Introduction

The utilization of advanced drone technology in Malaysia’s tropical highlands represents a significant leap forward in infrastructure development and risk management. The CW-25E electric VTOL drone, coupled with the JoLiDAR-LR22S sensor, proved to be a game-changer in mapping the challenging 45 km border road. This innovative approach not only expedited the survey process but also provided unprecedented accuracy in data collection. The high-resolution 3D point clouds, with their impressive 5 cm/pixel resolution, offered engineers a detailed and comprehensive view of the terrain, allowing for precise identification of potential hazards and unstable slopes.

This technological advancement has far-reaching implications for highway construction projects in geographically complex regions. By enabling engineers to design targeted preventive measures, the drone survey significantly enhances the safety of both construction workers and nearby communities. Moreover, this approach likely reduces the overall project timeline and costs associated with traditional survey methods, while simultaneously improving the quality and reliability of the data collected. The success of this project in Malaysia serves as a compelling case study for the integration of drone technology in infrastructure development, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters such as landslides. It showcases how cutting-edge technology can be effectively employed to overcome environmental challenges and ensure the longevity and safety of critical infrastructure projects.

The Challenge: Landslides in Tropical Terrain

Malaysia’s mountainous regions present a unique set of challenges for landslide monitoring and risk assessment. The combination of heavy monsoon rains, dense tropical vegetation, and complex geological formations creates an environment highly susceptible to landslides. These factors not only increase the frequency of landslide occurrences but also make it difficult to predict and monitor potential hazard zones effectively. The dense forest canopy often obscures the ground surface, limiting the effectiveness of satellite-based remote sensing techniques. Additionally, the steep and often inaccessible terrain makes traditional ground-based surveys both dangerous and time-consuming.

To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for innovative approaches that can overcome the limitations of conventional surveying methods. An ideal solution would need to provide high-resolution data capable of penetrating the forest canopy, operate efficiently in challenging terrain, and deliver results quickly enough to support timely decision-making. Such a system would need to be adaptable to the harsh tropical conditions, including high humidity and frequent rainfall, while also being cost-effective and scalable for large-area surveys. The development of such a solution could significantly enhance landslide risk management in Malaysia and potentially in other regions with similar geographical and climatic characteristics.

The Technology: CW-25E Drone + JoLiDAR-LR22S

1. CW-25E Electric VTOL Drone

• Endurance: 210-minute flight time per charge, critical for covering large areas (14 flights over 10 days).
• Payload Capacity: 6 kg, sufficient to carry the JoLiDAR-LR22S and its peripherals.
• Environmental Adaptability: Operates in high humidity, light rain, and temperatures of up to 40°C, making it ideal for Malaysia’s climate.
• Precision Landing: Autonomous takeoff/landing with <15 cm accuracy, ensuring repeatable data collection.