Peaks to pixels: Drone training at Ulriken for future geologists

After a brief introduction by Associate Professor Benjamin Aubrey Robson, students were divided into groups to try flying drones. For most, this was a new experience. Soon, the sound of propellers filled the air as drones took off near the Ulriken mast.

The excursion to the city’s highest point is part of the introductory course GEOV181. In this course, students learn to visualize, model, and analyze geoscientific data.

“It’s fantastic to be out here on the mountain, practicing the process of data collection. Being able to study this way motivates me to continue with geosciences,” says student Holger Stinesen.

Fellow student Hanne Mangset shares the enthusiasm:
“I really like that this course gives us practical experience. It’s great to get out and actually do this in real life, instead of just hearing about it. It gives us knowledge that’s crucial for becoming a good geologist.”

GEOV181 on a drone excursion to Ulriken: Students Holger Stinesen and Hanne Mangset at the controls, attempting to gather information with drones, alongside Associate Professor Benjamin Aubrey Robson and fellow students.

Photo:

Håvard Kroken Holme/ UiB

The excursion is both enjoyable and socially bonding. In the rocky terrain, PhD student Josse Maria van den Berg, from the Geodynamics and Basin Studies research group, has hidden three colorful bags of chocolate for the drone-flying students. The finder is the winner.

In-Demand Skills

“The goal is to introduce students to how geologists can collect geographical, spatial data using technology like drones. This allows them to see the landscape in 3D and generate more detailed data than traditional methods,” says Associate Professor Benjamin Aubrey Robson from the Department of Earth Science.

Robson, an expert in remote sensing, has been instrumental in establishing the new Bachelor’s program in Earth Science and Informatics – a forward-looking study that provides skills highly sought after in the job market.

“In the past, geological work was largely manual, with researchers typically going out into the field, drawing sketches, and taking notes. Drones and other fantastic tools we have today offer new ways to observe landscapes. When Google Earth came out, just as I started my geology studies, I was captivated. Now, I see a similar fascination when today’s students are introduced to technology like drones,” says Robson.

The information students collect on the excursion will be used to produce 3D models, allowing them to revisit the field area virtually to take measurements.

By flying over the same area multiple times, they can observe changes and gain insights into the landscape. For example, they can see how much a glacier has thinned or how a landslide has altered the terrain. This technology provides geologists with far more information and higher resolution than satellite images from Google Earth.

“When I was a student, we had to build our own drones. Over my years in the field since the early 2000s, I’ve witnessed significant technological advancements. Now, students can focus much more on data analysis and less on technical challenges,” comments Robson.

Joining Forces: National Collaboration in Earth Science Education

“We have long observed a strong growth in the demand for geoscientific expertise in society, particularly in connection with the green transition. In recent years, we have also seen an increasing demand for skills in spatial data analysis and ICT fields such as programming and machine learning. The new program addresses this need, and we expect the graduates to be highly sought after in the job market. It is also very popular among applicants – we had about three times as many first-choice applicants as available spots in the program,” says Head of Department, and Professor of Structural Geology and Basin Analysis, Atle Rotevatn at the Department of Earth Science.

Three to four years ago, there were 30-40 students in UiB’s spatial analysis course, where they create various maps and learn GIS software. Now, many more students want to take the course, with around 150 students interested this year. Efforts are now being made to expand the offering through national collaboration.

“With more students recognizing the need for this course, we’re trying to scale up and establish a national collaboration with the University of Oslo, Tromsø, and NTNU. The course could be ready as early as next August, offering students the chance to tackle various exciting tasks,” concludes Robson.

Soon, he will travel to Folgefonna with third-year students to conduct measurements with better-equipped, more powerful drones. He has returned there over several years to collect data with students and observe how much the glacier has melted.