Arctic Log #3 – Our Use Cases

Use Case Insights

As already announced in Arctic Log #1, the JOANNEUM Arctic Expedition Team is currently preparing not only the logistics of the upcoming expedition, but also the content of the individual research projects – our use cases. These form the centrepiece of the expedition and are currently being developed by the students themselves to then be implemented in the Arctic. In this issue of Arctic Log, we will present the use cases in more detail.

The diversity of the projects reflects the different specializations of the participating students. What unites them all, however, is the goal of making a relevant scientific contribution to Arctic research and testing novel technologies and interdisciplinary approaches in extreme environmental conditions. The focus is always on one thing: the environmentally friendly and responsible collection of scientific data for research.

Use Case #1: Drone Usage in Arctic Research

Drones are an essential part in our research endeavors and will be used for several projects.
Greenland is not only known for its breathtaking glacial landscapes, but also for its sensitive ecosystem and protected animal species such as the polar bear. The aim of the first project is to lay the technical and logistical foundations for the safe and environmentally friendly use of drones in the Arctic. During the ten-day expedition, the focus is on the planning, transport and realization of drone flights under extreme conditions: Temperatures well below freezing, limited power supply, changeable weather and strict aviation rules. At the same time, the protection of wildlife – especially species that are sensitive to disturbance – must be guaranteed at all times.

Another project that utilises drones in Arctic landscapes is dedicated to the automated detection of meltwater channels on glaciers. These superficial watercourses provide valuable information about the melting of the ice and therefore about climate change. Machine learning is used to train a computer model that can recognise these channels on the basis of drone and satellite images. In order to check the accuracy of the model, new image data from the Mittivakkat glacier will be recorded during the expedition and supplemented by terrain measurements.

The third project in this use case is the use of drones as a supporting tool for the environmentally friendly collection of various samples for further research purposes. Specially equipped drones are used here: They are equipped with gripper arms, sample buckets and lowering devices, for example to take soil samples in difficult-to-access areas. Efficient, safe and with minimal impact on the environment. Initial analyses can then be carried out directly on site.

Use Case #2: Mapping the environment with a sensor platform

In order to visualise changes in the Arctic landscape, members of the AET are developing a compact, mobile sensor platform that uses both sonar and LiDAR. While sonar uses sound waves to visualise underwater structures, LiDAR scans the surface with a laser. The combination of both systems enables the creation of precise 3D models – of icebergs, glacial caves or rocky terrain.

These measurements are not only essential for long-term scientific observation, but also contribute to safety in polar environments. For example, dangerous ice formations can be recognised at an early stage, the drifting movement of icebergs can be better understood and changes in the landscape, such as the melting of glaciers, can be documented. The platform can even record and transmit data independently in remote areas – a valuable technology for future research projects.

A particular focus is on capturing point clouds around the Mittivakkat glacier to create an accurate three-dimensional digital image of the glacier. Repeated scans can be used to document changes in ice volume.

Use Case #3: AI-supported monitoring of Arctic wildlife

The Arctic is home to fascinating but also potentially dangerous animal species – most notably the polar bear. The AET is developing an AI-supported wildlife detection system to better protect researchers in the field and at the same time collect important data on animal movements.

The systems consist of camera modules with an integrated computing unit and can be installed stationary or attached to drones. The images collected can be processed directly on site, without the need for an internet connection. As soon as an animal is recognised, the system can issue a warning or document movement patterns. In this way, the project not only contributes to safety in the field, but also provides valuable information on migration movements and the behaviour of Arctic wildlife.

Use Case #4: Management of research data

Data is the foundation of all scientific work – especially in the Arctic, where every measurement involves a great deal of effort. For this reason, another use case is dedicated to the structured recording, storage and backup of all the information collected. Even before the expedition began, a detailed data plan was drawn up specifying how and where data is to be stored, what backup strategies are in place and how large volumes of data such as 3D point clouds are to be handled.

The aim is not only to back up all data without loss, but also to structure it in such a way that it can be easily analysed and reused afterwards – whether for scientific publications or future expeditions.
Only through good data management can observations later be scientifically analysed, compared and further developed. For the AET, one thing is clear: the expedition does not end with the journey back to Graz.

And as always: For all those who want to see and read more from us, there are regular updates on the AET and personal glimpses behind the scenes on our social media channels. See you soon in the next Arctic Log!

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