DJI Dock unlocks remote monitoring in Antarctica

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is deploying DJI Dock to enhance remote environmental monitoring in Antarctica.

The drone-in-a-box — supplied by heliguy™ — has been installed at Signy Research Station to survey the island’s habitats, ecosystems, and terrain.

Operating in the world’s coldest, driest, and windiest continent, the system flies pre-programmed missions — capturing imagery of moss banks, seals, and seabird colonies as conditions permit.

BAS aims to unlock year-round remote deployments — even during unstaffed winter periods — transforming how Antarctic environments are monitored.

The remote island — part of the South Orkney Islands — is mountainous and rugged, making it difficult to access. The drone enables safe and efficient data capture across hard-to-reach areas.

The system can also be operated remotely from Cambridge, UK, removing the need for on-site drone deployment and allowing researchers to gather insights from afar.

heliguy™ has supported BAS’ Dock programme through supply, specialist training, and ongoing remote diagnostics.