Methane Leak Screening
Screen pipelines, production assets, processing facilities and landfills for elevated methane signals and likely source areas.
01 · Start With the Detection Objective
What Must the System Find?
“Gas detection” can mean wide-area methane screening, close-range concentration mapping, air-quality monitoring or incident support. The target parameter and required output determine the right sensing path.
Multi-Gas Mapping
Configure sensing modules around selected gases and particulates, then view concentration distribution across the mission area.
Air-Quality Monitoring
Collect hyper-local data for environmental programs, industrial perimeters, communities, ports and research campaigns.
Incident Intelligence
Give trained response teams remote situational data around suspected airborne hazards while maintaining an approved operating perimeter.
Routine Trending
Repeat structured routes to compare conditions over time, flag anomalies and prioritize closer inspection or ground verification.
02 · Choose the Sensing Method
Remote Laser or In-Situ Sampling?
Both methods can be valuable, but they measure differently. Select the technology around the target gas, standoff requirement, expected concentration, asset geometry and deliverable.
Open-Path TDLAS Methane Screening
A tunable laser is directed toward a surface and the returned signal is analyzed at methane-specific wavelengths. The result is a path-integrated methane measurement that can support rapid remote screening.
- Methane-specific inspection programs
- Remote standoff from the measured surface
- Pipeline and facility screening
- Hotspot localization and follow-up prioritization
In-Situ Multi-Gas Concentration Mapping
Ambient air is drawn across configured sensing modules. Each measurement can be time-stamped and georeferenced to build 2D or 3D views of concentration distribution.
- Configurable gas and particulate parameters
- Hyper-local concentration mapping
- Air-quality and incident-response applications
- Aerial, vehicle and ground-robot integration
!
The Unit Matters
Remote methane systems may report path-integrated concentration such as ppm·m, while in-situ modules report local concentration such as ppm or ppb. These values answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable.
03 · Current Detection Pathways
Sensor, Aircraft and Software as One System
A useful deployment includes more than a detector. It connects the measurement technology to a compatible carrier, reliable positioning, mission control, visualization, reporting and a defined verification process.
Methane Screening & Localization
MetScan
OP-TDLAS
OP-TDLAS
MetScan + AIRINS.ai
A methane-specific remote sensing and analytics workflow designed for repeatable screening across pipelines and facilities. Measurements, synchronized video and mission context are combined to help identify and prioritize suspected methane hotspots.
Up to 50 Hz
Manufacturer-Stated Data Output
M350 / M400
Current DJI PSDK Integration
2D / 3D
Interactive Screening Views
- Diffuse-Reflection OP-TDLAS
- Dual-View Synchronized Video
- Geo-Referenced Hotspot Review
- CSV, JSON and SHP Exports
- AI-Assisted Reporting
- DJI Pilot App Integration
Multi-Gas & Air-Quality Mapping
Sniffer4D
Nano 2 Plus
Nano 2 Plus
Sniffer4D Nano 2 Plus + AIRINS.ai
A compact, configurable sensing platform for gas, particulate and methane applications. It supports live system control and data display across selected DJI Enterprise workflows, with mapped concentration outputs for operational review.
5 Slots
Internal Sensing Module Capacity
Multi-Platform
Air, Vehicle & Ground Robot
PDF / DOCX
Generated Report Formats
- Selectable Sensing Modules
- Multi-Pass TDLAS Methane Option
- DJI Pilot Live Display
- FlightHub 2 Integration
- 2D and 3D Concentration Views
- CSV, JSON and SHP Exports
04 · Configured Purchase Pathways
Build Around the Mission
The final configuration can include new equipment or extend a compatible fleet. Aircraft and payload compatibility, firmware, mounting, software licensing and current regional availability are confirmed before quotation.
Methane Localization
Matrice 400 / 350 + MetScan
Remote methane screening for pipelines, facilities and large inspection programs, paired with AIRINS.ai visualization and reporting.
Configure This Path →Multi-Gas Mapping
DJI Enterprise + Sniffer4D
Match a supported aircraft to the selected gas or particulate modules, live-view workflow and required concentration deliverables.
Select Parameters →Remote Operations
Dock 3 + Matrice 4D / 4TD
Evaluate repeatable Sniffer4D monitoring through a dock-based workflow, including route design, data movement and operating approvals.
Explore Remote Operations →Existing Fleet
Payload & Software Integration
Review aircraft compatibility, payload interfaces, mounting, power, firmware, software, training and support for equipment already in service.
Review My Fleet →
05 · Select the Parameters
One Detector Does Not Measure Every Gas
Sensor technology, measurement range, detection limit, response time, environmental interference and cross-sensitivity vary by parameter. Confirm the exact sensing module against the expected field condition.
Build a Sensor Configuration
CH₄
Methane
H₂S
Hydrogen Sulphide
NH₃
Ammonia
CO
Carbon Monoxide
NO₂
Nitrogen Dioxide
SO₂
Sulphur Dioxide
O₃
Ozone
TVOC
Total Volatile Organic Compounds
PM
Particulate Matter
Other supported parameters and external modules may be available.
Final module selection and compatibility are confirmed against the
application, carrier platform and current manufacturer
specifications.
06 · Where Detection Systems Work
Industrial and Environmental Applications
Airborne sensing is most valuable when it improves coverage, reduces unnecessary exposure and turns a large search area into a smaller, evidence-based follow-up zone.
Oil & Gas
Screen production sites, processing assets, rights-of-way and pipelines for methane or selected gas anomalies.
Landfills & Biogas
Map methane concentration patterns, inspect broad areas and prioritize zones for closer ground investigation.
Emergency Response
Support trained teams with remote concentration intelligence around an established incident perimeter.
Industrial Facilities
Survey tanks, process areas, fence lines and difficult-to-access infrastructure for selected parameters.
Environmental Monitoring
Build hyper-local pollution maps for industrial zones, municipalities, ports and environmental programs.
Research
Collect georeferenced concentration datasets for plume behaviour, atmospheric study and field validation.
07 · Field to Decision
A Repeatable Detection Workflow
Good data begins before takeoff. Define the target, expected conditions, method, route, quality controls and follow-up action before selecting the aircraft.
Set the Objective
Name the target gas, expected range, assets, coverage, standoff, deliverable and decision threshold.
Design the Mission
Account for wind, plume direction, altitude, speed, sensor orientation, access and site restrictions.
Check the System
Complete calibration or bump-check requirements, warm-up, positioning, time sync and pre-flight checks.
Collect & Review
Monitor live readings, coverage and environmental conditions while preserving the full mission dataset.
Confirm & Report
Review mapped anomalies, document limitations and direct qualified teams to appropriate follow-up verification.
2D Concentration Map
3D Point View
Hotspot Coordinates
Mission Playback
CSV / JSON / SHP
PDF / DOCX Report
Video Context
Historical Comparison
08 · Safety Is Part of System Design
Detection Capability Does Not Equal Hazardous-Area Approval
A sensor that can detect a gas does not make the aircraft suitable for every atmosphere. Site classification, ignition risk, operating distance and emergency authority must be reviewed before deployment.
Critical Deployment Note
Never Assume the Aircraft Is Intrinsically Safe
Build the Operating Envelope Before the Route
Confirm whether the aircraft, payload and accessories carry the approvals required for the intended zone. Where entry is not permitted, evaluate remote or fence-line sensing from an approved location.
Hazardous Location
Area classification and ignition-source controls
Sensor Readiness
Calibration, warm-up and response checks
Atmospheric Conditions
Wind, turbulence, temperature and humidity
Flight Authorization
Transport Canada and site operating requirements
Incident Command
Perimeters, communications and emergency procedures
Ground Confirmation
Qualified verification before repair or entry decisions
09 · Deployment Support
From Requirement Review to First Mission
Unmanned Canada can organize the technical and operational pieces around a supportable detection program—not simply ship a sensor and leave the integration to your team.
System Configuration
Match the detection method to the aircraft, mounting, power, software, accessories and expected operating environment.
- Aircraft & Payload
- Sensor Modules
- Batteries & Charging
- Software & Accounts
- Mounting & Interfaces
- Care & Protection
Workflow Enablement
Help the team move from equipment setup through mission planning, data review, reporting and responsible handoff.
- Application Review
- Operator Training
- Mission Planning
- Data Workflow
- SOP Guidance
- Technical Support
10 · Common Questions
Drone Gas Detection FAQ
Practical answers to the questions that usually come up before a detection system is configured.
Can a drone pinpoint the exact location of a gas leak?
A drone can screen an area, map concentration patterns and narrow suspected source locations. Exact performance depends on the sensing method, wind, asset geometry, flight design and signal strength. Findings should be confirmed through the organization’s approved ground-based or close-range verification process.
What is the difference between a methane detector and a multi-gas sensor?
A methane-specific TDLAS system is optimized around CH₄ and can measure remotely using a laser path. A configurable multi-gas system samples the surrounding air through selected sensor modules and can map several supported parameters. The right choice depends on the gas, required standoff and final deliverable.
Can an airborne system quantify methane emissions?
Some systems can support quantification workflows, but it should not be assumed for every mission. MetScan + AIRINS.ai currently describes quantification as an offline, trial workflow that depends on flight design, wind, terrain and processing. Confirm the required confidence, units and reporting method before purchase.
Can gas detection be automated with DJI Dock 3?
Sniffer4D Nano 2 Plus is listed for integration with Matrice 4D / 4TD and Dock 3. A practical deployment still requires compatibility confirmation, route design, data handling, communications, remote-operations planning and all required aviation and site approvals.
Which gases can a drone measure?
Available configurations can include methane, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, TVOC and particulate matter, among other parameters. Not every sensor measures every parameter; module availability, measurement range and compatibility must be selected individually.
Are gas detection drones intrinsically safe?
Do not assume so. Detection capability is separate from hazardous-location or intrinsic-safety certification. The aircraft, payload, batteries and accessories must be evaluated against the site’s classified-area requirements, operating procedures and authority having jurisdiction.
What information is needed for an accurate quotation?
Provide the target gas or particulate, application, expected concentration range, site type, area or corridor length, required standoff, deliverables, operating frequency, existing aircraft, software needs, timeline and any hazardous-area restrictions.
