Anicoptera is the drone-based solution for standards-compliant illuminance measurements on sports facilities — engineered for reliable results, reduced measurement times, and a modern measurement process.
per measurement
measurement directions
accuracy
measurement points
Anicoptera is primarily deployed on football pitches and is equally suited to all sports facilities with standardized illuminance requirements. Depending on the use case, measurements are performed according to defined standards:
77 measurement points to determine the horizontal illuminance on the playing surface. Suitable for traditional acceptance tests on training grounds and amateur sports facilities.
96 measurement points across five measurement directions (1 horizontal, 4 vertical). Suitable for competition venues with elevated requirements, in particular for TV and media broadcasting.
Anicoptera covers two key application areas in light measurement — depending on project phase and objective.
Support for optimal lighting calibration. The pitch is measured in a targeted way, multiple times — also partially or pointwise — to precisely fine-tune the light distribution during adjustment.
Standards-compliant light measurement to ensure match approval. Measurements follow the relevant federation and standards requirements and are documented in the appropriate format.
Once the playing field has been calibrated, the drone carries out the measurement fully autonomously.
Readings are visible during the flight and allow conclusions to be drawn immediately.
Results are processed and delivered in compliant formats.
The light sensor in use meets the requirements of DIN 5032 Class A.
From the initial scoping to the final analysis, every measurement follows a clearly defined process. This produces reproducible results while keeping on-site work highly efficient.
Defining the facility, measurement standard and objective (homologation or adjustment)
Digital capture of the measurement environment as the basis for autonomous flight
Structured measurement flight with live readout of the data
Delivery of results in federation-compliant format
Defining the facility, measurement standard and objective (homologation or adjustment)
Digital capture of the measurement environment as the basis for autonomous flight
Structured measurement flight with live readout of the data
Delivery of results in federation-compliant format
Let us look together at which measurement requirement fits your facility — and how Anicoptera can support you efficiently.
Anicoptera is a drone-based service for measuring illuminance on football pitches and sports facilities. The solution combines precise measurement technology with a stable, automated flight procedure.
The goal is to make light measurements more efficient, traceable, and standards-compliant — both for official acceptance tests and for the optimization of lighting installations.
Anicoptera is used in two main areas: For homologation, the measurement provides the basis for the official acceptance of a lighting installation and therefore for match approval.
For commissioning and adjustment, the drone supports the optimal calibration of the lighting. Measurements can be taken multiple times, partially, or pointwise.
The current focus is on football pitches. At the same time, the solution is fundamentally suitable for further sports facilities with comparable illuminance requirements.
Yes. The measurement methodology has been developed to reproduce conventional measurement procedures and to deliver comparable results. Measurements and analyses take into account the relevant standards and guidelines, including:
The light sensor in use meets the requirements of DIN 5032 Class A and therefore satisfies the highest requirements for light measurements. In addition, the drone's stable flight control and exact positioning create a reproducible measurement environment that is essential for reliable results.
Yes. Flight operations are conducted in accordance with the applicable national aviation regulations and the corresponding European requirements (EASA).
Operations take place exclusively in controlled areas, with no uninvolved persons present, and at low altitude. Operations are carried out by qualified and certified personnel.
The measurement methodology deliberately mirrors existing procedures to ensure comparable results.
The difference lies in the execution: the drone makes the measurement process significantly more efficient, flexible, and transparent — particularly for repeated or pointwise measurements during adjustment.
At present, only outdoor measurements are possible. A solution for indoor measurements is in development.
Yes. Alongside the internationally applicable FIFA/UEFA guidelines, Anicoptera can also work with the relevant national requirements, provided that the measurement height is 1 m above ground or higher.
Yes. The plan is to make Anicoptera available through partners in all countries that require a compatible measurement methodology. If you are interested, please use the contact form.
The name is inspired by the dragonfly (Anisoptera) — an insect known for its stable, precise, and controlled flight movements. This characteristic forms the foundation for the development of Anicoptera: controlled motion as a prerequisite for accurate measurements.
Anicoptera is currently offered as a service by Schweizer Prüfstelle für Elektrotragwerke.
Looking ahead, further development and a possible opening of the offering to additional application areas and partners is conceivable. For now, the focus is clearly on a reliable and standards-compliant application in practice.