Viewshed Analysis and BVLOS Operations – Understanding Viewshed Analysis and Its Role in BVLOS Operations

As the use of drones continues to grow, so do the operational capabilities that they bring to industries like surveying, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response. One of the most significant advancements in drone operations is Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, which allow drones to fly beyond the operator’s Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). BVLOS opens up incredible opportunities for long-range missions but also introduces unique challenges. Among the key tools for overcoming these challenges is the Viewshed analysis—a method that plays a crucial role in planning safe and efficient BVLOS operations.

What is a Viewshed Analysis?

Viewshed analysis is a powerful tool used to determine the visibility of certain areas from specific vantage points. Traditionally used in geographic information systems (GIS) for tasks like urban planning or communication tower placement, Viewshed analysis has found its place in drone operations, particularly for BVLOS flights.

The goal of a Viewshed analysis is to map out which parts of the terrain or landscape are visible from a particular point, considering factors like the curvature of the Earth, elevation, buildings, and natural obstacles like trees and hills. In essence, it helps to identify “visible” and “non-visible” areas within a specified distance or region, offering operators insight into where visual line-of-sight might be obstructed.

Why Viewshed Analysis is Important for BVLOS

When drones fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), they move outside the pilot’s direct line of sight. This means that operators need advanced tools to ensure the flight is both safe and compliant with regulatory standards. Viewshed analysis helps with key aspects of BVLOS operations:

1. Obstacle Avoidance

One of the primary concerns in BVLOS flights is obstacle avoidance. Without direct visual contact, the risk of colliding with natural or man-made obstacles increases significantly. A Viewshed analysis allows you to map out these obstacles before a flight, ensuring that the drone can avoid buildings, towers, trees, or even terrain features like hills and valleys that could interfere with the mission.

By understanding what parts of the flight path are visible and which areas are obscured by obstacles, operators can make informed decisions and adjust routes to ensure safe and smooth BVLOS operations.

2. Flight Path Optimisation

Viewshed analysis helps drone operators plan the most efficient flight paths. By analysing the terrain and potential obstacles, operators can determine the most optimal route for a drone to take during a BVLOS mission. This is especially useful for long-range missions, such as pipeline inspections, where choosing the wrong path could lead to delays, wasted battery life, or even mission failure.

With a proper Viewshed analysis, operators can design flight paths that maximise visibility and minimise risk, ensuring that the drone reaches its destination without encountering obstacles or losing communication links.

3. Signal Propagation and Communication

BVLOS flights rely on uninterrupted communication between the drone and the ground control station (GCS) unless utilising satellite communication links. However, terrain features like mountains, large buildings, or dense forests can block or weaken signals, creating communication dead zones. A Viewshed analysis helps identify areas where signal propagation might be disrupted, allowing operators to plan accordingly.

For instance, if a particular area of the flight path has poor visibility due to terrain, the operator can either avoid it altogether or ensure that alternative communication methods, such as satellite links or repeaters, are available to maintain a strong connection with the drone.

For BVLOS operations, communication with other aircraft is crucial, especially when flying in shared airspace. Viewshed analysis also plays a role in determining the effective range of aeronautical VHF radio communications. These radios are essential for ensuring that drones operators can communicate with manned aircraft and air traffic control during BVLOS missions. Signal strength can be affected by terrain features, and a Viewshed analysis helps predict where VHF radio signals may be blocked or weakened. This allows operators to maintain clear communication with manned aircraft and comply with airspace regulations.

By predicting where communication might weaken due to terrain, operators can either avoid those areas or adjust their communication methods. For instance, in areas with poor VHF radio range, satellite communication links or radio relays may be necessary to maintain contact with both the drone and manned aircraft in the vicinity.

4. Meeting Regulatory Requirements

Regulatory bodies such as Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) require extensive risk assessments for BVLOS operations. These assessments often demand a comprehensive understanding of the operating environment, which includes identifying potential hazards along the flight path.

A Viewshed analysis plays a vital role in these risk assessments by providing clear, data-driven insights into the operational landscape. By incorporating a Viewshed analysis into your BVLOS planning, you can demonstrate to regulators that your mission has been carefully evaluated, with all potential obstacles and risks considered.

How Hover UAV Can Help with Viewshed Analysis

At Hover UAV, we understand the complexities that come with BVLOS operations. Our team specialises in helping organisations plan, manage, and execute BVLOS missions safely and efficiently. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, we offer tailored solutions to meet all your Viewshed analysis needs.

Expertise You Can Trust

With our extensive experience in drone operations, we know that BVLOS flights demand more than just cutting-edge technology—they require expert planning. Our team uses advanced GIS tools and methodologies to perform detailed Viewshed analyses that help you understand your operational environment down to the last detail.

By partnering with Hover UAV, you gain access to:

• Precise Terrain Mapping: Our Viewshed analyses offer highly accurate terrain models that take into account natural and man-made obstacles, ensuring no surprises during your flight.
• Customized Flight Planning: We provide personalized flight path recommendations based on your specific BVLOS mission, optimizing for safety, visibility, and efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance: We help you navigate the regulatory landscape, ensuring that your BVLOS operations meet all requirements. Our Viewshed analysis services can be a critical part of your risk assessment process, making it easier to secure approvals from CASA or other aviation authorities.

Streamlining Your BVLOS Operations

We know that BVLOS missions can be daunting, but they can unlock a world of possibilities with the right planning. At Hover UAV, our goal is to make BVLOS operations accessible to everyone. Whether you’re conducting long-range inspections, surveying large areas, or monitoring infrastructure, we can provide the Viewshed analysis and flight planning support you need to succeed.

Partner With Us

Hover UAV is committed to helping you take your drone operations to the next level. With our expert Viewshed analysis services, you can ensure that your BVLOS regulatory submissions are safe, efficient, and compliant.

Contact Us Today

Ready to start your next BVLOS operations? Reach out to Hover UAV today to discuss how we can assist with your BVLOS, Viewshed analysis and all other aspects of your BVLOS processes, planning and procedures. Our team is here to ensure your mission’s success from start to finish.