What specific data is captured by using drone technology for aerial surveying of landfills?

Using drone technology for aerial surveying of landfills captures a variety of specific data, primarily high-resolution aerial imagery, topographic data (elevation data), and volumetric data. The high-resolution aerial imagery is used to create orthomosaics, which are geometrically corrected images that can be used to measure distances and areas accurately. The topographic data, generated through photogrammetry or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), provides detailed elevation information, allowing for the creation of digital elevation models (DEMs) and contour maps. Volumetric data is derived from the topographic data and is used to calculate the volume of waste in place, the volume of airspace remaining, and the volume of soil used for cover. Drones can also capture thermal imagery, which can be used to detect hot spots indicative of subsurface fires. The data obtained from drone surveys is used for a variety of purposes, including monitoring landfill capacity, tracking waste placement, assessing site drainage, creating site maps, and complying with regulatory reporting requirements. The accuracy of the data depends on factors such as the quality of the drone sensors, the flight planning, and the ground control points used for georeferencing.