LIFSAVE by META Project

LIFSAVE is an innovative monitoring system that uses a drone equipped with a custom-designed LIDAR LIF sensor to assess the health of marine, river, and lake waters in real time. Data collected in flight are transmitted to a ground control console with a user-friendly graphical interface, allowing operators to visualize the presence of natural or chemical pollutants such as organic matter, oil spills, or industrial releases. Unlike traditional sampling methods, which require manual collection at specific points, LIFSAVE enables wide-area mapping by flying predetermined routes, providing faster, more accurate, and more continuous information to local authorities. The LIDAR LIF sensor, currently available in a handheld single-channel version, is being upgraded into a lightweight multi-channel version suitable for drone operation, thanks to new ultra-compact lasers, high-speed FPGA electronics, and advanced scanning technologies. This evolution will allow regular automatic monitoring missions greatly improving early detection of illegal or accidental discharges and supporting cleaner coastal environments, safer tourism, and better protection of marine ecosystems. The solution relies on the technical expertise of METAPROJECTS and ENEA’s Brasimone Research Center in drone development, sensor design, and system certification, with additional support from IDENTITYBASE for chemical assessments and future production. Building on experience gained through ESA’s INSURE project and other advanced R&D initiatives, LIFSAVE aims to become a highly reliable, scalable tool that helps reduce human-generated pollution and enhances water quality as part of a broader Blue Economy strategy.