DRONE SEISMIC SENSING METHOD AND APPARATUS

An apparatus for automated seismic sensing includes a seismic sensing device for sensing seismic vibrations, a robotic transport unit for transporting the seismic sensing device to a targeted location, an engagement unit for placing the seismic sensing device in vibrational communication with the ground, and a recording module for recording the seismic data generated by the seismic sensing device. A corresponding method for automated seismic sensing includes transporting a seismic sensing device to a targeted location with a robotic transport device, determining a coupling metric for the seismic sensing device and the ground at a plurality of locations proximate to the targeted location, determining an acceptable location for seismic sensing, placing the seismic sensing device in vibrational communication with the ground at the acceptable location, and sensing seismic data with the seismic sensing device at the acceptable location.