Radar System Development for Drone Borne Applications with Focus on Snowpack Parameters

• Main Author: Jenssen, Rolf-Ole Rydeng
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: UiT Norges arktiske universitet 2021
• Subjects: VDP::Technology: 500::Electrotechnical disciplines: 540::Electronics: 541; VDP::Teknologi: 500::Elektrotekniske fag: 540::Elektronikk: 541; VDP::Mathematics and natural science: 400::Physics: 430::Electromagnetism; acoustics; optics: 434; VDP::Matematikk og Naturvitenskap: 400::Fysikk: 430::Elektromagnetisme; akustikk; optikk: 434; VDP::Mathematics and natural science: 400::Physics: 430::Electronics: 435; VDP::Matematikk og Naturvitenskap: 400::Fysikk: 430::Elektronikk: 435; Arctic; arctic cryosphere
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10037/21043

A complete representation of the Arctic cryosphere has historically been restricted by its remoteness, large extent, and restrictions in measurement methods and equipment. Here, remote sensing of snow-cover is a central method to improve the current knowledge of the Earth's ecosystem, and hence a critical component in cryospheric models. The use of drone-borne radar systems has seen considerable advances over recent years, allowing for the application of drone-mounted remote sensing of snow properties. This thesis describes the development of an ultra-wideband radar system for drone-mounted snow measurements. From the initial testing and technical implementation to field trials and method development for more advanced radar data analysis. This involves the development of lightweight and high-bandwidth radar systems intending to understand the limitations of design parameters for drone-borne radar systems and how these parameters influence the ability to measure snow conditions. Such understanding includes antenna theory and ultra wide-band radar theory, where most choices involve compromises. Snow as an electromagnetic propagation medium is presented with a focus on the previous design solutions. In that respect, various methods to measure snow parameters are discussed. Furthermore, this thesis aims to describe the iterative process of a drone-borne radar system development and how experiences from field trials are central to further improvements.