After obtaining its first approval to undertake commercial UAS operations in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Insitu Commercial Solutions—operating through Insitu Pacific Pty. Ltd.—recently conducted a series of aerial data collection operations in the country.

Through this activity, which was a first for both Insitu Commercial Solutions and PNG, Insitu showcased its proficiency and competence in becoming the primary contracted UAS operator in PNG.

“The approval in late 2018 was a direct result of our global history of safe, professional operations and close collaboration with the regulators in PNG,” says Andrew Duggan, vice president and managing director for Insitu Commercial Solutions.

“Insitu Commercial has been working closely with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), PNG and other government regulatory bodies to demonstrate safe and effective integration of UAS into PNG airspace.”

Over the course of several weeks, Insitu used visual line of sight (VLOS) UAS to conduct several remote sensing activities, as it supported earthquake remediation activities for clients in the remote and challenging highlands regions.

High resolution and accurate datasets were collected using advanced UAS Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Photogrammetric sensors. They were then processed to provide point cloud and imagery products.

Insitu notes that by having reliable and precise information delivered in a timely manner, these products allow its clients to make informed business decisions faster than through conventional data collection means.

“This achievement is a testament to the experience of our professional aviation staff in operating safely and effectively in some of the world’s more remote, rugged locations,” says Esina Alic, Insitu president and CEO.

“This endorsement from CASA and PNG will not only mean Insitu is able to expand commercial service-based offerings throughout the Asia Pacific region, but it also will mean that PNG-based enterprise clients now can benefit from the remote sensing technologies that Insitu is providing to mining, oil and gas, environmental and government entities globally.”