USGS unmanned aerial system (drone) pilot collecting aerial imagery and ground control points for the Coastal Resource Evaulation for Management Applications (CREMA) project on Dauphin Island, Alabama
Aerial Imaging and Mapping
Aerial Imagery collected during unoccupied aircraft systems operations
Massachusetts and Maine between March 2018 - September 2018
Aerial imagery from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flights
Plum Island Estuary and Parker River NWR (PIEPR),
The Aerial Imaging and Mapping group (AIM), at the U.S. Geological Survey Woods (USGS) Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center provides UAS services to scientists to advance the science mission of the Coastal and Marine Geology Program. Scientists at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center have been using UASs to acquire imagery of coastal and wetland environments, which is then used to produce detailed topographic and visual reflectance datasets. UAS technology is used to support the work of geologists, engineers, physical scientists, geographers, and geochemists who study coastal erosion, sediment transport and storm response, habitat classification, biomass mapping, and marsh stability.
Science Applications
Unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology provides a rapid and low-cost solution for mapping coastal environments and assessing short- and long-term changes. The interdisciplinary nature of the data collected and the breadth of applications makes UAS technology applicable to multiple scientific investigations.
One of the primary science applications for UASs is mapping. Drones can make accurate maps by combining images, which can be interpolated into three-dimensional imagery with software that utilizes photogrammetric techniques to form orthomosaics and digital surface models. Using control points on the ground, these maps can be produced with horizontal resolutions of 5 to 10 centimeters (cm) and vertical precision within 8 cm, precision is measured compared with independent measurements from global navigation satellite system equipment with real-time kinematic positioning (RTK). The maps created with drone-acquired imagery are comparable in quality with images from light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys with color processing but can be produced at a fraction of the cost.
UAS map products can be used to meet many science objectives, including to quantify geomorphic changes in coastal landscapes, classify landcover and geomorphic features in wetland and riparian landscapes, and assess habitat suitability. UASs can be equipped with multispectral cameras (cameras that capture images within specific ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum) and can be used to classify vegetation or identify invasive species. Other potential applications for UASs include inferring nearshore bathymetry from drone imagery of waves, measuring shallow bathymetry in streams and estuaries, measuring stream or inlet flow using image processing methods or UAS-mounted radar, and making thermal measurements to identify groundwater discharges.
![one person in orange usgs shirt carries drone controller while another person kneels next to drone on orange landing pad](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/media/images/ASIS_Oct_2022_USGS_at_Work_Cred-ErikaLentz%20%281%29.jpg?itok=puJn7Wpc)
UAS Capabilities
The AIM group at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center currently [2018] has five UAS pilots who are certified in accordance with U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) policies. The center currently has three 3DR Solo quadcopter drones, and a Birds Eye View FireFly6 Pro fixed-wing UAS. Both UASs can be mounted with a Pentax Ricoh GRII natural-color, high-resolution, global shutter camera, a MicaSense Rededge3 multispectral wavelength camera, or a GoPro Hero 4 compact camera. Trimble Spectra Precision SP80 Global Navigation Satellite System receivers are used to precisely geolocate control points at survey areas. Images from drone flights are processed with Agisoft Photoscan software, and Pix4D processing software.
With this equipment, the AIM group can survey a study area of approximately 0.5 to 1 square kilometer (160 acres) per day. Each multiplatform survey requires approximately five people to perform the survey efficiently, including two pilots, two survey crew, and a visual observer and data recorder.
The USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center maintains an ongoing collaboration with scientists and UAS technicians at the USGS National Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project in Denver, Colorado; other institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; and local UAS operators and contractors. Woods Hole pilots have assisted DOI’s Office of Aviation Services (OAS) in monitoring natural hazard emergencies and have been instructors for OAS-sponsored training classes. This networking and collaboration helps the AIM group remain current in a rapidly evolving technological field.
Data releases associated with the Aerial Imaging and Mapping group.
Aerial Imagery of the North Carolina Coast: 2019-09-08 to 2019-09-13, Post-Hurricane Dorian
Aerial Imagery collected during unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) operations in Massachusetts and Maine between March 2018 - September 2018
Aerial imagery and photogrammetric products from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flights over the Lake Ontario shoreline at Chimney Bluffs, New York, July 14, 2017
Geotagged Low-Altitude Aerial Imagery From Unmanned Aerial System Flights Over Town Neck Beach, in Sandwich, Massachusetts, With Associated Ground Control Points, and Transects Collected by the U.S. Geological Survey on January 22, January 25, February 11
Aerial imagery from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flights: Plum Island Estuary and Parker River NWR (PIEPR), February 27th, 2018
Geotagged Low-Altitude Aerial Imagery from Unmanned Aerial Systems Flights over Town Neck Beach in Sandwich, Massachusetts, With Associated Ground Control Points, and Transects, Collected on January 9, January 25, February 14, March 16, April 28, May 4, a
Point cloud from low-altitude aerial imagery from unmanned aerial system (UAS) flights over Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Spit, Nauset Inlet, and Nauset Marsh, Cape Cod National Seashore, Eastham, Massachusetts on 1 March 2016 (LAZ file)
Low-altitude aerial imagery and related field observations associated with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flights over Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Spit, Nauset Inlet, and Nauset Marsh, Cape Cod National Seashore, Eastham, Massachusetts on 1 March 2016
Below are multimedia items associated with the Aerial Imaging and Mapping project.
![USGS pilots landing a Unmanned Aerial Systems (uas) on Dauphin Island, Alabama](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/emily_dauphin.jpg?itok=S8GNIoED)
USGS unmanned aerial system (drone) pilot collecting aerial imagery and ground control points for the Coastal Resource Evaulation for Management Applications (CREMA) project on Dauphin Island, Alabama
Department of Interior UAS pilots from left to right – Elizabeth Pendleton (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Colin Milone (Office of Aviation Services, AK), John Vogel (USGS; Flagstaff, AZ), Sandy Brosnahan (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Brandon Forbes (USGS; Tucson, AZ), Chris Holmquist-Johnson (USGS; Fort Collins, CO),&nb
Department of Interior UAS pilots from left to right – Elizabeth Pendleton (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Colin Milone (Office of Aviation Services, AK), John Vogel (USGS; Flagstaff, AZ), Sandy Brosnahan (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Brandon Forbes (USGS; Tucson, AZ), Chris Holmquist-Johnson (USGS; Fort Collins, CO),&nb
Sandy Baldwin, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, shares video from the kilauea volcano with Science Stroll participants.
Sandy Baldwin, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, shares video from the kilauea volcano with Science Stroll participants.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) demonstration at 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) demonstration at 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll USGS drone demonstration
2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll USGS drone demonstration
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilot, Elizabeth Pendleton, setting a target in Great Marsh, Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
USGS Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilot, Elizabeth Pendleton, setting a target in Great Marsh, Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Ellizabeth Pendleton (right), Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots flying drones at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA.
Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Ellizabeth Pendleton (right), Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots flying drones at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Aerial Imaging and Mapping (AIM) group on Great Marsh, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Aerial Imaging and Mapping (AIM) group on Great Marsh, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton conduct a drone flight from atop a dune at Sandy Neck (Cape Cod).
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton conduct a drone flight from atop a dune at Sandy Neck (Cape Cod).
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center unmanned aerial systems (uas) pilots conduct drone flights at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center unmanned aerial systems (uas) pilots conduct drone flights at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots, Emily Sturdivant (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton (right) working the night shift in Hawaii at the Kileaua volcano site.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots, Emily Sturdivant (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton (right) working the night shift in Hawaii at the Kileaua volcano site.
Providing situational awareness at night, Elizabeth Pendleton, Sandy Brosnahan, and Emily Sturdivant prepare for a UAS take-off
Providing situational awareness at night, Elizabeth Pendleton, Sandy Brosnahan, and Emily Sturdivant prepare for a UAS take-off
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping rock stars preparing to fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) mission while a river of lava flows in the background
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping rock stars preparing to fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) mission while a river of lava flows in the background
Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
A 3DR Solo quadcopter is collecting imagery at Chimney Bluffs State Park in NY. Using photogrammetric techniques, a 3D surface model was created providing elevation data.
A 3DR Solo quadcopter is collecting imagery at Chimney Bluffs State Park in NY. Using photogrammetric techniques, a 3D surface model was created providing elevation data.
The 3DR Solo quadcopter in flight, with a Ricoh GRII camera mounted, taking pictures to be used in photogrammetric techniques to produce 3D surface models.
The 3DR Solo quadcopter in flight, with a Ricoh GRII camera mounted, taking pictures to be used in photogrammetric techniques to produce 3D surface models.
Drone image of Nauset Inlet, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Drone image of Nauset Inlet, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Top left- Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
Top left- Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
The surf zone at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury MA
The surf zone at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury MA
Publications associated with the Aerial Imaging and Mapping group
Unmanned aerial systems capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Processing coastal imagery with Agisoft Metashape Professional Edition, version 1.6—Structure from motion workflow documentation
FAQ associated with the Aerial Imagine and Mapping group
Does the USGS need flight approval to operate uncrewed aircraft systems?
What training do pilots of USGS uncrewed aircraft systems receive?
What does the USGS do with the information, pictures, and video collected by uncrewed aircraft systems?
What restrictions are in place to protect citizens' civil liberties and privacy concerns related to uncrewed aircraft systems?
What types of uncrewed aircraft systems does the USGS use?
Why does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
How does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
The Aerial Imaging and Mapping group (AIM), at the U.S. Geological Survey Woods (USGS) Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center provides UAS services to scientists to advance the science mission of the Coastal and Marine Geology Program. Scientists at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center have been using UASs to acquire imagery of coastal and wetland environments, which is then used to produce detailed topographic and visual reflectance datasets. UAS technology is used to support the work of geologists, engineers, physical scientists, geographers, and geochemists who study coastal erosion, sediment transport and storm response, habitat classification, biomass mapping, and marsh stability.
Science Applications
Unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology provides a rapid and low-cost solution for mapping coastal environments and assessing short- and long-term changes. The interdisciplinary nature of the data collected and the breadth of applications makes UAS technology applicable to multiple scientific investigations.
One of the primary science applications for UASs is mapping. Drones can make accurate maps by combining images, which can be interpolated into three-dimensional imagery with software that utilizes photogrammetric techniques to form orthomosaics and digital surface models. Using control points on the ground, these maps can be produced with horizontal resolutions of 5 to 10 centimeters (cm) and vertical precision within 8 cm, precision is measured compared with independent measurements from global navigation satellite system equipment with real-time kinematic positioning (RTK). The maps created with drone-acquired imagery are comparable in quality with images from light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys with color processing but can be produced at a fraction of the cost.
UAS map products can be used to meet many science objectives, including to quantify geomorphic changes in coastal landscapes, classify landcover and geomorphic features in wetland and riparian landscapes, and assess habitat suitability. UASs can be equipped with multispectral cameras (cameras that capture images within specific ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum) and can be used to classify vegetation or identify invasive species. Other potential applications for UASs include inferring nearshore bathymetry from drone imagery of waves, measuring shallow bathymetry in streams and estuaries, measuring stream or inlet flow using image processing methods or UAS-mounted radar, and making thermal measurements to identify groundwater discharges.
![one person in orange usgs shirt carries drone controller while another person kneels next to drone on orange landing pad](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/media/images/ASIS_Oct_2022_USGS_at_Work_Cred-ErikaLentz%20%281%29.jpg?itok=puJn7Wpc)
UAS Capabilities
The AIM group at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center currently [2018] has five UAS pilots who are certified in accordance with U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) policies. The center currently has three 3DR Solo quadcopter drones, and a Birds Eye View FireFly6 Pro fixed-wing UAS. Both UASs can be mounted with a Pentax Ricoh GRII natural-color, high-resolution, global shutter camera, a MicaSense Rededge3 multispectral wavelength camera, or a GoPro Hero 4 compact camera. Trimble Spectra Precision SP80 Global Navigation Satellite System receivers are used to precisely geolocate control points at survey areas. Images from drone flights are processed with Agisoft Photoscan software, and Pix4D processing software.
With this equipment, the AIM group can survey a study area of approximately 0.5 to 1 square kilometer (160 acres) per day. Each multiplatform survey requires approximately five people to perform the survey efficiently, including two pilots, two survey crew, and a visual observer and data recorder.
The USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center maintains an ongoing collaboration with scientists and UAS technicians at the USGS National Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project in Denver, Colorado; other institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; and local UAS operators and contractors. Woods Hole pilots have assisted DOI’s Office of Aviation Services (OAS) in monitoring natural hazard emergencies and have been instructors for OAS-sponsored training classes. This networking and collaboration helps the AIM group remain current in a rapidly evolving technological field.
Data releases associated with the Aerial Imaging and Mapping group.
Aerial Imagery of the North Carolina Coast: 2019-09-08 to 2019-09-13, Post-Hurricane Dorian
Aerial Imagery collected during unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) operations in Massachusetts and Maine between March 2018 - September 2018
Aerial imagery and photogrammetric products from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flights over the Lake Ontario shoreline at Chimney Bluffs, New York, July 14, 2017
Geotagged Low-Altitude Aerial Imagery From Unmanned Aerial System Flights Over Town Neck Beach, in Sandwich, Massachusetts, With Associated Ground Control Points, and Transects Collected by the U.S. Geological Survey on January 22, January 25, February 11
Aerial imagery from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flights: Plum Island Estuary and Parker River NWR (PIEPR), February 27th, 2018
Geotagged Low-Altitude Aerial Imagery from Unmanned Aerial Systems Flights over Town Neck Beach in Sandwich, Massachusetts, With Associated Ground Control Points, and Transects, Collected on January 9, January 25, February 14, March 16, April 28, May 4, a
Point cloud from low-altitude aerial imagery from unmanned aerial system (UAS) flights over Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Spit, Nauset Inlet, and Nauset Marsh, Cape Cod National Seashore, Eastham, Massachusetts on 1 March 2016 (LAZ file)
Low-altitude aerial imagery and related field observations associated with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flights over Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Spit, Nauset Inlet, and Nauset Marsh, Cape Cod National Seashore, Eastham, Massachusetts on 1 March 2016
Below are multimedia items associated with the Aerial Imaging and Mapping project.
![USGS pilots landing a Unmanned Aerial Systems (uas) on Dauphin Island, Alabama](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/emily_dauphin.jpg?itok=S8GNIoED)
USGS unmanned aerial system (drone) pilot collecting aerial imagery and ground control points for the Coastal Resource Evaulation for Management Applications (CREMA) project on Dauphin Island, Alabama
USGS unmanned aerial system (drone) pilot collecting aerial imagery and ground control points for the Coastal Resource Evaulation for Management Applications (CREMA) project on Dauphin Island, Alabama
Department of Interior UAS pilots from left to right – Elizabeth Pendleton (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Colin Milone (Office of Aviation Services, AK), John Vogel (USGS; Flagstaff, AZ), Sandy Brosnahan (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Brandon Forbes (USGS; Tucson, AZ), Chris Holmquist-Johnson (USGS; Fort Collins, CO),&nb
Department of Interior UAS pilots from left to right – Elizabeth Pendleton (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Colin Milone (Office of Aviation Services, AK), John Vogel (USGS; Flagstaff, AZ), Sandy Brosnahan (USGS, Woods Hole, MA), Brandon Forbes (USGS; Tucson, AZ), Chris Holmquist-Johnson (USGS; Fort Collins, CO),&nb
Sandy Baldwin, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, shares video from the kilauea volcano with Science Stroll participants.
Sandy Baldwin, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, shares video from the kilauea volcano with Science Stroll participants.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) demonstration at 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) demonstration at 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll USGS drone demonstration
2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll USGS drone demonstration
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS drone demonstration at the 2018 Woods Hole, MA Science Stroll
USGS Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilot, Elizabeth Pendleton, setting a target in Great Marsh, Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
USGS Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilot, Elizabeth Pendleton, setting a target in Great Marsh, Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Ellizabeth Pendleton (right), Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots flying drones at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA.
Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Ellizabeth Pendleton (right), Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots flying drones at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Aerial Imaging and Mapping (AIM) group on Great Marsh, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Aerial Imaging and Mapping (AIM) group on Great Marsh, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton conduct a drone flight from atop a dune at Sandy Neck (Cape Cod).
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots Sandy Brosnahan (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton conduct a drone flight from atop a dune at Sandy Neck (Cape Cod).
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center unmanned aerial systems (uas) pilots conduct drone flights at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center unmanned aerial systems (uas) pilots conduct drone flights at Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, MA
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots, Emily Sturdivant (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton (right) working the night shift in Hawaii at the Kileaua volcano site.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots, Emily Sturdivant (left) and Elizabeth Pendleton (right) working the night shift in Hawaii at the Kileaua volcano site.
Providing situational awareness at night, Elizabeth Pendleton, Sandy Brosnahan, and Emily Sturdivant prepare for a UAS take-off
Providing situational awareness at night, Elizabeth Pendleton, Sandy Brosnahan, and Emily Sturdivant prepare for a UAS take-off
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping rock stars preparing to fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) mission while a river of lava flows in the background
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Aerial Imaging and Mapping rock stars preparing to fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) mission while a river of lava flows in the background
Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
A 3DR Solo quadcopter is collecting imagery at Chimney Bluffs State Park in NY. Using photogrammetric techniques, a 3D surface model was created providing elevation data.
A 3DR Solo quadcopter is collecting imagery at Chimney Bluffs State Park in NY. Using photogrammetric techniques, a 3D surface model was created providing elevation data.
The 3DR Solo quadcopter in flight, with a Ricoh GRII camera mounted, taking pictures to be used in photogrammetric techniques to produce 3D surface models.
The 3DR Solo quadcopter in flight, with a Ricoh GRII camera mounted, taking pictures to be used in photogrammetric techniques to produce 3D surface models.
Drone image of Nauset Inlet, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Drone image of Nauset Inlet, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Top left- Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
Top left- Rob Thieler, Sandy Brosnahan and Alex Nichols deploying ground control targets for a UAS study on Coast Guard National Seashore in Eastham, MA.
The surf zone at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury MA
The surf zone at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury MA
Publications associated with the Aerial Imaging and Mapping group
Unmanned aerial systems capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Processing coastal imagery with Agisoft Metashape Professional Edition, version 1.6—Structure from motion workflow documentation
FAQ associated with the Aerial Imagine and Mapping group