In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
Using uncrewed aircraft systems to assess landslide damage after Hurricane Helene
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
Research Missions
UAS Supports Science
What We Do

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

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.
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.
LiDAR, natural color and thermal infrared data collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping topography and stream temperature along the Vermilion River, Montana, August and October 2023
Percent Shrub Cover for the Desatoya Mountains, Nevada, Derived from Worldview-2 and UAS Imagery (2018)
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) natural color imagery and structure-from-motion data products collected at the Marsh-Felch Dinosaur Quarry site in Colorado, July 2024
Topographic, multispectral, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Marsh Island, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Aerial imagery and structure-from-motion derived data products from a UAS survey of the debris flow at South Fork Campground, Sequoia National Park, CA
Data Supporting Mobile Wind Measurements Using a Joust Configured Ultrasonic Anemometer Onboard a Multi-rotor sUAS
Elevation models, aerial imagery, LiDAR point clouds (LPCs), vegetation survey, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations at Lower Darby Creek, Darby Township, Pennsylvania, August 28 to September 1, 2023
High resolution natural color and thermal imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping vegetation change and natural spring identification at Tavasci Marsh in the Tuzigoot National Monument, AZ during 2023-2024
UAS products and field data for biocrust soil heterogeneity research, Beef Basin, Utah
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023
Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019
High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 6-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge near Ouray, Utah from 2020-2023



In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.

In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.

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.
The U.S.

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. 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.

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.
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.
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
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.
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.

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.
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.
U.S. Geological Survey Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Roadmap 2014
Applications of unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) in landscape ecology: A review of recent research, challenges and emerging opportunities
Mapping river flow from thermal images in approximately real time: Proof of concept on the Sacramento River, California, USA
Pragmatically mapping Phragmites with unoccupied aerial systems: A comparison of invasive species land cover classification using RGB and multispectral imagery
Visual interpretation of high-resolution aerial imagery: A tool for land managers
Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones
Soil cover heterogeneity associated with biocrusts predicts patch-level plant diversity patterns
Hyperspectral Image Transects during Transient Events in Rivers (HITTER): Framework development and application to a tracer experiment on the Missouri River, USA
Special topic—Unoccupied aircraft systems
Paired comparisons with quiet surface drones show evidence of fish behavioral response to motorized vessels during acoustic surveys in Lake Superior
Wildland fire effects on sediment, salinity, and selenium yields in a basin underlain by Cretaceous marine shales near Rangely, Colorado
Assessing the utility of uncrewed aerial system photogrammetrically derived point clouds for land cover classification in the Alaska North Slope
Reach-scale mapping of surface flow velocities from thermal images acquired by an uncrewed aircraft system along the Sacramento River, California, USA
UASsbs - Classifying UAS soil burn severity and scaling up to satellite with Python
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
Research Missions
UAS Supports Science
What We Do

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

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.
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.
LiDAR, natural color and thermal infrared data collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping topography and stream temperature along the Vermilion River, Montana, August and October 2023
Percent Shrub Cover for the Desatoya Mountains, Nevada, Derived from Worldview-2 and UAS Imagery (2018)
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) natural color imagery and structure-from-motion data products collected at the Marsh-Felch Dinosaur Quarry site in Colorado, July 2024
Topographic, multispectral, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Marsh Island, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Aerial imagery and structure-from-motion derived data products from a UAS survey of the debris flow at South Fork Campground, Sequoia National Park, CA
Data Supporting Mobile Wind Measurements Using a Joust Configured Ultrasonic Anemometer Onboard a Multi-rotor sUAS
Elevation models, aerial imagery, LiDAR point clouds (LPCs), vegetation survey, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations at Lower Darby Creek, Darby Township, Pennsylvania, August 28 to September 1, 2023
High resolution natural color and thermal imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping vegetation change and natural spring identification at Tavasci Marsh in the Tuzigoot National Monument, AZ during 2023-2024
UAS products and field data for biocrust soil heterogeneity research, Beef Basin, Utah
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023
Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019
High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 6-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge near Ouray, Utah from 2020-2023


In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.

In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.

In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S.

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.
The U.S.

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. 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.

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.
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.
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
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.
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.

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.
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.