Laidlaw Scholars Programme · HKU · Summer 2026
Measuring atmospheric turbulence with a small drone
A sonic anemometer mounted above a DJI Mavic 3E, with a custom data logger and 3D-printed sensor mount. Supervised by Prof. Chun-Ho Liu.
- Sampling
- 40 Hz
- Flight heights
- 20–120 m
- Sensor
- TriSonica Mini
I compared ten rod lengths in indoor hover tests, then collected morning and afternoon wind profiles at six heights. The 17.5 cm rod was selected for the outdoor flights.
The measurements include rotor effects and aircraft motion. Without a reference anemometer, they do not independently establish wind-measurement accuracy.
