NUSO researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
Lance Brady at the "White House Roundtable on Emerging Technologies for Preventing Health Emergencies"
Convened by the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP), Patricia Bright, Senior Science Advisor for the USGS Ecosystems Environmental Health Program, was also in attendance.
Convened by the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP), Patricia Bright, Senior Science Advisor for the USGS Ecosystems Environmental Health Program, was also in attendance.
UAS 3D Model of Marsh-Felch Quarry in Colorado
UAS Hyperspectral Imaging during the Missouri River Dye-Trace Study
UAS 3D Scan of the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
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.
Technology Research
Technology Research
Research Missions
Research Missions
UAS Supports Science
UAS Supports Science
New and Noteworthy
October 15, 2024
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023 (USGS Data Release)
October 4, 2024
USGS Special topic—Unoccupied aircraft systems
What We Do
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
We focus on the evaluation of new platforms, integration of new UAS-compatible sensors, development of data specifications and processing techniques, recommendations of UAS data acquisition best-practices, and operational support for new and existing DOI remote pilots.
Who We Are
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
We are a team of platform and UAS-compatible sensor subject matter experts that, in addition to research, provide operational support to DOI remote pilots and outreach to federal, public, and international audiences. Our office, established on May 8th, 2008, operates as part of the National Land Imaging Program, and contributes to its goal to provide the Federal Government and the public with the remotely sensed data and applications needed to support our Nation’s economic security and environmental vitality.
Filter Total Items: 82
NUSO researchers prepare for evaluation flights with a vertical take-off and landing UAS
NUSO researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
Group photo captured using a drone standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a UAS flight at the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
The Evolution of UAS Platforms at USGS
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
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.
UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Remote pilots conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilots prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
UAS Operations for Carbon Sequestration Research on Public Lands near Moab, Utah in May 2023
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial Taken by Drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
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.
Technology Research
Technology Research
Research Missions
Research Missions
UAS Supports Science
UAS Supports Science
New and Noteworthy
October 15, 2024
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023 (USGS Data Release)
October 4, 2024
USGS Special topic—Unoccupied aircraft systems
What We Do
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
We focus on the evaluation of new platforms, integration of new UAS-compatible sensors, development of data specifications and processing techniques, recommendations of UAS data acquisition best-practices, and operational support for new and existing DOI remote pilots.
Who We Are
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
We are a team of platform and UAS-compatible sensor subject matter experts that, in addition to research, provide operational support to DOI remote pilots and outreach to federal, public, and international audiences. Our office, established on May 8th, 2008, operates as part of the National Land Imaging Program, and contributes to its goal to provide the Federal Government and the public with the remotely sensed data and applications needed to support our Nation’s economic security and environmental vitality.
Filter Total Items: 82
NUSO researchers prepare for evaluation flights with a vertical take-off and landing UAS
NUSO researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
NUSO researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
Group photo captured using a drone standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a UAS flight at the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
The Evolution of UAS Platforms at USGS
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
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.
UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Remote pilots conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilots prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
UAS Operations for Carbon Sequestration Research on Public Lands near Moab, Utah in May 2023
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial Taken by Drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.