Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) leads the research activities needed to make Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) data collection an efficient, safe, and cost-effective remote sensing tool for Department of the Interior (DOI) and USGS scientists.
DOI manages over 20 percent of the Nation’s public lands and is responsible for migratory bird and wildlife conservation; historic preservation; endangered species conservation; surface-mined lands protection and restoration; and mapping, geological, hydrological, and biological science for the Nation. Access to remotely sensed data is critical to fulfilling the DOI’s commitment to providing the best available science over such diverse missions and extensive landscapes. UAS is a tool that has quickly become vital to scientists by delivering some of the best remotely sensed data available over DOI’s expansive geography. UAS can also carry sophisticated high-resolution sensors that offer impressive capabilities relative to the amount, resolution, persistence, and flexibility of remotely collected data for these challenging locations.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
USGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
USGS employee Joe Adams positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture a multispectral image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
USGS employee Joe Adams positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture a multispectral image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) during a UAS test in a Denver Federal Center parking lot.
USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) during a UAS test in a Denver Federal Center parking lot.
USGS NUSO scientists act as a visual observer (Joe Adams left) and a UAS remote pilot (Matt Burgess right) during a UAS flight at the Denver Federal Center
USGS NUSO scientists act as a visual observer (Joe Adams left) and a UAS remote pilot (Matt Burgess right) during a UAS flight at the Denver Federal Center
Check out -
Quick Link "UAS Supports Science" to see UAS data releases and related scientific journal articles
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) leads the research activities needed to make Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) data collection an efficient, safe, and cost-effective remote sensing tool for Department of the Interior (DOI) and USGS scientists.
DOI manages over 20 percent of the Nation’s public lands and is responsible for migratory bird and wildlife conservation; historic preservation; endangered species conservation; surface-mined lands protection and restoration; and mapping, geological, hydrological, and biological science for the Nation. Access to remotely sensed data is critical to fulfilling the DOI’s commitment to providing the best available science over such diverse missions and extensive landscapes. UAS is a tool that has quickly become vital to scientists by delivering some of the best remotely sensed data available over DOI’s expansive geography. UAS can also carry sophisticated high-resolution sensors that offer impressive capabilities relative to the amount, resolution, persistence, and flexibility of remotely collected data for these challenging locations.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
USGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
USGS employee Joe Adams positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture a multispectral image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
USGS employee Joe Adams positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture a multispectral image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) during a UAS test in a Denver Federal Center parking lot.
USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) during a UAS test in a Denver Federal Center parking lot.
USGS NUSO scientists act as a visual observer (Joe Adams left) and a UAS remote pilot (Matt Burgess right) during a UAS flight at the Denver Federal Center
USGS NUSO scientists act as a visual observer (Joe Adams left) and a UAS remote pilot (Matt Burgess right) during a UAS flight at the Denver Federal Center
Check out -
Quick Link "UAS Supports Science" to see UAS data releases and related scientific journal articles