System for mapping radioactive contamination areas on the UAV platform
Technical sciences and technologies, Feb 2026
The article addresses the problem of improving radiation-contaminated area mapping using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as an element of environmental radiation monitoring. The relevance of the research is driven by the growing risks associated with nuclear accidents, damage to nuclear facilities, and the potential release of radioactive materials, which may result in large-scale radioactive contamination. Under such conditions, rapid, accurate, and safe acquisition of spatially referenced radiation data is crucial for decision-making, emergency response, evacuation planning, and mitigation measures. The study proposes an advanced UAV-based gamma-survey system focused on increasing the reliability and spatial resolution of radiation mapping results. Unlike traditional airborne gamma monitoring using manned aircraft, the proposed approach relies on a multirotor UAV platform capable of low-altitude flights and stationary hovering. This significantly enhances measurement resolution due to reduced flight altitude and speed, while also lowering operational costs and risks to personnel. A key feature of the proposed system is its modular architecture, which allows flexible replacement of functional units depending on mission objectives. The UAV payload includes a radiation sensing module with a gamma detector equipped with an adjustable aperture and a mechanism for lowering and raising the detector on a cable. This solution makes it possible to perform measurements at very low heights above the ground, bringing airborne gamma-survey data closer to ground-based measurements. Temperature and pressure sensors are integrated into the system to ensure accurate correction of radiation intensity values to standard atmospheric conditions. Another important component of the system is the creation of an up-to-date cartographic basis using aerial photogrammetry. During gamma surveying, high-resolution aerial images are collected to generate an orthophoto map of the study area at scales of 1:5000 for undeveloped territories and 1:2000 for built-up areas. In complex terrain, such as forested or highly dissected landscapes, LiDAR data acquisition can be additionally employed to improve terrain representation. This approach ensures that radiation data are visualized on an актуal and detailed spatial background, accounting for terrain depressions where radioactive fallout may accumulate. The gamma-survey process is organized in several stages. The first stage includes reconnaissance and generation of an orthophoto map combined with preliminary identification of radiation anomalies. The second stage involves detailed investigation of selected areas using low-altitude hovering and lowered detector measurements to refine the localization and intensity of gamma radiation. The third stage provides physical marking of high-radiation zones and safer evacuation routes directly from the UAV by deploying specially designed ground markers. This solution reduces the need for personnel to enter hazardous areas and minimizes additional radiation exposure. The proposed system also integrates precise positioning support through the use of a local GNSS base station, improving coordinate accuracy in areas with limited satellite signal reliability, such as narrow valleys or rugged terrain. Overall, the developed methodology increases the accuracy, operational efficiency, and safety of radiation-contaminated area mapping and demonstrates the potential of UAV-based gamma monitoring as an effective tool for emergency response and environmental protection.
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Article home page: https://tst.stu.cn.ua/article/view/356554/342443
Крячок Сергій, Терещук Олексій. System for mapping radioactive contamination areas on the UAV platform, Technical sciences and technologies, 2026, pp. 415-429,
