L-Band (1.4 GHz) Polarimeter for UAV
Sensor & Ground Station
The sensor employs a light-weight dual-polarized patch panel antenna with a 32-degree beam width. This results in a sensor footprint of 7 meters in diameter when flying at an altitude of 10 meters. Data is retained on the sensor until the ground station enters WiFi range. The ground station offers a user interface for sensor configuration and allows users to inspect raw data, including spectra and maps.
Cloud Processing (Optional)
Once the ground station establishes an Internet connection via an Ethernet link, raw data can be seamlessly uploaded to our server for processing and calibration. On the server, a series of automated steps take place, including filtering to eliminate outliers, de-striping, gridding, segmentation into polarized and unpolarized components, and the conversion into volumetric water content.
Polarimetry
The capability to dissect received microwave emissions into polarized and unpolarized components presents opportunities for research and addressing radio interference. At incidence angles of 30 degrees and more, soil radio emission is polarized. In forward models, the polarized component introduces an additional parameter for converting brightness temperatures into soil moisture. In other scenarios, the angle of the polarized vector may also be of interest. When the antenna is mounted at an incidence angle of zero (directly downward), polarimetry enables filtering out human-made radio signals.
Drone & Operation
Skaha Labs does not provide drones, but we can offer recommendations and guidance to help you select a suitable UAV.
It's crucial to note that sensors such as this feature a single beam, essentially functioning as a single-pixel camera that scans a field line by line. Typically, mapping a quarter section, equivalent to 160 acres, can be accomplished using a helicopter-type drone in approximately two hours. This involves flying at an altitude of around 30 meters with a scan separation of roughly 10-20 meters.
Ground station to internet | Ethernet |
Sensor to ground station link | WiFi (2.4 GHz) |
Sensor weight | 1.0 kg |
Sensor dimensions | 35 x 35 x 4 cm |
Antenna HPBW | 32 deg |
Polarization | Dual linear (horizontal & vertical) |
Supply voltage / power | 10 - 35 VDC / 10W |
Number of FFT channels | 256 |
Max. bandwidth | 12 MHZ |
Data outputs | Brightness temperatures of polarized, unpolarized, total power, percentage polarization, and polarization angle. |
Theoretical sensing depth | 5 cm |
Integration time | 750 ms |
Operating frequency | 1.4 GHz |
Drone & Sensor Combo
We have partnered with Drone Geoscience, LLC to assist you in sourcing and assembling a drone and microwave sensor combo.
Please contact us to discuss details.
Options and Pricing
Included:
- Antenna & digital processor
- Control unit
- Ground station
- Cables
Excluded:
- Mounts