UAV Used to Map Oktoberfest

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is currently being used to map the location for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

Of the many applications that drones can be used in, aerial mapping is a big one. Quantum-Systems is currently using their Tron aircraft to map the area in Munich known as the Theresienwiese, a location that is currently hosting one of the biggest Oktoberfest's in the country.

Mapping the Festival

To help with the planning of the event, on August 9th, 2018, the Tron flew above the Theresienwiese at a height of 170 meters for 10 minutes to record data for evaluation. This was used to provide organizers with a detailed map from which to plan emergency service routes, access points and places to station security. This map is a high-precision 3D map created with an aerial camera system.

The problem with flying a normal light aircraft with a camera to do the same job concerns the space available: the ability to take off and land vertically makes the whole operation far more flexible as the need for an airstrip or airport isn't necessary. The goal was to map 420,000 m² of the Theresienwiese within a few minutes with a resolution of less than 3 cm. It's a small UAV that can do this job best.

The eventual aim of this project is to develop a system where the UAV aircraft can relay information about the situation on the ground to emergency services in real time. A representative of the Munich Fire Service said:

“For us, such a system is a great support. We see the potential of the MACS camera in the “Wiesn” (Oktoberfest) preparation and in perspective also during such large events.”

About the Quantum-Systems Aircraft

This German company develops vertical take-off and landing drones that can be operated with cameras and other equipment.

Their aircraft use a system of swiveling motors which vector the flight path of the aircraft between normal forward flight and verticle flight. This way, the aircraft gets the best of both worlds; it's essentially a multirotor and an airplane in one.

For the Tron, the aircraft uses all four motors to lift vertically into the air on takeoff. When at a sufficient altitude, it tilts its forward motors forward whilst cutting power to the rear motors which also fold downwards. The Tron then can perform the rest of its mission in forwarding flight using just two motors. If necessary, it can glide to increase efficiency.