How JBUAS and SPH Engineering Are Transforming UAV‑Based Geophysics in the UK

Over the past decade, drone‑based sensing has moved from experimental curiosity to a proven, commercially viable toolset for surveyors, engineers, and environmental specialists.

At the centre of this shift in the UK is the close partnership between JBUAS and SPH Engineering, a collaboration that has accelerated the adoption of advanced UAV geophysical technologies across multiple industries.

Today, JBUAS stands as SPH Engineering’s official UK reseller, integration partner, and demonstration centre, delivering fully configured drone surveying systems built around SPH’s UgCS core system, SkyHub onboard computer, and a growing suite of specialised sensors.

A Partnership Built on Technical Depth

The relationship between JBUAS and SPH Engineering is not a simple reseller arrangement. It is a daily, collaborative technical exchange that spans:

• sensor integration and testing
• flight‑planning optimisation
• terrain‑following and obstacle‑avoidance workflows
• magnetometry, GPR, echo sounding, methane detection, and other specialised payloads
• hands-on project support for clients adopting UAV‑based geophysical survey methods

The relationship between JBUAS and SPH ensures that UK customers receive not only the hardware but also the expertise needed to deploy it effectively in demanding environments.

The UK’s Dedicated UAV Geophysical Test & Training Centre

In 2024, JBUAS launched a 7,500 m² geophysical drone test and training centre — the first facility of its kind in the UK. Purpose‑built around SPH Engineering’s technologies, the site allows clients to experience:

• True Terrain Following missions
• multi‑sensor workflows
• buried‑target simulation
• magnetometer and GPR calibration
• echo‑sounder deployment in controlled conditions

This centre has rapidly become a national hub for organisations seeking hands‑on training, system trials, and proof‑of‑concept demonstrations.

Delivering Integrated Systems for Real‑World Problems

JBUAS specialises in building complete, ready‑to‑deploy UAV platforms that combine:

• DJI M300 RTK, DJI M350 RTK, and DJI M400 aircraft
• SPH Engineering’s SkyHub onboard computer
• TTF radar
• interchangeable geophysical sensors
• custom mounting solutions
• workflow training and operational support

This modular approach allows surveyors and engineers to switch between sensors quickly, adapting a single aircraft to multiple project types — from utility mapping and archaeology to environmental monitoring and infrastructure inspection.

Driving Industry Adoption Across the UK and Beyond

The partnership has already supported projects across construction, energy, utilities, environmental remediation, and heritage sectors. As demand grows for faster, safer, and more cost‑effective subsurface and environmental data collection, UAV‑based sensing is becoming a mainstream tool — and JBUAS is at the forefront of that transition.

Increasingly, JBUAS is also being invited to support international deployments, reflecting SPH Engineering’s confidence in the company’s technical capability and training expertise.

A Shared Vision

JBUAS and SPH Engineering are committed to pushing the boundaries of what UAVs can achieve. With new sensors, improved autonomy, and expanding software capabilities on the horizon, the partnership is positioned to lead the next wave of innovation in drone geophysics.

For UK organisations seeking to modernise their survey workflows, reduce field risk, and unlock new data‑collection capabilities, JBUAS provides not just equipment — but gives organisations the skills to maximise their drone‑based survey services.

JBUAS Open Days 2026 Showcase the Expanding Role of Drone Sensor Technology

JBUAS Open Days 2026 demonstrated how advanced drone sensors are transforming geophysical surveying, environmental monitoring, archaeology, construction and other specialist applications.

JB Unmanned Aerial Systems (JBUAS) welcomed industry professionals, technology specialists and drone operators to its 2026 Open Days on 7–8 July. The event brought together leading experts in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), geophysical sensors, data processing and drone operations. JBUAS hosted the event at its Test & Trial Centre (TTC) near Peterborough. The two-day event combined technical presentations, live drone demonstrations and data-review sessions. Across these platforms, JBUAS showed how operators can use UAV technology to collect increasingly sophisticated information from the air.
The event highlighted a significant shift in the role of drones. Rather than simply providing an aerial platform for conventional cameras, modern UAS can carry specialist sensors that survey teams traditionally deploy from people, vehicles and boats.

From drones to data collection platforms

One of the key themes of the JBUAS Open Days was the growing range of sensors that can be integrated with drones.
The programme featured demonstrations and presentations covering:

• UAV magnetometers and gradiometers
• Ground penetrating radar (GPR)
• Gamma-ray spectrometers
• Electromagnetic (EM) sensing
• Methane and other gas detection
• Echo sounders and multibeam sonar
• Sidescan sonar
• Water sampling technology

The demonstrations included SENSYS R1 and R4 magnetometer systems, MagNIMBUS, the MagWalk system and MagBase. In addition, hydrographic sensors, including the ECT400S EchoSounder and water samplers were discussed. On the second day, visitors saw live demonstrations of Falcon laser methane detection, GEM 2 EM sensing, gamma-ray spectrometry and Aero 500/600 MHz GPR. This breadth of technology demonstrates how UAVs are increasingly becoming flexible data-collection platforms. Drone technology is capable of supporting specialist investigations across a wide range of environments.

Advanced sensors for real-world applications

Survey teams have deployed many of the sensor technologies demonstrated at the JBUAS Open Days manually for decades. The important development is how integrating these sensors with UAV platforms can change the way surveyors collect data. Magnetometers, for example, have a long history in geological and mineral exploration. At the JBUAS Open Days, visitors saw how modern drone-mounted magnetometers can be deployed for airborne geophysical surveying. This approach can provide an alternative to conventional ground-based survey methods, particularly where terrain, vegetation, water or access makes traditional surveying difficult.

Potential applications include:

• Mineral exploration and geological mapping
• Archaeological investigation
• UXO and buried-object detection
• Construction and infrastructure surveys
• Pipeline and utility investigations
• Methane and gas monitoring
• Soil and environmental mapping
• Bathymetric and riverbed surveys
• Pollution and legacy mining investigations

The event’s programme also demonstrated the growing importance of data processing alongside sensor hardware, with dedicated sessions examining magnetometer, GPR, gamma-ray, EM and hydrographic datasets.

Drone magnetometry takes centre stage

JBUAS showcased drone-based magnetometry as one of the event’s key technologies.
The Open Days included live demonstrations of SENSYS magnetometer technology and the SPH MagNIMBUS system, giving visitors the opportunity to see how operators can carry out airborne magnetic surveying using UAV platforms. The technology is particularly relevant to applications where teams need to survey large areas efficiently or where ground access is difficult. A recent Mining Magazine feature from the event also highlighted the evolution of magnetometers from instruments traditionally used by geologists to airborne systems integrated with modern UAV platforms. GPR, gamma-ray and gas detection from the air. The Open Days also demonstrated how drones are extending the reach of other specialist sensing technologies.

Speakers included JBUAS Director Jonathan Brindley, ERCS International Director Ed Rich, SENSYS project engineer Markus Schikorra, SPH Engineering Partnership Director Janis Janums, Skyworthy founder Martin Johnson, Radar Systems’ Sergey Zelenkov and Medusa Radiometrics representatives Steven van der Veek and Carola Kolkena.
The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to discuss practical applications, operational challenges and the future direction of drone-based sensing.

The future of drone-based surveying

The JBUAS Open Days 2026 demonstrated how quickly UAV technology is developing beyond conventional aerial imaging.
The combination of increasingly capable sensors, autonomous flight planning, advanced data processing and specialist UAV platforms is opening up new possibilities for geophysical and environmental surveying. From detecting buried objects and mapping geological features to monitoring gases, surveying waterways and investigating archaeological sites, drones are becoming an increasingly versatile tool for collecting information from challenging environments.

For JBUAS, the Open Days provided an opportunity to demonstrate this technology in practical, real-world applications and to bring together the organisations developing, supplying and using the next generation of drone-based survey systems. As the technology continues to develop, the future of UAS surveying is likely to be defined not simply by how drones fly, but by the quality and variety of data they can collect. JBUAS would like to thank all speakers, partners, visitors and attendees who contributed to the success of the 2026 Open Days.

About JBUAS

JB Unmanned Aerial Systems (JBUAS) specialises in the integration of advanced sensors with unmanned aerial systems. Working closely with technology partners including SPH Engineering, SENSYS, Radar Systems and Medusa Radiometrics, JBUAS provides drone-based solutions for geophysical surveying, environmental monitoring, archaeology, hydrography and other specialist applications.

JBUAS showcased its latest drone archaeology survey technology at the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Conference 2026, demonstrating how UAV-mounted magnetometers can improve the speed, safety and efficiency of archaeological geophysical surveys.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to discuss developments in archaeological practice, exchange ideas with industry specialists and explore how emerging technologies are supporting more efficient and sustainable survey methodologies. It also enabled the JBUAS team to strengthen relationships across the sector and gain valuable insight into the evolving needs of archaeological organisations.

What is Drone Magnetometry?

Drone magnetometry is an advanced geophysical survey technique that combines unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with highly sensitive magnetic sensors to detect subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. These variations can reveal buried archaeological features such as ditches, walls, kilns and other structures without disturbing the ground.
Compared with traditional hand-held surveys, UAV magnetometry can cover significantly larger areas in less time, improve operator safety and deliver consistent, high-resolution datasets, even across challenging or inaccessible terrain. This makes it a valuable tool for archaeological site evaluation, heritage management and non-invasive investigations.

Demonstrating UAV Magnetometer Surveys

JBUAS attended the CIfA Conference to demonstrate how drone survey technology can complement established archaeological survey methods through faster and more efficient data collection. At the event, the team showcased the DJI Matrice 300 RTK equipped with the MagNIMBUS atomic total-field magnetometer from SPH Engineering. The lightweight UAV-mounted system is designed to collect survey-grade magnetic data while reducing the time, cost and logistical challenges often associated with conventional ground-based surveys.
The technology generated significant interest among delegates, leading to discussions about how drone magnetometer surveys can help archaeological professionals gather high-resolution geophysical data across large sites in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.

Supporting Better Archaeological Decision-Making

By enabling rapid, non-invasive mapping of extensive areas, UAV-based geophysical surveys provide valuable information during site evaluation, heritage management and excavation planning. The ability to collect accurate data efficiently allows project teams to make informed decisions earlier in the investigation process while reducing disruption on site.
JBUAS works closely with archaeologists, consultants and heritage professionals to integrate advanced UAV technology into existing survey workflows, providing practical solutions for faster, safer and more efficient archaeological investigations.

Conclusion

As archaeological projects continue to seek faster, safer and more sustainable methods of non-invasive archaeological survey methods, UAV-mounted geophysical surveying is becoming an increasingly important tool for heritage professionals. JBUAS remains committed to helping archaeology professionals adopt these technologies through specialist equipment, technical expertise and practical field support.

Drone GPR Survey of Queen Maeve’s Cairn Demonstrates New Approach to Archaeology

JBUAS has supported a drone-based GPR survey of Queen Maeve’s Cairn in County Sligo, demonstrating the value of non-invasive UAV archaeology. Queen Maeve’s Cairn is one of Ireland’s best-known megalithic monuments. The vast stone cairn sits on the summit of Knocknarea and is traditionally associated with Queen Maeve, the legendary warrior queen of Connacht.

Despite its importance, the interior of the monument remains unknown. The cairn has never been excavated, leaving unanswered questions about its construction, internal structure and whether archaeological features survive beneath the extensive stone mound.

In 2025, archaeologist Sally Siggins, supported by an Archaeology Research Grant, investigated whether drone-based Ground Penetrating Radar could provide a way to examine the monument without disturbing it.

The project brought together archaeological expertise and specialist UAV geophysical technology, including a 150 MHz RadSys GPR system integrated with the UgCS SkyHub Terrain Following System.

Using drone GPR to investigate an unexcavated monument

The primary objective of the research was to establish whether drone-based GPR could successfully survey a large hilltop cairn and identify potential internal features.

Unlike conventional archaeological investigation, the survey was entirely non-invasive. The team flew the UAV and GPR antenna no more than 5 metres above the monument, allowing them to collect data without physical contact with the cairn.

The challenging terrain meant that a conventional criss-cross survey pattern was not practical. Instead, the survey followed the edges of the monument using parallel flight lines, with additional flights across the top to capture a complete profile.

The drone was flown at approximately 1 metre line spacing and at a maximum speed of 1 metre per second. This approach was designed to maximise the horizontal resolution of the collected GPR data.

The survey data was recorded as GPR B-scans before being transferred for visualisation and interpretation. Further processing and the development of 3D C-scan visualisations are ongoing.

Challenging terrain for UAV archaeological surveying

Knocknarea presents a demanding environment for any archaeological survey.

The mountain is a popular hiking destination and is strongly associated with Irish mythology and heritage. Queen Maeve’s Cairn is located at the summit, while the lower slopes include distinctive geological and natural features.

Nearby, The Glen is a particularly unusual landscape feature on the southern side of Knocknarea. Atlas Obscura describes it as a tiny “microvalley” surrounded by steep rock walls and dense vegetation.

The surrounding terrain illustrates the combination of geological, environmental and archaeological characteristics that make the area both scientifically interesting and challenging to survey.

Atlas Obscura notes that Knocknarea is a popular destination because of its archaeological and mythological associations. However, The Glen remains relatively little visited.

For a UAV-based geophysical survey, these conditions make accurate flight planning and maintaining a consistent sensor height particularly important.

UgCS SkyHub and True Terrain Following

Maintaining a controlled sensor position above uneven archaeological sites is one of the key challenges when deploying GPR from a UAV.

The survey used the UgCS SkyHub system together with True Terrain Following technology to support accurate data collection across the uneven surface of the cairn.

JBUAS specialises in integrated UAV geophysical systems, combining drones with sensors, onboard computing and automated flight planning. The UgCS SkyHub platform is designed to collect and store sensor data while supporting specialist flight-control functions, including True Terrain Following.

For archaeological applications, this type of integration can provide a significant advantage. A UAV can follow a planned survey pattern while maintaining a controlled sensor height. This helps produce consistent and repeatable geophysical data.

Promising results for archaeological GPR

The 2025 survey successfully demonstrated that drone-based GPR can be used to investigate large hilltop cairns and identify potential internal features.

The preliminary results identified a number of anomalies that researchers are investigating further. The findings remain subject to additional surveys, data processing and verification.

The research report concludes that the technique has significant potential for archaeologists working on challenging, unexcavated sites and that further research is planned.

A non-invasive approach to archaeological investigation

One of the most important aspects of the project is its non-invasive nature.

Traditional archaeological investigation can require excavation, which may be inappropriate or undesirable for nationally important monuments. Geophysical techniques such as GPR provide an alternative way of investigating what lies beneath or within a site without physically disturbing it.

Drone deployment can extend this capability to locations where conventional ground-based surveying is difficult, including steep slopes, rough terrain and large monuments.

JBUAS has previously supported the development and application of drone-based geophysical systems for archaeology, including UAV magnetometry and GPR. The company has also worked with organisations interested in developing practical workflows for drone archaeology.

The Queen Maeve’s Cairn project demonstrates how these technologies can be brought together for a particularly challenging archaeological environment.

The future of drone-based archaeology

The successful survey at Knocknarea adds to the growing body of evidence that UAV-mounted geophysical sensors can provide valuable data for archaeological research.

For archaeologists, the ability to survey difficult or sensitive locations from the air could open up new opportunities for investigating monuments without excavation.

The Queen Maeve’s Cairn research is continuing, with additional survey work planned to further assess the methodology and provide greater confidence in the results.

As archaeological authorities and researchers continue to evaluate the findings, the project provides an important case study in the use of drone GPR for archaeology and demonstrates how UAV technology can complement established archaeological survey techniques.

JBUAS will continue to support the development of UAV-based geophysical survey technology for archaeology and other applications where accessing the survey area safely, efficiently and non-invasively is essential.

Further information on drone-based ground penetrating radar is available from JBUAS.

JBUAS is the official UK partner for SPH Engineering. We visited SPH Engineering during September to have discussions about ongoing technology collaborations and the schedule for new technology releases. JBUAS was also provided an overview of the new Custom Payload Monitor (CPM) OS environment.

SPH Engineering has an open day at least once a year, and this year it included full access to their test site for two days of live demos, hands-on sessions, and direct interaction with the latest drone-integrated sensor technologies.

During the two days, we had a first-hand look at the new multibeam sonar and the new SkyHub 3 M400 configuration. Along with these useful features, we also had a look at developments for drone-based magnetometers, GPR, echo sounders, metal detectors, and methane detectors. Of particular note was the in-depth review of the real-time data collection and post-flight processing. After several hours of data analysis, we were all sold on the use of DroneGIS for processing and presenting data directly to clients. Whether you’re in geophysics, hydrology, engineering, archaeology, public safety, or research, this event gave the chance to explore how drone-based solutions can streamline commercial survey operations.

The SPH team of drone specialists conducted live demonstrations featuring the M350 RTK and M400 UAV:

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – Witnessed subsurface exploration and geophysical survey capabilities
Magnetometer Technology – Saw ferrous material detection and geological mapping in action
Echo Sounder Systems – Experienced bathymetric surveys and underwater data collection techniques‍
Methane Detection Solutions – Observed environmental monitoring and gas leak detection applications

 

JBUAS UK Test & Training Centre

JBUAS, the UK’s leading UAV drone geophysical sensor specialist, has opened a dedicated drone centre for testing, training, and calibrating geophysical sensors integrated to UAV drones. The purpose-built site incorporates a true terrain following (TTF) area, an obstacle mitigation area, an echo sounder test pond, a dedicated magnetometer scanning area, a ‘bespoke’ buried items area, and a dedicated training room.

The 7500 sqm site is located in South Holland, Lincolnshire, around 25 minutes by car from the main A1 Peterborough A1M services junction. The drone test centre is available for hire to industrial customers as well as being used by JBUAS to demonstrate UAV bathymetry and UAV drone sensors, train customers in configuring and calibrating integrations, drone sensor training, and post-purchase familiarisation in using UAV sensory equipment.

To find out more – PRESS HERE

Drone Bathymetry – New Speed-Fin System

Drone bathymetry just got quicker… now survey at 1.5 m/second! It’s official… the long-awaited fin stability system from SPH Engineering is now available from JBUAS. Whether you’re buying a new Echo or require an upgrade of your existing system, get in touch to get your hands on this new setup.

The Past

Previously, we conducted bathymetric surveys at around 0.8 m/sec. While this speed worked well for smaller ponds and inland water bodies, larger survey areas often made drone deployment less cost-effective.

It’s true to say that deploying a drone takes far less time than getting an SUV in the water – generally speaking. The main limitation was speed, as outside of Grasshopper Mode (G Mode), the USV consistently outperformed the drone echo on survey speed. Find out more about how drone bathymetry and the available options here: Drone Bathymetry.

Grasshopper (G) Mode

The G Mode enables drone pilots to pick many points in a water body to drop the echosounder precisely ‘on a dime’ to take a reading. For example, where reeds or debris are present, G Mode enables operators to collect data between and around these features. This proves invaluable as USVs struggle to get between reeds or over into some water areas. When deploying G Mode, operators do not require the fin stability system and remove it before use.

Get in touch to find out more about G Mode: info@jbuas.co.uk

Fin Stability System

The new fin system allows operators to deploy any compatible echo by drone at a drag speed of 1.5 m/second. This is more than a leisurely stroll and unlocks many ‘out of reach’ projects for drone deployment.

Get in Touch

If you would like to learn more about a demo or trial of a system, get in touch. JBUAS are happy to provide demonstrations or even small trials to prove capability. Email us at info@jbuas.co.uk.

Drone Archaeology

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) invited JBUAS to Stirling, and we were proud to attend their event. JBUAS was able to introduce the audience to various UAV geophysical sensor systems that could be deployed for supporting archaeology projects.

With over 50 people present, there were many interested parties, including several companies that deliver drone-based geophysical services. The highlight of the event was the academic papers that detailed how geophysics can be used to ‘layer’ different data types for a more thorough understanding. Also, the balanced debate on ways to save project cost using geophysical techniques (or not) was utterly fascinating.

Trial Days

JBUAS is pleased to announce that we have agreed to support several trials of various systems (magnetometers/GPR) on some important sites in both Scotland and England. We look forward to supporting these surveys and furthering the development of effective workflows for drone archaeology, i.e., based geophysical sensors.

Learn more about drone magnetometry for archaeology here: Magnetometry

Get in touch: Contact us.

JBUAS Supports University GPR Development

JBUAS is partnering with a leading university to develop an integrated Mag/GPR/Camera system for detecting UXO. The project team hopes to deploy the system in Ukraine and other regions experiencing conflict.

The project’s lead professor and PhD students visited the JBUAS Test Centre to collect sample data. They surveyed various zones across the JBUAS test range to support their GPR development. A highlight of the visit was the arrival of a compact autonomous buggy that was actively collecting data across the test range. This was no ordinary buggy. The vehicle carried the latest sensors and a compact onboard computer system. This computer records all the different data sets and then fuses them together for the AI to do its work.

The AI learns to recognise UXO signatures and distinguish them from non-hazardous objects. As it processes additional datasets, the system continually improves its accuracy and reliability. This is very clever, as it gets better every time it sees a new data set… better and better and better and better and…

A New AI Future

According to Simon Navin (MRICS), “For many years, surveyors have relied on instrumentation they operate to collect and manage data in the field, such as total stations, GPS receivers and laser scanners. Even though these instruments and systems have become more sophisticated and increasingly automated, they still rely on human set-up and operation. Furthermore, remote-sensed spatial data, including aerial and satellite imagery, has reduced the need for some fieldwork. Surveyors can now assess vegetation encroachment and ownership extents through desktop GIS analysis.

These technologies allow for determination of client requirements and impacts at scale and the ability to create automated routines and classification, saving time and improving accuracy in many cases. While these methods are effective, they still require an element of labour-intensive human resources, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Enter AI, which offers opportunities to streamline surveying operations, provide location intelligence, improve accuracy and enhance decision-making processes. “See here, AI is transforming our approach to solving complex issues: AI Future

For more information on our airborne sensors, click below:

• Airborne Magnetometers
• Airborne GPR
• UAV Thermal

University AI-driven System

This technology will be available soon, so follow our progress as we work with the university to deliver the final project.

To find out how we can support your R&D, get in touch.

Contact us today!

JBUAS welcomed visitors to our test and trial centre recently to see drone sensors perform on our flying range.

JBUAS Test and Trial Centre – TTC

A completely full car park guaranteed a large audience to watch engineers from SPH Engineering and SENSYS – Magnetometers & Survey Solutions configure GPR and magnetometers of different types. During the day we demonstrated the new SENSYS R1, the new SPH MagNIMBUS, the SENSYS R4, and the versatile RadSys LF GPR. During the afternoon we explored AI software solutions and delved deep into the SkyHub 3 and True Terrain Following, Object Avoidance, and the UgCS mission planning software. We were pleased to see many people flying in from several countries outside the UK. Attendees praised the event and provided good feedback.

JBUAS Partnerships

JBUAS specialises in geophysical sensors and is a key partner to SPH, SENSYS, and RadSys, amongst others. If you would like to know more about how we can help your business make a commercial success through adopting any of our sensor solutions, get in touch. JBUAS specialises in geophysical sensor systems and can offer customers a complete solution, including hardware, software, and training.

For more contact: info@jbuas.co.uk

Or see our website: www.jbuas.co.uk

JBUAS visited GEOBusiness 2024 (4-5th June) to show off our latest sensors and systems. GEOBUSINESS 2024 is the UK’s leading platform for the drone industry to connect with the geospatial community. This year there were solutions from 130+ geospatial brands.

Along with exhibitor stands, there were partner events, speaker sessions, and a full education programme. JBUAS showcased the RADSYS UAV LF GPR, the SENSYS R1 and R4 UAV Magnetometer, the SPH Engineering UgCS SkyHub 3 with onboard computer with True Terrain Following, and the SPH Engineering Echosounder system. Our staff were on the stand along with representatives from our main technology partners – SENSYS and RADSYS.

JBUAS also launched the new Test and Training Centre for Geophysical Drone Sensor Systems. The test centre, based just north east of Peterborough, provides free comparisons of handheld equipment with drone sensor equivalents. For further information on the test centre and a free technology comparison, get in touch. Make an Enquiry