Drones could be used to find suitable sites for marine renewable energy projects.
Drone
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is set to use unmanned aerial vehicles to film the movement of water in trails at select offshore sites across Scotland and Wales.
As quoted by BBC News, Dr Benjamin Williamson - North Highlands College UHI's Environmental Research Institute in Thurso - explained: "Measuring the flow speed and movement of water is vital for developing offshore renewable energy.
"These measurements are needed to predict the performance and inform the placement of underwater tidal stream turbines or to optimise the moorings and design of floating turbines.
"However, gathering these measurements is typically high-cost and high-risk."
The 12 month project sees Dr. Williamson working alongside colleagues from Bangor University and Swansea University in Wales.
The team is set to run tests at the Pentland Firth between the north Highland coast and Orkney, and Ramsey Sound in Pembrokeshire.