-ready 3D insights,” explains Jon Bengtsson, CEO at SkyMap. This includes the generation of 3D models, orthomosaics, and point clouds, which provide a detailed and objective representation of terrain changes.
Thanks to an automated processing pipeline, the data collected by the drone is transferred directly into SkyMap’s platform, where high-resolution outputs and reports are generated. These visualizations allow both technicians and decision-makers to clearly understand terrain dynamics and emerging risks.
A familiar workflow in an extreme environment
From a technical perspective, the project represents a direct extension of SkyMap’s core business.“The workflow is the same, the data is the same,” Bengtsson explains. “The biggest difference is the environment, which is significantly more challenging than a construction site.”
What makes the project unique is the seamless integration of multiple technologies into a single, robust workflow:
The DJI Dock provides a proven, weather-resistant hardware solution
Drone Harmony enables precise mission planning, even in steep and complex terrain
SkyMap’s data platform automatically processes imagery into high-quality 3D insights
Together, these components form a complete end-to-end monitoring solution rather than isolated tools.
Why autonomous drone docks matter for natural hazard monitoring
Stationary drone systems like the DJI Dock are particularly valuable for monitoring unstable alpine terrain.
“It’s all about being at the right place at the right time,” says Bengtsson. Permanently installed docks allow data to be collected consistently over time, making changes comparable and enabling immediate flights if unusual events occur.
Autonomous flights also eliminate the need for personnel to enter hazardous areas. Data can be collected frequently, under identical conditions, while experts remain safely in the office.
Detecting the smallest changes
During the proof of concept, extremely high-density data was captured — up to 2,500 measurement points per square meter. This level of detail makes even the smallest ground movements visible.
“We could clearly see that there were movements,” Bengtsson explains. “By capturing the entire area at such high resolution, we can detect changes that might later develop into hazardous situations.”
Accurate 3D models are particularly crucial in permafrost regions, where minimal shifts can be early indicators of future landslides. High-detail digital twins make these changes visible not only for specialists, but also for authorities responsible for risk management.
Monitoring as a service: a look into the future
Looking ahead, fully autonomous drone solutions point toward a future of monitoring as a service. Strategically placed dock systems could continuously observe known risk areas, providing authorities with up-to-date data whenever needed.
By enabling continuous monitoring, autonomous drones help detect natural hazards early, reduce risks for people working on-site, and support better-informed decisions before critical events occur.
Displacement measurements at the Tsarmine Rock Glacier show movement velocities of several meters per year. Projects like this demonstrate how autonomous drone technology, combined with advanced 3D data processing, can play a crucial role in protecting people and infrastructure in alpine regions.
