USGS researchers Todd Burton and Joe Adams flying a UAS at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
NUSO scientists successfully demonstrated the multifaceted value of UAS technologies during its response to the May 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. During this 24/7 UAS monitoring effort that last over 4 months, USGS UAS pilots not only provided invaluable imagery of the lava flow for scientific studies but also contributed to local emergency evacuation efforts.
Archeological Site Management in the Petrified Forest National Park
The NUSO, at the request of the National Park Service (NPS), collected high-resolution UAS data over five archeological sites within the park in October of 2018 and then produced highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site.
![Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasAZPetFDSC7030.jpg?itok=gc75Kl_3)
The Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, contains over 600 archeological sites distributed over the 230 square miles that must be monitored and preserved by the NPS. Because of the vast size of the park combined with the significant number of archeological sites the NPS determined that access to high resolution data is crucial to support their efforts to document archeological sites, help assess damage to the sites, and identify newly uncovered sites in both the core of the park and within areas of the boundary expansion.
During this mission the NUSO collected natural color imagery from the Ricoh GR II mounted on the 3DR Solo and the Sony RX1R II mounted on the FireFLY6 PRO over all five sites. This high-resolution imagery was then processed and used to produce highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site. These products provided the creation of the baseline topographic, erosion, cultural, and archeological data needed to support the preservation and management of these culturally significant sites. In addition, these baseline topographical products can be used in the generation of future landscape change models to help the park prioritize areas for future stabilization to help preserve the significant historical and archeological record of the park.
Study Point of Contact:
Nell Conti, Intermountain Region GIS Coordinator
National Park Service
Paleontological Surveys at Corral Bluffs near Colorado Springs
NUSO researchers in September 2018 began working with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to collect UAS imagery covering the Corral Bluffs study area and creating the photogrammetric surface models needed to support extraction of centimeter level elevation data for the hundreds of paleontological fossil locations.
![USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasCOCorralBtargetsDSC6743.jpg?itok=HQ5-ln7X)
Corral Bluffs, located at the eastern edge of Colorado Springs, contains scenic 400-foot-high bluffs with rich archaeological and paleontological resources, and provides an important wildlife habitat. The area preserves numerous paleontological fossils and marks the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary, a geologically significant mass extinction event that marks a decline of biodiversity. Many of the exposed outcrops represent the first million years after the extinction of the dinosaurs, an essential and previously unknown part of history. Therefore, the ability to identify and date fossils in this area provided clues to help understand how the planet rebounded from a mass extinction event.
During this first mission the NUSO the FireFly6 UAS platform mounted with a Sony RX1RII camera to collect imagery covering the Corral Bluffs study area. The acquired high-resolution imagery was then used to create a photogrammetric surface model supporting the extraction of centimeter level elevation data for the hundreds of paleontological fossil locations. Accurate surface elevation data is crucial when back dating fossils using stratigraphy, it places a record in their relationship in the geological time scale. This data was then utilized to paint a “bigger picture” of how mammals recovered from a mass extinction event and evolved over time.
Study Point of Contact:
Dr. Tyler Lyson, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Additional Information:
Colorado Discovery Rocks the World
New Fossil Discoveries Reveal How Life Returned After the Dinosaurs (YouTube Video)
Geologic Hazard Analysis and Rockfall Mitigation at Colorado’s Dinosaur Ridge
Jefferson County Open Space and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge collaborated with the NUSO in September 2018 to collect high-resolution UAS data for use in constructing 3D photogrammetric terrain models of potential landslide areas.
Dinosaur Ridge is in a segment of the Dakota Hogback in the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark located near Morrison, Colorado. A core component of the recent Dinosaur Ridge planning project is geologic hazard analysis and rockfall mitigation of the Dinosaur Ridge Park. This analysis and mitigation plan is particularly important since nearly all the site’s exhibits lie at the bottom of an unstable slope which requires continuous monitoring to protect both visitors and natural park resources.
During the UAS mission imagery data was collected using a Ricoh GR II mounted on a 3DR Solo and then the high-resolution imagery was used to generate photogrammetric models for the ridge, the dinosaur track site, and other areas of interest.
Study Point of Contact:
Guthrie Alexander, Geographer,
Jefferson County Open Space
River Discharge Computations at the Confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers
USGS hydrologists, with help from the NUSO, planned to evaluate the value of UAS data collected over the confluence of the Blue and Colorado rivers in August 2018 for river discharge calculations and velocity rate evaluation.
![Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/media/images/uasCOBluergbdata.jpeg?itok=zlL8YPNb)
During this mission Pulse Vapor 55 helicopter flights were to be performed over the river confluence using the YellowScan Surveyor to collect light detection and ranging (lidar) and the Nano-Hyperspec to collect hyperspectral data. However, during one of the early programmed flights, the Pulse Vapor 55 had unexpected system issues resulting in an emergency landing into the river. After recovering the Pulse from the 2-3 feet of water it had landed in further flights were cancelled.
Study Point of Contact:
Paul J. Kinzel, Hydrologist,
USGS Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division
Monitoring the 2018 Eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano
On May 17 NUSO researchers were deployed to the site of the Kilauea Volcanic eruption to provide UAS data acquisition and processing support. This near real-time monitoring of the erupting volcano and crater lasted for several months and provided a never-before-seen level of scientific measurements and modeling that should help better predict future activity.
The initial deployment focused on the NUSO and Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Aviation Services (OAS) equipment and trained personnel needed to support the immediate remote sensing data acquisition requirements. Proper authorizations from the Federal Aviation Administration, DOI agencies, and the local Emergency Operations organizations were established and approved for not only immediate use but if needed an extended period of UAS operations.
Monitoring of the volcanic activity through use of thermal video imagery and gas sensors on-board the UAS were requested and additional ground mapping of the volcanic fissures around the island were of the highest priorities for geospatial data for several weeks. This near real-time monitoring of the volcano and crater for scientific measurements and modeling should help better predict future activity. In addition, assistance to the local county and fire emergency managers in support of monitoring lava movement toward the Puna Geothermal Venture Hawaiian Electric Plant had an immediate demand for geospatial data. UAS payloads have also been adapted/reconfigured as required to provide periodic assistance to local emergency managers, including investigation of lava-surrounded communities for potentially stranded people and delivery of live video feeds of lava flow conditions/paths to the EOC in support of emergency evacuation efforts.
![Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasHIKiladata.jpg?itok=VGB_4biJ)
![3D model of the Kilauea Volcano after the 2018 eruption derived from UAS acquired data](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasHIKilafisure8aftermodel_0.jpg?itok=JClcM6wm)
Based on the continuation of the volcanic eruption and the successful results of its initial 24/7 UAS monitoring activities the NUSO was asked to continue providing near 24/7 monitoring of the volcanic activity through September utilizing UAS-mounted natural color, thermal and gas sensors. Unable to provide this level of support with its own limited resources, the NUSO quickly established and executed an emergency response effort that utilized previously trained UAS pilots across the USGS and provided ongoing 24/7 UAS monitoring and data collection efforts over the eruption sites that lasted into September.
Additional Information:
Videos taken from UAS-mounted sensors -
Hovering Above - UAS' Role in the 2018 Kilauea Volcano Eruption Response, March 6, 2018
UAS team completes mission to map changes within the caldera at Kilauea Volcano's summit, September 11, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, September 4-7, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, September 4, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's summit, August 30, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, August 21, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, August 17, 2018
Lava erupting from within the 120-foot-high fissure 8 cinder cone built of chilled lava fragments, July 14, 2018
Fissure 8 view from UAS provides critical geologic information, June 29, 2018
Kilauea Summit UAS footage shows an ever growing Halema'uma'u Crater, June 26, 2018
UAS survey of Halema'uma'u crater rim, June 13, 2018
UAS hovering over active lava channel helps in estimating flow velocity, June 6, 2018
UAS mission films details of changes occurring within Halema'uma'u crater at Kilauea's summit, May 31, 2018
USGS UAS mission helps with a successful rescue on May 27, May 27, 2018
UAS mission documents conditions at the Overlook vent, May 30,2018
Lower East Rift Zone UAS flights assist with remote data collection, lava flow mapping, and hazard assessment, May 22, 2018
Aerial imagery of Kilauea summit activity, May 21, 2018
In the News -
History of Innovation Leads to Cutting-Edge Technique for Sampling Water Deep Within Kilauea's Volcanic Crater, USGS News Featured Stories, May 1, 2020
Pondering the pond: what Halema'uma'u water chemistry tells us, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Volcano Watch, November 11, 2019
Drone video gives a clear view inside fissure 8, khon2, August 20, 2018
The United States Geological Survey Is Making America Great (Again And Again), Forbes, July 30, 2018
Look Inside Kilauea Volcano's Collapsing Summit Crater With A USGS Drone, Forbes, June 28, 2018
Using Drones to Monitor Volcano Activity and Save Lives, Commercial UAV News, June 14, 2018
Interior is Using Drones to Save People Trapped by Hot Lava, Nextgov, June 2, 2018
Researchers Use Drone to Save Man's Life from Hawaii's Lava Flow, Interesting Engineering, June 1, 2018
Drone to the rescue: Hawaii resident saved from Kilauea's lava flows, Digital Trends, May 30, 2018
How the USGS Used a Drone to Save Someone from Kilauea’s Lava, Discover Magazine, May 30, 2018
Marshland Restoration Monitoring at the Hart Mine Marsh
The NUSO collaborated with the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in March 2018 at the Hart Mine Marsh to collect the photogrammetric and lidar data needed to reconstruct a digital marshland model to measure vegetation response of habitat treatments and to monitor the overall health of the marsh.
![Point cloud data of the Hart Mine Marsh UAS collected from a lidar sensor mounted on a UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasAZHartMlidarptcld.jpg?itok=a0Egt3DE)
The Hart Mine March, located on the southern end of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge about 20 miles south of Blythe, California, was initially created by historic overbank flood flows from the Colorado River. Over time the dynamic processes that once maintained this marsh have been all but removed. Until recently the marsh had no outlet which has resulted in poor water quality and highly saline areas mostly dominated by invasive saltcedar plants.
In 2011 approximately 255 acres of the Hart Mine Marsh were successfully restored by removing non-native vegetation and excavating and re-contouring the marsh to provide areas for emergent native vegetation and permanent open water. Water management was also improved by adding a series of gated control structures allowing for flexible water control within the conservation area. The restored march now provides suitable habitat for avian and wildlife species including the Yuma clapper rail, California black rail, least bittern, as well as several resident and migrating bird species, and shorebirds along the lower Colorado River.
During this mission the Sony A7r mounted on the Pulse Vapor 55 was used to collect aerial natural color data, and the YellowScan Surveyor mounted on the Pulse Vapor 55 was used to collect lidar. Data analysis and photogrammetric processing methods were used after the completion of this mission to model the wetland marsh. Digital point clouds were generated using structure from motion techniques applied to the photogrammetic imagery, as well as orthoimagery and digital surface models. The acquired lidar data was also used to generate similar products as well as the final digital marshland model.
Study Points of Contact:
Jimmy Knowles, Manager, Adaptive Management Group
Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
David E. Salas, Physical Scientist
Bureau of Reclamation
USGS researchers Todd Burton and Joe Adams flying a UAS at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
![UAS ground control station at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasHIKilanghtops20180521-190527.jpg?itok=9hwZ8ruG)
UAS ground control station at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
UAS ground control station at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
![Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasHIKiladata.jpg?itok=d077zw9P)
Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night
Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
The NUSO, at the request of the National Park Service (NPS), collected high-resolution UAS data over five archeological sites within the park in October of 2018 and then produced highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
The NUSO, at the request of the National Park Service (NPS), collected high-resolution UAS data over five archeological sites within the park in October of 2018 and then produced highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site.
USGS researchers Joe Adams and Mark Bauer at a UAS launch site at Colorado’s Dinosaur Ridge
Jefferson County Open Space and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge collaborated with the NUSO in September 2018 to collect high-resolution UAS data for use in constructing 3D photogrammetric terrain models of potential landslide areas.
USGS researchers Joe Adams and Mark Bauer at a UAS launch site at Colorado’s Dinosaur Ridge
Jefferson County Open Space and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge collaborated with the NUSO in September 2018 to collect high-resolution UAS data for use in constructing 3D photogrammetric terrain models of potential landslide areas.
![USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasCOCorralBtargetsDSC6743.jpg?itok=CODX2ROX)
USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs
USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs
![Image of Corral Bluffs taken from a natural color sensor mounted on a fixed wing UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasCOCorralBfireflysonyrx1rii.jpg?itok=1RGGPMW1)
Image of Corral Bluffs taken from a natural color sensor mounted on a fixed wing UAS
Image of Corral Bluffs taken from a natural color sensor mounted on a fixed wing UAS
![Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasCOBluergbdata.jpeg?itok=p_zbFBMj)
Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS
USGS hydrologists, with help from the NUSO, planned to evaluate the value of UAS data collected over the confluence of the Blue and Colorado rivers in August 2018 for river discharge calculations and velocity rate evaluation.
Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS
USGS hydrologists, with help from the NUSO, planned to evaluate the value of UAS data collected over the confluence of the Blue and Colorado rivers in August 2018 for river discharge calculations and velocity rate evaluation.
NUSO scientists successfully demonstrated the multifaceted value of UAS technologies during its response to the May 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. During this 24/7 UAS monitoring effort that last over 4 months, USGS UAS pilots not only provided invaluable imagery of the lava flow for scientific studies but also contributed to local emergency evacuation efforts.
Archeological Site Management in the Petrified Forest National Park
The NUSO, at the request of the National Park Service (NPS), collected high-resolution UAS data over five archeological sites within the park in October of 2018 and then produced highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site.
![Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasAZPetFDSC7030.jpg?itok=gc75Kl_3)
The Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, contains over 600 archeological sites distributed over the 230 square miles that must be monitored and preserved by the NPS. Because of the vast size of the park combined with the significant number of archeological sites the NPS determined that access to high resolution data is crucial to support their efforts to document archeological sites, help assess damage to the sites, and identify newly uncovered sites in both the core of the park and within areas of the boundary expansion.
During this mission the NUSO collected natural color imagery from the Ricoh GR II mounted on the 3DR Solo and the Sony RX1R II mounted on the FireFLY6 PRO over all five sites. This high-resolution imagery was then processed and used to produce highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site. These products provided the creation of the baseline topographic, erosion, cultural, and archeological data needed to support the preservation and management of these culturally significant sites. In addition, these baseline topographical products can be used in the generation of future landscape change models to help the park prioritize areas for future stabilization to help preserve the significant historical and archeological record of the park.
Study Point of Contact:
Nell Conti, Intermountain Region GIS Coordinator
National Park Service
Paleontological Surveys at Corral Bluffs near Colorado Springs
NUSO researchers in September 2018 began working with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to collect UAS imagery covering the Corral Bluffs study area and creating the photogrammetric surface models needed to support extraction of centimeter level elevation data for the hundreds of paleontological fossil locations.
![USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasCOCorralBtargetsDSC6743.jpg?itok=HQ5-ln7X)
Corral Bluffs, located at the eastern edge of Colorado Springs, contains scenic 400-foot-high bluffs with rich archaeological and paleontological resources, and provides an important wildlife habitat. The area preserves numerous paleontological fossils and marks the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary, a geologically significant mass extinction event that marks a decline of biodiversity. Many of the exposed outcrops represent the first million years after the extinction of the dinosaurs, an essential and previously unknown part of history. Therefore, the ability to identify and date fossils in this area provided clues to help understand how the planet rebounded from a mass extinction event.
During this first mission the NUSO the FireFly6 UAS platform mounted with a Sony RX1RII camera to collect imagery covering the Corral Bluffs study area. The acquired high-resolution imagery was then used to create a photogrammetric surface model supporting the extraction of centimeter level elevation data for the hundreds of paleontological fossil locations. Accurate surface elevation data is crucial when back dating fossils using stratigraphy, it places a record in their relationship in the geological time scale. This data was then utilized to paint a “bigger picture” of how mammals recovered from a mass extinction event and evolved over time.
Study Point of Contact:
Dr. Tyler Lyson, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Additional Information:
Colorado Discovery Rocks the World
New Fossil Discoveries Reveal How Life Returned After the Dinosaurs (YouTube Video)
Geologic Hazard Analysis and Rockfall Mitigation at Colorado’s Dinosaur Ridge
Jefferson County Open Space and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge collaborated with the NUSO in September 2018 to collect high-resolution UAS data for use in constructing 3D photogrammetric terrain models of potential landslide areas.
Dinosaur Ridge is in a segment of the Dakota Hogback in the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark located near Morrison, Colorado. A core component of the recent Dinosaur Ridge planning project is geologic hazard analysis and rockfall mitigation of the Dinosaur Ridge Park. This analysis and mitigation plan is particularly important since nearly all the site’s exhibits lie at the bottom of an unstable slope which requires continuous monitoring to protect both visitors and natural park resources.
During the UAS mission imagery data was collected using a Ricoh GR II mounted on a 3DR Solo and then the high-resolution imagery was used to generate photogrammetric models for the ridge, the dinosaur track site, and other areas of interest.
Study Point of Contact:
Guthrie Alexander, Geographer,
Jefferson County Open Space
River Discharge Computations at the Confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers
USGS hydrologists, with help from the NUSO, planned to evaluate the value of UAS data collected over the confluence of the Blue and Colorado rivers in August 2018 for river discharge calculations and velocity rate evaluation.
![Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/media/images/uasCOBluergbdata.jpeg?itok=zlL8YPNb)
During this mission Pulse Vapor 55 helicopter flights were to be performed over the river confluence using the YellowScan Surveyor to collect light detection and ranging (lidar) and the Nano-Hyperspec to collect hyperspectral data. However, during one of the early programmed flights, the Pulse Vapor 55 had unexpected system issues resulting in an emergency landing into the river. After recovering the Pulse from the 2-3 feet of water it had landed in further flights were cancelled.
Study Point of Contact:
Paul J. Kinzel, Hydrologist,
USGS Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division
Monitoring the 2018 Eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano
On May 17 NUSO researchers were deployed to the site of the Kilauea Volcanic eruption to provide UAS data acquisition and processing support. This near real-time monitoring of the erupting volcano and crater lasted for several months and provided a never-before-seen level of scientific measurements and modeling that should help better predict future activity.
The initial deployment focused on the NUSO and Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Aviation Services (OAS) equipment and trained personnel needed to support the immediate remote sensing data acquisition requirements. Proper authorizations from the Federal Aviation Administration, DOI agencies, and the local Emergency Operations organizations were established and approved for not only immediate use but if needed an extended period of UAS operations.
Monitoring of the volcanic activity through use of thermal video imagery and gas sensors on-board the UAS were requested and additional ground mapping of the volcanic fissures around the island were of the highest priorities for geospatial data for several weeks. This near real-time monitoring of the volcano and crater for scientific measurements and modeling should help better predict future activity. In addition, assistance to the local county and fire emergency managers in support of monitoring lava movement toward the Puna Geothermal Venture Hawaiian Electric Plant had an immediate demand for geospatial data. UAS payloads have also been adapted/reconfigured as required to provide periodic assistance to local emergency managers, including investigation of lava-surrounded communities for potentially stranded people and delivery of live video feeds of lava flow conditions/paths to the EOC in support of emergency evacuation efforts.
![Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasHIKiladata.jpg?itok=VGB_4biJ)
![3D model of the Kilauea Volcano after the 2018 eruption derived from UAS acquired data](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasHIKilafisure8aftermodel_0.jpg?itok=JClcM6wm)
Based on the continuation of the volcanic eruption and the successful results of its initial 24/7 UAS monitoring activities the NUSO was asked to continue providing near 24/7 monitoring of the volcanic activity through September utilizing UAS-mounted natural color, thermal and gas sensors. Unable to provide this level of support with its own limited resources, the NUSO quickly established and executed an emergency response effort that utilized previously trained UAS pilots across the USGS and provided ongoing 24/7 UAS monitoring and data collection efforts over the eruption sites that lasted into September.
Additional Information:
Videos taken from UAS-mounted sensors -
Hovering Above - UAS' Role in the 2018 Kilauea Volcano Eruption Response, March 6, 2018
UAS team completes mission to map changes within the caldera at Kilauea Volcano's summit, September 11, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, September 4-7, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, September 4, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's summit, August 30, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, August 21, 2018
Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, August 17, 2018
Lava erupting from within the 120-foot-high fissure 8 cinder cone built of chilled lava fragments, July 14, 2018
Fissure 8 view from UAS provides critical geologic information, June 29, 2018
Kilauea Summit UAS footage shows an ever growing Halema'uma'u Crater, June 26, 2018
UAS survey of Halema'uma'u crater rim, June 13, 2018
UAS hovering over active lava channel helps in estimating flow velocity, June 6, 2018
UAS mission films details of changes occurring within Halema'uma'u crater at Kilauea's summit, May 31, 2018
USGS UAS mission helps with a successful rescue on May 27, May 27, 2018
UAS mission documents conditions at the Overlook vent, May 30,2018
Lower East Rift Zone UAS flights assist with remote data collection, lava flow mapping, and hazard assessment, May 22, 2018
Aerial imagery of Kilauea summit activity, May 21, 2018
In the News -
History of Innovation Leads to Cutting-Edge Technique for Sampling Water Deep Within Kilauea's Volcanic Crater, USGS News Featured Stories, May 1, 2020
Pondering the pond: what Halema'uma'u water chemistry tells us, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Volcano Watch, November 11, 2019
Drone video gives a clear view inside fissure 8, khon2, August 20, 2018
The United States Geological Survey Is Making America Great (Again And Again), Forbes, July 30, 2018
Look Inside Kilauea Volcano's Collapsing Summit Crater With A USGS Drone, Forbes, June 28, 2018
Using Drones to Monitor Volcano Activity and Save Lives, Commercial UAV News, June 14, 2018
Interior is Using Drones to Save People Trapped by Hot Lava, Nextgov, June 2, 2018
Researchers Use Drone to Save Man's Life from Hawaii's Lava Flow, Interesting Engineering, June 1, 2018
Drone to the rescue: Hawaii resident saved from Kilauea's lava flows, Digital Trends, May 30, 2018
How the USGS Used a Drone to Save Someone from Kilauea’s Lava, Discover Magazine, May 30, 2018
Marshland Restoration Monitoring at the Hart Mine Marsh
The NUSO collaborated with the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in March 2018 at the Hart Mine Marsh to collect the photogrammetric and lidar data needed to reconstruct a digital marshland model to measure vegetation response of habitat treatments and to monitor the overall health of the marsh.
![Point cloud data of the Hart Mine Marsh UAS collected from a lidar sensor mounted on a UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/half_width/public/media/images/uasAZHartMlidarptcld.jpg?itok=a0Egt3DE)
The Hart Mine March, located on the southern end of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge about 20 miles south of Blythe, California, was initially created by historic overbank flood flows from the Colorado River. Over time the dynamic processes that once maintained this marsh have been all but removed. Until recently the marsh had no outlet which has resulted in poor water quality and highly saline areas mostly dominated by invasive saltcedar plants.
In 2011 approximately 255 acres of the Hart Mine Marsh were successfully restored by removing non-native vegetation and excavating and re-contouring the marsh to provide areas for emergent native vegetation and permanent open water. Water management was also improved by adding a series of gated control structures allowing for flexible water control within the conservation area. The restored march now provides suitable habitat for avian and wildlife species including the Yuma clapper rail, California black rail, least bittern, as well as several resident and migrating bird species, and shorebirds along the lower Colorado River.
During this mission the Sony A7r mounted on the Pulse Vapor 55 was used to collect aerial natural color data, and the YellowScan Surveyor mounted on the Pulse Vapor 55 was used to collect lidar. Data analysis and photogrammetric processing methods were used after the completion of this mission to model the wetland marsh. Digital point clouds were generated using structure from motion techniques applied to the photogrammetic imagery, as well as orthoimagery and digital surface models. The acquired lidar data was also used to generate similar products as well as the final digital marshland model.
Study Points of Contact:
Jimmy Knowles, Manager, Adaptive Management Group
Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
David E. Salas, Physical Scientist
Bureau of Reclamation
USGS researchers Todd Burton and Joe Adams flying a UAS at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
USGS researchers Todd Burton and Joe Adams flying a UAS at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
![UAS ground control station at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasHIKilanghtops20180521-190527.jpg?itok=9hwZ8ruG)
UAS ground control station at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
UAS ground control station at the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano
![Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasHIKiladata.jpg?itok=d077zw9P)
Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night
Image of the 2018 Eruption of the Kilauea Volcano taken from a UAS at night
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
The NUSO, at the request of the National Park Service (NPS), collected high-resolution UAS data over five archeological sites within the park in October of 2018 and then produced highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
The NUSO, at the request of the National Park Service (NPS), collected high-resolution UAS data over five archeological sites within the park in October of 2018 and then produced highly accurate, high resolution 3D point clouds, orthomosaics, and digital elevation models for each site.
USGS researchers Joe Adams and Mark Bauer at a UAS launch site at Colorado’s Dinosaur Ridge
Jefferson County Open Space and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge collaborated with the NUSO in September 2018 to collect high-resolution UAS data for use in constructing 3D photogrammetric terrain models of potential landslide areas.
USGS researchers Joe Adams and Mark Bauer at a UAS launch site at Colorado’s Dinosaur Ridge
Jefferson County Open Space and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge collaborated with the NUSO in September 2018 to collect high-resolution UAS data for use in constructing 3D photogrammetric terrain models of potential landslide areas.
![USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasCOCorralBtargetsDSC6743.jpg?itok=CODX2ROX)
USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs
USGS scientists placing a UAS ground control target at Corral Bluffs
![Image of Corral Bluffs taken from a natural color sensor mounted on a fixed wing UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasCOCorralBfireflysonyrx1rii.jpg?itok=1RGGPMW1)
Image of Corral Bluffs taken from a natural color sensor mounted on a fixed wing UAS
Image of Corral Bluffs taken from a natural color sensor mounted on a fixed wing UAS
![Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/uasCOBluergbdata.jpeg?itok=p_zbFBMj)
Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS
USGS hydrologists, with help from the NUSO, planned to evaluate the value of UAS data collected over the confluence of the Blue and Colorado rivers in August 2018 for river discharge calculations and velocity rate evaluation.
Image of the confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers taken from a UAS
USGS hydrologists, with help from the NUSO, planned to evaluate the value of UAS data collected over the confluence of the Blue and Colorado rivers in August 2018 for river discharge calculations and velocity rate evaluation.