Quadcopter for Remote Data Collection

Abstract

Reliable location tracking in remote and infrastructure-deficient areas remains a significant challenge, especially where cellular or Wi-Fi networks are sparse or unavailable. Traditional tracking systems often rely on short-range communication or high-cost GSM modules, making them unsuitable for rural applications. This project investigates the potential of combining GPS geolocation with LoRa-based communication to create a low-cost, energy-efficient tracking solution that performs effectively in long-range, low-power scenarios. An evaluation of existing tracking technologies revealed critical limitations in affordability, coverage, and power consumption, particularly for portable and field-based use cases. These findings led to the design and development of a lightweight tracker device that leverages low-power wide-area networking (LPWAN) for data transmission. The system is built around the Arduino UNO microcontroller, integrated with a NEO-6M GPS module for real-time coordinate acquisition and an SX1278 LoRa transceiver for wireless communication. A custom-designed PCB was implemented to streamline the hardware and reduce the footprint of the device. The tracker periodically captures GPS data and transmits it via LoRa to a remote receiver, enabling live monitoring without dependency on cellular infrastructure. Field deployment tests demonstrated successful real-time tracking with reliable transmission over distances up to 2 kilometers, maintaining low packet loss and minimal power draw throughout operation.This LoRa-GPS tracker provides a scalable and adaptable alternative for various use cases, including livestock monitoring, luggage tracking, and search-and-rescue support in disconnected terrains. Unlike conventional GSM-based systems, the proposed solution offers superior range, reduced operational costs, and a modular design suitable for expansion. Future enhancements include replacing the Arduino UNO with more power-efficient microcontrollers, implementing encryption for secure data transfer, and extending communication range through mesh networking.

Introduction

The integration of quadcopters with environmental sensors and long-range communication like LoRaWAN offers an effective solution for real-time monitoring and emergency communication in remote, hazardous terrains such as mountains, forests, and disaster zones. Equipped with sensors (DHT11 for temperature/humidity, BMP280 for pressure), GPS (Neo-6M), and cameras (ESP32), these drones can collect vital environmental and positional data and transmit it to ground stations for analysis and rapid response.

A modular quadcopter system was developed using an F450 frame, BLDC motors, and an ArduPilot flight controller. It communicates via LoRaWAN to cover long distances with low power. An emergency trekker module with GPS-GSM and SOS capability allows users to send location alerts via SMS in areas without cellular coverage.

The system includes hardware integration (sensors, transmitters, flight controllers), software development (Arduino IDE, Mission Planner), and testing for range, accuracy, and emergency response. The ground station receives data and displays it for monitoring. Manual flight control is also possible via an RF remote.

Tests confirmed reliable sensor data acquisition, LoRa communication, GPS tracking, and SOS alerting, proving the system’s effectiveness for applications like disaster relief, forest monitoring, and trekking safety.

Conclusion

This study successfully demonstrates the design, development, and implementation of a quadcopter-based system for remote environmental data collection and emergency communication. By integrating onboard sensors, a GPS module, LoRa communication, and a GSM-based trekker alert mechanism, the project effectively meets its core objective of enabling real-time monitoring in inaccessible or hazardous locations. The quadcopter, equipped with DHT11 and BMP280 sensors, reliably measured temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure during flight. Data was transmitted to a ground station via LoRaWAN, with consistent performance up to 1.5 kilometers in line-of-sight conditions. The trekker module, designed for emergency location sharing, successfully transmitted GPS coordinates via SMS upon receiving a command or SOS trigger, proving its value as a lightweight personal safety tool. Flight tests confirmed system stability, payload capability, and communication reliability. All modules operated efficiently on battery power, and telemetry was displayed and managed through Mission Planner and Arduino serial interfaces. To further expand the capabilities of the system, future work can focus on integrating autonomous obstacle avoidance using ultrasonic or LiDAR sensors, enabling the drone to navigate unpredictable terrain safely. Cloud-based IoT dashboards can be added to visualize live sensor and location data remotely. Enhancing the accuracy of environmental sensing through advanced sensor arrays and extending LoRa mesh networks could improve data reliability and coverage. Additionally, incorporating solar charging mechanisms and optimizing power management would significantly extend mission duration, making the system even more suited for long-term field deployments.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 D. Sujatha, S. Bharathi, B. Gobieswar, A. Kesow, R. Vivinyaa, P. Nandhini. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.