The core of the UAV GeoLAB team consists of six researchers, supported by doctoral students and additional research staff involved in their projects. The members of UAV GeoLAB are affiliated with the Division of Photogrammetry, Teledetection, and Spatial Information Systems at WUT’s Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography.

The team is deeply involved in scientific projects, R&D initiatives, and expert consultations, offering advice on implementing various remote sensing sensors for imaging via unmanned platforms. One part of the team specializes in aerial photogrammetry using UAVs, leveraging their certified expertise, while the other focuses on geoinformatics, managing data processing, its automation, and developing software for remote sensing data analysis.

„On a daily basis, we operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) weighing up to 25 kg. Our fleet includes commercial multirotor drones fitted with a variety of sensors designed for imaging and measurement tasks. Among these are optical cameras that capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, enabling 3D imaging through image matching techniques. Another key type of sensor is the laser scanner (lidar), which actively scans the terrain using laser beams, producing millions of data points to depict both the topography and surface features, with the added ability to penetrate vegetation. Additionally, we carry out measurements and research with multispectral and thermal cameras, as well as ground-penetrating radar (GPR),” says Professor Krzysztof Bakuła and the leader of the UAV GeoLAB team.

The UAV GeoLAB team was initially formed during its first major project, "SAFEDAM – Advanced Technologies Supporting Flood Risk Prevention," which spanned five years. During this period, the team acquired their first drones equipped with scanners and cameras. The core members—Prof. Bakuła, Ostrowski, PhD, and Pilarska-Mazurek, PhD—also earned UAV pilot licenses, granting them the ability to operate both within visual line of sight and beyond. The project was widely promoted by the Central School of Fire Service (CSPSP) in Częstochowa and Polish Waters (IMGW-OTKZ).

Support "from the air" for business and science

The primary responsibility of the team, as researchers, alongside their teaching activities, is to secure and execute research and development projects.

"As a leading team, we have successfully collaborated with several WUT departments, such as the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering (WMEiIL), Faculty of Civil Engineering (WIL), and the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science (WMiNI), as well as with numerous external organizations. Service provision is equally crucial to our mission; we never decline requests from external entities, particularly research institutions, for data acquisition, as it often leads to further cooperation in data processing and analysis. We've also received requests from WUT’s administrative units to image building roofs or facades, and we always strive to respond positively," adds Prof. Bakuła.

The group supports any sector that requires aerial data acquisition or processing, whether for imaging or creating 3D models. Different tasks naturally demand the selection of suitable sensors and methodologies, and in this regard, our experts provide guidance and assistance to partners from both the university and the broader socio-economic community. The only prerequisites are a willingness to collaborate and the viability of using an unmanned aerial vehicle and the appropriate sensor to meet the specific need.

It's difficult to single out one signature project from the team. Alongside various R&D collaborations with commercial partners, their largest endeavor to date has been the development of an enhanced version of the LiMON UAV software. In this project, WUT researchers played a key role in advancing modern algorithms for processing low-altitude lidar data, in partnership with one of Poland's leading companies in photogrammetry and lidar software development.

"Each of the multi-million-dollar projects we have undertaken with funding from the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) has been captivating in its own way. These systems ranged from digital twins to portals showcasing products developed from photogrammetric and remote sensing data, benefiting sectors such as forestry, construction, transport, and energy. Furthermore, the team has engaged in archaeological projects supported by the National Science Centre (NCN), offering members like Ostrowski, PhD, Wilk, MSc, and Zachar, MSc, the rewarding opportunity to participate in archaeological missions, especially during the summer months," explains Prof. Bakuła.

From archaeology to forestry – how can drones help? 

The UAV GeoLAB team conducts projects for archaeologists, primarily under the direction of Ostrowski, PhD. In collaboration with representatives from Jagiellonian University and the University of Warsaw, he utilizes drones and close-range photogrammetry to perform ongoing inventories of archaeological sites. This work encompasses capturing images of successive layers and creating 3D models of the artifacts uncovered during their investigations.

„These projects are certainly among the rare initiatives undertaken by the three largest and most prestigious Polish universities, which fills us with pride. The initial measurement work was conducted in Pafos, but most research activities occur throughout the academic year. The documented discoveries are then integrated with materials provided by archaeologists, enabling our team members to model the ancient city and conduct syntactic analyses of the space, allowing us to describe and explain the spatial relationships within the analyzed complex,” explains Prof. Bakuła.

The current challenge for the team is to secure additional research projects and advance the spin-off company established by the researchers. Funded by WUT, 3D GeoLAB specializes in creating digital twins of cities and analyzing data from geodetic and cartographic resources, including images, point clouds, and 3D models. " This initiative is distinct from the scientific activities related to drones at UAV GeoLAB. However, we have developed valuable competencies over the years within this team, which allows us to commercialize the experience and skills we've gained in collaboration with our university. Integrating all these activities—research, implementation, and education—is no easy task. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic about future growth and partnerships with new teams," concludes Krzysztof Bakuła.