DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Captures Data on Greenland’s Rapidly Advancing Glacier
Drone Expedition Maps Greenland’s Fastest-Moving Glacier
In July 2025, drone operator and filmmaker Nicolas Samsoen utilized a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise to map two of Greenland’s most studied glaciers, generating high-resolution 3D photogrammetry models that are now being integrated into academic research at the University of Aberdeen.
The expedition, detailed in a press release published on March 27, 2026, took place aboard the Perseverance, the world’s largest oceanographic research sailboat, led by French explorer Jean-Louis Étienne, who is known for being the first person to reach the North Pole solo on foot.
Mapping Glacial Terrain
Samsoen, who specializes in aerial cinematography and FPV piloting, focused on two key sites. The first was Eqip Sermia, a large glacier where the Mavic 3 Enterprise covered approximately 10 km² using 12 battery cycles to produce a detailed 3D model. Flights were conducted at altitudes exceeding 300 meters, and the resulting photogrammetric data exceeded expectations in terms of detail.
The second site was Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, recognized as the fastest-moving glacier on Earth. Here, the focus shifted to icebergs near the fjord’s mouth, where multiple 3D models were created to assist researchers in analyzing glacial fragmentation, a process that contributes to sea level rise.
Collaboration with the University of Aberdeen
Glaciologist William Harcourt at the University of Aberdeen leads the scientific aspect of this collaboration. He has extensive experience in 3D glacier modeling, having previously worked in Svalbard. The combined dataset, which integrates Airbus satellite imagery with Samsoen’s drone photogrammetry, is now being utilized in both Harcourt’s research and his teaching at the university. This integration allows students to learn about Arctic glacier dynamics using data collected just months prior from the Greenland coast.
Advancements in Drone Technology
The choice of the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise for this expedition is notable. This drone, designed for professional mapping and inspection, features a 4/3 CMOS sensor and supports centimeter-level GPS accuracy. The expedition highlighted the capabilities of this compact drone, which was able to operate effectively in challenging Arctic conditions.
As the gap between institutional research equipment and portable drone technology narrows, skilled operators like Samsoen are able to collect data that meets academic standards. This trend is evident across various scientific disciplines, where drones are increasingly used for significant research projects.
Conclusion
The expedition demonstrates the growing role of compact drones in polar climate research, serving as primary data collection tools rather than supplementary equipment. As discussions around the implications of using Chinese-made technology continue, the successful application of DJI drones in critical scientific research underscores the complexities of this issue.
In the coming months, the dataset generated from this expedition is expected to be cited in peer-reviewed climate literature, marking a significant contribution to the field of glaciology.