Speakers Bio & Abstract

BiographyLaura Van de Vyvere received a M. Sc. in Geomatics and Geometrology from the University of Lige, Belgium (2015). Her master thesis was dedicated to Galileo cycle slip detection under extreme ionospheric activity. In 2015, she joined M3 Systems Belgium as project engineer in radionavigation and is currently involved in GNSS reflectometry and GNSS hybridization projects.Abstract High-resolution satellite-based UAV solution for soil moisture and ground water monitoringThe objective of MISTRALE project is to provide UAV-based soil moisture and flooded areas monitoring. Compared to traditional devices, this technique will provide a wide coverage, all-weather, low weight solution that can be embarked on autonomous vehicles (RPAS or drone). To do so, it relies on an innovative use of GNSS (positioning satellites) signals, named reflectometry (GNSS-R). This approach consists in comparing the direct signal, i.e. the signal received directly from satellites, with those reflected by the ground. Correlation between the measured reflectivity and the soil’s dielectric properties provide the humidity of shallow earth’s surface. For improved accuracy both GPS and GALILEO signals will be used. In July 2015, two experimental flights were conducted in South of France with the aim to validate the technical feasibility of the project concept. High reflectivity values were observed for rivers, basins or irrigation canals, whereas low reflectivity values were associated with dryer areas or with a higher presence of vegetation. The presentation will focus on the results of this early analysis. It will be complemented by comparison between the MISTRALE data and other soil moisture measurements.