Optimization of Drone-Based Surface-Wave Seismic Surveys Using a Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the problem of finding energy-efficient routes for multiple drones conducting a surface-wave seismic survey. The survey utilizes one seismic source and multiple measurement points spread over a designated area. Each drone carries a seismometer, and is tasked with visiting pre-specified points to take measurements of seismic signals by resting idle on the ground for a set time. Due to this mandatory idling time, their energy consumption is not proportional to the flight distance, nor it is possible to apply standard path minimization algorithms. To address this issue, we establish an energy consumption model for each drone and propose algorithms to optimally allocate points to each drone and generate routes that minimize total energy consumption. The validity of these algorithms is discussed using numerical simulations.