Main Benefits
Accuracy
The coordinates of targets are known with cm-level precision to ensure highest accuracy for the interpretation of  data acquired by the geophysical sensors
Variety of Targets
The purpose-built testing ground for geophysical sensors has multiple targets of diverse material and size buried in variety of soils
Accessibility
The test range is located in 20min car/taxi ride from the Riga International Airport, which has direct flights from more than 76 cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America
Increased safety
The test range is located in the special use airspace/danger area EVD1 BALOZI ensuring flight and staff safety
For Experts by Experts
Designed for manufacturers, surveying and scientific teams for testing and experiments
Customisation
The test range can be customised: plastic pipes can be filled with liquids, new targets can be buried in variety of soil types, etc.
Test Range Explained
One of its kind!
SPH Engineering is a multiproduct drone software company and UAV integration service provider. The SPH's flight area is a dedicated air zone (special use airspace/danger area EVD1 BALOZI) and is enriched with a unique 450x70 meters test range for various type geophysical sensor testing with UAVs. This seems to be the first and so far the only such test range in the world!
Dozens of real application scenarios of geological sensors were taken into account to design the testing area. The multiple targets buried in natural soil (layers from sand to clay) mimic the infrastructure (pipes, barrels, etc.) usually inspected. The four kinds of weathers in Latvia give the option to test the technologies in real conditions: i.e. dry soil in summer, wet to extremely muddy - spring/autumn and frozen in winter.
For testing in simpler condition, the area offers also two zones of homogenous sand and black soil - any target can be buried. An asphalt road is located next to the testing field - which allows to test e.g. GPR's to control the road carpet.
Precise Coordinates
The coordinates of all targets are known with cm-level precision. This ensures the highest accuracy of data interpretation.
The depth of the targets was measured from the top of the target to the ground surface.
The diagonal orientation of pipes allows to test the response to the target at a different depth, i.e. distance from the sensors.
All PVC pipes have bends on both sides and can be filled with any liquids if required for testing/experimenting.
Data Samples
DataSamples UAV-based magnetometer SENSYS MagDrone R4 | SkyHub
Sensys Magdrone R3 Magnetometer
UAV-based magnetometer SENSYS MagDrone R3
Data Samples of UAV-based magnetometer Geometrics MagArrow | SkyHub
Geometrics MagArrow Magnetometer
UAV-based magnetometer Geometrics MagArrow
Data Samples UAV-based magnetometerSENSYS MagDrone R3 | SkyHub
Sensys Magdrone R4
UAV-based magnetometer SENSYS MagDrone R4
Data Samples UAV-based metal detector Geonicss EM61Lite | SkyHub
Geonics EM61Lite
UAV-based metal detector Geonics EM61Lite
Permanently Installed Targets
List of permanently installed targets at SPH Engineering's Test Range for geophysical sensors on drones
List of permanently installed targets
The coordinates of the permanently installed targets are known with cm-level precision to ensure highest accuracy for the interpretation of data acquired by the geophysical sensors
# Target Diameter, mm Length, m Depth under surface, m
1 Stainless steel pipe 110 6.0 0.4 - 1.0
2 Steel pipe 4.0mm wall 500 6.0 1.0 - 2.0
3 PVC pipe EMPTY 110 6.0 0.4 - 1.0
4 Steel pipe 3.0mm wall 314 6.0 1.0 - 2.0
5 PVC pipe EMPTY 160 6.0 0.5 - 1.5
6 Steel pipe 2.5mm wall 200 6.0 0.5 - 1.5
7 Plastic barrel 50L vertical (empty) 400 0.57 0.5
8 Plastic barrel 50L horizontal (empty) 400 0.57 0.5
9 Steel barrel 200 L, vertical 610 0.88 1.0
10 Plastic barrel 100L vertical (empty) 420 0.70 1.0
11 Steel barrel 200 L, horizontal 610 0.88 1.0
12 Plastic barrel 100L horizontal (empty) 420 0.70 1.0
13 Reinforced concrete pipe 1000 8.0 1.0 - 2.0
14 PVC pipe (water filled) 110 6.0 0.4 - 1.0
15 Steel pipe 3.0mm wall 60 6.0 0.5 - 1.5
16 PVC pipe (water filled) 160 6.0 0.5 - 1.5
17 Steel pipe 1.5mm wall 110 6.0 0.5 - 1.5
18 Plastic barrel 50L vertical (water filled) 400 0.57 0.5
19 Plastic barrel 50L horizontal (water filled) 400 0.57 0.5
20 Steel barrel 200 L, diagonal 610 0.88 1.0
21 Plastic barrel 100L vertical (water filled) 420 0.70 1.0
22 Steel barrel 200 L, flattened (crashed) 610 0.88 1.0
23 Plastic barrel 100L horizontal (water filled) 420 0.70 1.0