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NGI Drone Lab – Advanced Aerial Surveying for Geotechnical Applications

The NGI Drone Lab is a central hub for UAV-based data acquisition and innovation at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute.

Purpose and Vision

NGI’s Drone Lab was created to ensure that the latest drone technology and data products are integrated into NGI’s workflows, supporting both cutting-edge research and consultancy projects. With increasing demand for high-resolution spatial data in geotechnical and environmental projects, the lab provides the infrastructure, expertise, and regulatory compliance needed to operate drones effectively and responsibly.

The Drone Lab is fully integrated into NGI’s operational procedures and project workflows, providing support for planning, execution, and post-processing of drone data. 

Survey Applications

The Drone Lab supports a wide range of geotechnical and environmental surveys, including:

  • Engineering geology and rock cut analysis – 3D modeling for stability analysis and joint mapping
  • Erosion monitoring and hydrological modeling – terrain change detection and water flow analysis
  • Volume estimates and geotechnical assessments – cut/fill calculations and terrain mapping for slope stability calculations
  • Snow conditions and avalanche documentation – snow depth mapping and hazard analysis
  • Vegetation and environmental monitoring – multispectral classification and habitat mapping 

Equipment and Capabilities

The Drone Lab maintains a fleet of advanced drones and sensors tailored for diverse surveying needs, including

  • LiDAR (laser scanning) and optical (visual) sensors suitable for high-precision 3D terrain mapping
  • Optical and thermal infared sensors suitable for urban surveys and inspections
  • Lightweight drones for reconnaissance and quick visual assessments
  • Indoor drones for mapping and inspection in confined spaces
  • New and emerging sensor technology 

Operational Scope

NGI projects benefit from Specific Category drone operations, including:

  • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations
  • Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
  • Complex operations requiring risk assessments and regulatory approvals

NGI is fully certified and operates under the national drone registry platform Airwatch, ensuring compliance with all relevant Norwegian and EU aviation regulations. 

For inquiries or collaboration, contact Dyre Oliver Dammann or Sean Salazar, contact info below.

Drones in action

18.11.2025

Drones reduce risk in avalanche-prone mountains

Findings from the research project Geosfair indicate that drones can supplement – and in some cases, partly replace – costly helicopter flights, providing more precise data on snow avalanches. The result is faster decisions, less uncertainty, and shorter road closures. In turn, winter roads become safer.

17.12.2025

Drones revolutionize landslide safety

When a landslide occurs, it is critical to rapidly understand the situation without endangering lives. Drones have become an essential tool for NGI’s work with landslide mitigation and rock slope stabilization.

Portrait of Sean Salazar

Sean Salazar

Senior Engineer Remote Sensing and Geophysics sean.salazar@ngi.no
 +47 459 13 492
Portrait of Dyre Oliver Dammann

Dyre Oliver Dammann

Head of Section Remote Sensing and Geophysics Remote Sensing and Geophysics dyre.dammann@ngi.no
 +47 930 10 310