Underground Drones for Emergency Response: Investigating a Sinkhole in Lyon

In a recent emergency in Lyon, the Elios 3 drone was deployed to investigate a mysterious sinkhole that had appeared underground. This mission showcased how advanced drone technology can be a game-changer in emergency response scenarios.

Key Benefits at a Glance

Access Without the Elios 3, it would have been nearly impossible to get a clear view of the underground space that had opened up. The drone provided the only way to explore the area safely and effectively.	Speed The Elios 3 completed its flight within minutes, delivering crucial data quickly and allowing authorities to make timely decisions.
Safety The sinkhole posed a significant risk to both emergency responders and nearby residents. By using the Elios 3, the team avoided putting people in harm’s way while still gathering essential information.	Data Quality The Elios 3's LiDAR scan allowed experts to assess whether the nearby building's foundation was at risk due to the cavern below.

Long before Lyon became the vibrant city it is today, it was known as Lugdunum, a Roman settlement founded in 43 BC. Today, the city still bears the marks of its ancient past, with sites like the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière and the Jardin Archéologique drawing visitors from around the world. However, beneath the surface lie hidden dangers—ancient structures, sewers, and storage areas that could pose risks if the ground gives way.

Because of this, local authorities are always on high alert for any signs of subsidence or unusual geological activity. A sudden hole in the ground can signal a serious issue, especially when it's near a residential building. That's exactly what happened in a quiet neighborhood in Lyon, where a large sinkhole appeared next to an apartment complex, raising immediate concerns about public safety.

Local Authorities Turn to Drone Technology for Emergency Response

When the sinkhole was discovered, the Lyon Metropole quickly took action. They suspected that the hole might be linked to ancient Roman structures underneath the city, which could mean the cavity was expanding and threatening the building above. If the structure collapsed, it could endanger not just the residents but also people in surrounding buildings.

Xenodrone, a company specializing in drone inspections, was called in by a contractor working with the Lyon Metropole. Julien Gay, the head of Xenodrone and a former firefighter, understood the urgency of the situation. He knew that traditional methods of inspection were too risky and time-consuming, so he decided to use his Elios 3 drone—an underground drone designed for such emergencies.

Responding to Land Subsidence with an Underground Drone

Upon arriving at the site, Julien found a sinkhole just 2.5 meters away from the building wall. He had heard of similar cases nearby where Roman tunnels had been uncovered, so he suspected the same might be happening here. Without a drone, inspecting the area would have been extremely dangerous. The hole was dark, deep, and unstable, making it impossible to send personnel inside.

That’s where the Elios 3 came in. It was the only safe and effective way to gather data. The drone was sent into the sinkhole, avoiding the need for anyone to approach the site. The results were critical: a LiDAR scan provided a detailed 3D model of the cavern, revealing its size and shape.

Julien flew the drone vertically down, then made a full 360-degree rotation inside the cavity. Within four minutes, the FlyAware point cloud showed a complete model of the space. The data was clear—this was a large, deep cavern, and it was close to the building's foundation.

Using an Underground Drone to Analyze Subsidence

Once back at the office, Julien used Inspector 5 to compile his findings into a detailed report. The LiDAR data helped determine the level of risk to the nearby building, while the visual data gave engineers insight into the nature of the cavity—was it a natural feature or something built by ancient Romans?

The results were shared with local authorities, who then took action. They discovered a hidden spring beneath the sinkhole, which was filled with 63 cubic meters of material to stabilize the ground. Now, officials have a clearer understanding of the situation and can plan accordingly.

The Flexibility of the Elios 3 Empowers Emergency Response

This mission proved just how valuable the Elios 3 is in emergency situations. In just four minutes, it collected data that would have been impossible to obtain through other means. More importantly, it did so without putting anyone in danger. For Julien, the success of this mission has boosted confidence in the use of drones for emergency response.

"As a firefighter, I've seen how important speed is in these kinds of situations," Julien said. "Now, with the Elios 3, we can respond quickly and efficiently. Whether it's routine inspections or emergency responses, this drone is a game-changer."

With the Elios 3, Julien has not only improved his own service offering but also demonstrated the power of modern technology in protecting public safety. As the city continues to grow, tools like the Elios 3 will play a vital role in ensuring that the past doesn’t threaten the future.

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