Work

Impact of Atmospheric Turbulence on Data Quality During BVLOS UAV Missions in Antarctic Conditions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article presents an analysis of the impact of atmospheric turbulence on the quality of images obtained during photogrammetric missions in Antarctica using a fixed-wing UAV operating in BVLOS mode. Image quality was evaluated primarily by the degree of blurring, which served as the main assessment criterion. In the Antarctic region, turbulence is a frequent phenomenon and can occur even under very light wind conditions, which formed the basis of this study. Autopilot log data were used to conduct a series of analyses, resulting in maps of areas where turbulence symptoms were recorded. In parallel, the quality of images captured during the mission was examined, producing a map of blurring levels assessed on a five-point scale. The study shows that UAV image blurring is mainly caused by sudden camera movements, mechanical vibrations from the propulsion system, and atmospheric turbulence that disrupts flight stability and overloads image stabilization. Additional factors such as low-light conditions, fog, haze, precipitation, glare, and moving shadows further reduce image clarity.

Source: Drones

DOI: 10.3390/drones10030187

Authors: Anna Zmarz, Mirosław Rodzewicz

Institutions: University of Warsaw, Warsaw University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Aerospace and Aviation Technology

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Narodowe Centrum Badań i Rozwoju