Methane emissions vary dramatically in scale and behavior. Some come from large, but short lived super-emitter; others stem from persistent, low-level leaks that add up over time. Detecting this full range of emissions aerially gives operators a far more complete picture of system performance. By combining sensitivity, enterprise-wide coverage, and high-resolution methane imaging, Gas Mapping LiDAR® (GML) helps teams identify both small and large emitters in the same scan—something no ground-based method can match at scale. As part of modern aerial methane detection, this clarity strengthens repair prioritization, resource planning, LDAR workflows, and compliance confidence for organizations across the energy sector.
Across assets, methane leaks differ not only in magnitude but also in how they impact safety, compliance, product loss, and operational planning. Super-emitters may be less common than the many smaller and mid-sized leaks across a system, but both matter: the big events drive headline emissions, while the smaller ones can create significant operational and safety risks if not addressed.
Understanding the full spectrum of an operator’s methane leaks requires high-fidelity emissions intelligence: portfolio-scale coverage, powerful detection sensitivity, and leak attribution that translates instantly into operational action.
GML’s laser-based sensing and high-resolution plume imaging allow it to detect methane over large geographic areas quickly, while maintaining sensitivity to detect both large and small leaks, down to 1 kg/hr with a 90% probability of detection for the production and transmission sectors. In a single aerial pass, operators get a systemwide view of emissions that includes the leak rate, pinpoint location to within approximately 2 meters, and high resolution gas plume imagery.
Because GML integrates concentration measurements with detailed plume visualization, operators don’t just receive data points, they see methane behavior in context overlaid on up-to-date high resolution aerial imagery. The ability to capture both simultaneously is what makes detecting small and large emitters aerially so powerful. It removes the guesswork while enabling a more complete understanding of the issues at each site.
This capability naturally enables better measurement and visualization and deepens all the benefits of systemwide scanning.
Large methane events can be difficult to detect with ground-based tools when the source is elevated, or the emissions are co-mingled with hot combustion exhaust. Super emitters are very short lived, and the risk varies greatly by site and equipment type. Operators need to understand where emissions are coming from across their asset base to effectively and strategically mitigate them. Bridger’s advanced emissions intelligence based on high-accuracy data means that operators can document the events, then assess their top emission sources by equipment type, timing, size, or other factors to understand and strategically address emissions at the root cause.
Many emissions start quietly—faulty seals, pneumatic devices, minor corrosion. Left unidentified, even small leaks can accumulate into significant product loss and safety risk over time. They are sources of lost revenue, drive operational inefficiencies, and create repeat work for LDAR teams.
Aerial detection gives operators an overhead perspective that highlights patterns and recurring issues. Smaller, persistent emissions often reveal equipment that needs maintenance rather than emergency repair. Information on these leaks helps teams optimize LDAR workflows, schedule proactive repairs, and track equipment behavior over time to take informed action to predict and prevent future emissions.
There are downstream benefits of aerially detecting small and large emitters across multiple operational teams:
When operators understand the full emissions picture, all the downstream teams, from engineering to reporting, work with better information.
Ground-based tools remain essential, especially for close-range confirmation and repair work. But each traditional method has inherent limits. OGI cameras can identify small leaks on equipment but struggle to detect leaks from major sources of emissions including flares, compressors, and tanks.Aerial LiDAR detection complements these methods by filling in what they miss: spatially continuous visibility, and consistent detection of both small and large emitters even from emission sources that are otherwise difficult to detect. It does not replace close-range work. Instead, it tells crews exactly where close-range work is needed most.
When operators use aerial LiDAR to detect small and large emitters, they gain a more accurate, actionable understanding of their entire methane footprint. Instead of relying on incomplete, ground-based snapshots, teams receive the full picture of their emissions that informs immediate repairs, long-term planning, and clear compliance strategies.
This full-spectrum awareness is a key reason why many operators are incorporating aerial methane detection into their broader methane management programs. GML’s ability to capture the full range of emission types and trends helps teams run safer, leaner, and more efficient operations.
To learn more about how GML supports these capabilities, take a closer look at Bridger Photonics’ approach to methane detection and operational efficiency at bridgerphotonics.com.