A First at Groningen Airport Eelde

Validation of a Drone-Based Lighting Measurement Method for Aircraft Stands According to EASA Guidelines

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Author:

Nico de Kruijter, De Kruijter Public Lighting 2025

Abstract

The conventional method for performing lighting measurements on aircraft stands is labor-intensive and inefficient. With EASA requiring lighting compliance starting in 2024, there is a growing need for a faster, more reliable, and reproducible measurement method. This study validates an innovative approach using drone photography and image processing software to calculate illuminance from the air. A field trial at Groningen Airport showed that the deviation in average illuminance was less than 1%, and the deviation in uniformity was limited to 2.7% compared to manual measurements. The results highlight the applicability of this method as an alternative to conventional lux measurements.

Keywords

drone, lux measurement, aircraft stand, EASA, lighting, image analysis, validation

1. Introduction

Manual lux measurements on aircraft stands using a fine-mesh grid are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Major airports such as Schiphol experience operational constraints in complying with EASA requirements (EASA, 2023). Previous attempts to perform measurements with drones at low altitude failed due to technical limitations such as GPS disturbances and flight instability. This study investigates an alternative approach using high-altitude aerial images to extract luminance values, aiming to validate an efficient and reliable measurement method.

2. Methodology

2.1 Preparation

The measurement was conducted at stand A15 of Groningen Airport. A measurement grid was laid out in accordance with the guidelines of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA, 2023) and ICAO (2018). Permission was required from air traffic authorities for the flight. The team consisted of a drone pilot with night flight certification, an RT-certified radio operator, and an observer. The equipment used included a class L lux meter (NEN, 2014), a calibrated drone (for spectral response, lens distortion, and vignetting), and a laptop for data collection and processing.

2.2 Drone Flight and Image Collection

The flight was carried out with a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise at an altitude of 77.7 meters. Images were captured with variable shutter speeds, ISO settings, and aperture values. Analysis was performed using software that, based on calibration files and luminance coefficients (CIE, 1984), calculated luminance per measurement point.

2.3 Manual Measurement

Immediately after the drone flight, manual lux measurements were performed at all grid points, corresponding to the aerial image points.

2.4 Verification

Luminance data from the air (in cd/m²) was converted to illuminance using a reflection coefficient (Q₀), according to formulas applied in road lighting analyses (CEN, 2015). This coefficient was derived from a representative point on the grid and then applied to the entire dataset.

3. Results

The average deviation between drone data and manual lux measurements was less than 1%. The deviation in lighting uniformity was limited to 2.7%. The drone images proved stable and reliable at an altitude of 77.7 meters. For larger aircraft stands, a higher flight altitude may be required.

4. Discussion

The results confirm that drones at higher altitudes can provide reliable data for lighting analyses. Conditions such as uniform surface, proper calibration, and stable flight conditions are critical. The method offers significant time and cost savings but requires specific permits, trained personnel, and approval from aviation authorities (ICAO, 2004). Previous studies with low-altitude sensors failed due to GPS signal interference and inaccurate position recognition (De Kruijter, 2024). The validation was conducted on a Boeing 737 stand; further research is needed to assess applicability for larger aircraft such as the Boeing 777.

5. Conclusion

The validated drone-based measurement method is an effective alternative to manual lux measurements. The method is fast, reproducible, and accurate, making it particularly suitable for large-scale inspections at airports. Further standardization and validation at other airports are recommended.

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6. References

CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage). (1984). CIE 66: Road surfaces and lighting. CIE Central Bureau.

European Committee for Standardization (CEN). (2015). EN 13201-3: Road lighting – Part 3: Calculation of performance. CEN.

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). (2023). Certification Specifications and Guidance Material for Aerodrome Design (CS-ADR-DSN). EASA.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). (2004). Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 4 – Visual Aids (2nd ed., Doc 9157). ICAO.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). (2018). Annex 14 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, Volume I: Aerodrome Design and Operations (7th ed.). ICAO.

Mauer, C. (2009, January 14). Messung der spektralen Empfindlichkeit von digitalen Kameras mit Interferenzfiltern [Bachelor’s thesis, Hochschule RheinMain].

Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut (NEN). (2014). NEN-EN 12464-2: Lighting of work places – Part 2: Outdoor work places. NEN.

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