In 2017, EDF power solutions (then known as EDF Renouvelables) launched a major project to convert the former Châteaudun Air Base 279 (EAR – Élément Air Rattaché) into a solar power plant.
Project Objectives
Photo of the Solar Power Plant ©EDF power solutions-WAX
Located in the municipalities of Châteaudun and Villemaury, the former military air base will accommodate nearly 200,000 photovoltaic panels across 84 hectares, with a total capacity of approximately 115 MWp and annual production of 128 GWh, enough to supply nearly 54,000 people.
TT Géomètres Experts teams were commissioned to carry out several assignments essential to the development of this solar power plant project.
TT Géomètres Experts' Services and Expertise
Following a preliminary drone survey carried out in 2020, teams from the TT Géomètres Experts offices in Rambouillet, Versailles and Bonneval were involved in large-scale assignments across the former air base. A wide range of expertise was required:
- Precise and extensive topographic surveys covering 113 hectares
- Underground utility detection: wastewater and stormwater networks, electrical networks (low and high voltage) and drinking water networks using electromagnetic detection and ground-penetrating radar techniques
- Identification of potential unexploded ordnance locations: as the site was formerly a military air base, preliminary investigations were required to identify any mines or unexploded shells potentially present on site. Our teams marked 119 Class A locations (bombs weighing 250 kg or more) using permanent, high-visibility stakes
- Setting out of perimeter fencing and environmental protection areas
- Boundary surveying and land parcel subdivision
Focus: Drones as Precision Surveying Tools
For certain assignments, drones are a valuable surveying tool. With authorisation to fly at altitudes of up to 120 metres, they can scan large areas from the air. The authorised drone is operated by a qualified professional remote pilot. Before each flight, a declaration must be submitted through a dedicated government platform. Coordination with air traffic control is also required to ensure safe operations.
Once these steps have been completed, the drone can begin its mission. Equipped with LiDAR, it can fly for up to six hours with a high degree of precision and autonomy, following a flight programme developed in advance by our teams. Our teams also ensure on-site safety and can take manual control of the drone at any time.
With survey points captured every 10 cm, drones can acquire more data points more quickly than terrestrial surveying methods. At TT Géomètres Experts, our teams are trained to operate this technology and can support you with your high-precision surveying projects.
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