Underground Drones for Emergency Response: Investigating a Sinkhole in Lyon

In a recent emergency in Lyon, the Elios 3 drone played a crucial role in inspecting a mysterious sinkhole that had opened up underground. This unique device was the only viable option to gather critical information about the site.

Key Benefits at a Glance

Access Without the Elios 3, it would have been impossible to fully visualize the underground space that had collapsed.	Speed A quick flight with the Elios 3 provided essential data within minutes, allowing for fast decision-making.
Safety The sinkhole posed a direct threat to both responders and nearby residents. The Elios 3 safely entered the area without putting anyone at risk.	Data Quality The Elios 3’s LiDAR scan allowed experts to assess whether the nearby building's foundations were at risk from the cavern below.

Lyon has a rich history dating back to its Roman origins as Lugdunum, founded in 43 BC. Today, the city is known for its archaeological sites such as the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière and the Jardin Archéologique. However, this deep-rooted past also brings modern challenges, especially when ancient structures lie beneath the surface.

Because of the presence of Roman ruins under the city, unexpected ground collapses—like sinkholes—can be particularly dangerous. These events may expose old sewers, buildings, or storage areas, making it essential for local authorities to monitor such occurrences closely to ensure public safety.

Local Authorities Turn to Drone Technology for Emergency Response

In a residential neighborhood of Lyon, a large hole suddenly appeared next to an apartment building. The Lyon Metropole quickly suspected a potential hazard. If the hole was connected to ancient underground structures, it could expand and threaten the stability of the building above. A collapse could endanger not only the residents but also people in surrounding areas.

The sinkhole was dangerously close to a residential building, raising concerns about its size and nature.

Xenodrone, a company specializing in aerial inspections, was called in by a contractor working with the Lyon Metropole. Julien Gay, the head of Xenodrone, who previously worked as a firefighter, understood the urgency of the situation. He believed the Elios 3, designed for underground operations, was the perfect tool to gather the necessary data quickly and safely.

Responding to Land Subsidence with an Underground Drone

Upon arrival at the site, Julien found a hole just 2.5 meters away from the building’s wall. Given previous incidents in the area involving Roman tunnels, he suspected a similar situation here. Without a drone, it would have been extremely difficult to assess the depth and stability of the cavity safely.

The Elios 3 entered the sinkhole without anyone having to go near it, keeping emergency personnel safe.

Julien was tasked with determining if there was an immediate risk of further subsidence and whether the cavern was expanding toward the building. To do this, he needed to collect LiDAR data to create a detailed 3D model of the space. The Elios 3’s speed and high-resolution point cloud made this possible in just four minutes.

Analyzing Subsidence with an Underground Drone

Julien flew the Elios 3 vertically into the cavity and performed a full 360-degree rotation to capture all angles. Once the FlyAware system generated a complete 3D model, he retrieved the drone. The initial results showed a massive cavity extending six meters deep. The precision of the LiDAR data allowed Julien to provide clear insights into the size and layout of the underground space.

Julien helped responders analyze how close the cavern was to the building’s foundation.

After returning to his office, Julien used Inspector 5 to generate a comprehensive report for the local authorities. The LiDAR data helped assess the risk to the nearby building, while the visual footage provided additional context on what lay inside the cavity—whether it was a natural formation or remnants of ancient Roman structures.

The Flexibility of the Elios 3 Enhances Emergency Response

In situations where time is critical, the Elios 3 proved to be an invaluable asset. A four-minute flight was enough to collect data that would have otherwise been inaccessible. More importantly, the operation was conducted safely, eliminating the need for anyone to enter the sinkhole.

Julien emphasized how the mission boosted confidence in using drones for emergency response. “As a former firefighter, I know how important speed is in these situations. Now, with the Elios 3, we can respond quickly and efficiently. Our services aren’t just for daily inspections—they’re vital during emergencies,” he said.

Thanks to the Elios 3, the local authorities were able to identify a hidden spring beneath the sinkhole, which was then filled with 63 cubic meters of material to stabilize the ground. With this new data, they can now plan their next steps more effectively. Julien can also return to the site for future assessments, overlaying new data with previous scans to track changes over time.

The use of the Elios 3 not only improved the safety and efficiency of the inspection but also set a new standard for emergency response in Lyon. It demonstrated how advanced technology can make a real difference in protecting communities and preserving historical sites alike.

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