​The microdrones md4-3000 is a quadcopter with an interchangeable payload. GSI have two payloads for the md4 available to the INFOMAR programme. The first payload is the mdMapper DG payload. This is used similarly to the Trimble UX5HP for obtaining highly precise point clouds without the need for ground control points (except as a QC). The md4 can precisely control its flight path in order to avoid flying over certain areas if required and has the capability of taking off and landing vertically. 

The second payload is the +i package which is an inspection package capable of recording HD video and relaying it to a ground station for live viewing of the video feed.

​The Trimble UX5HP is a fixed wing UAV capable of cruising speeds up to 85km/h. It has a large operating weather window and can fly in wind speeds up to 55km/h and light rain.

The UX5HP has a large turning circle when lining up between consecutive survey flight lines and requires a clearing for take-off and landing.  It has an operating range of 52km and a flight ceiling of 5km. Although these ranges are well above the permissible ranges laid out by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), operating this UAV has enabled us to go through the process of extending these ranges by obtaining specific operating permissions from the regulators for this aircraft. This ensures the UAV the capability to precisely map vast areas in a single flight. 

​We use the DJI Inspire 1V2 primarily for reconnaissance and training purposes. The Inspire features a dual operator mode enabling the pilot to concentrate on safety while the payload operator focuses on capturing perfect imagery. Maximum flight time on the Inspire is approximately 18 minutes.  The photogrammetric models produced by the Inspire are examined alongside the models produced by our other UAV platforms to compare accuracy.