USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
This year’s missions focused on evaluating and testing the increasing variety of new UAS-mountable specialized sensors including multispectral, hyperspectral, lidar, gamma ray, and customized methane-detecting.
Monitoring Topographic, Vegetation, and Habitat Change in the Yosemite National Park
The NUSO partnered with a team of USGS scientists and the National Park Service (NPS) in June and November 2023 to collect high-resolution UAS lidar datasets and photogrammetric imagery to support an ongoing restoration and rehabilitation project to re-establish the Ackerson Meadow to a native wetland environment.
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Ackerson Meadow, one of the largest mid-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, is a newly acquired addition to Yosemite National Park. It is an ecologically and regionally critical wildlife corridor and an important habitat for the State’s endangered great Grey Owl and Little Willow Flycatcher, as well as a suite of additional at-risk wildlife species. It was purchased from private ownership in 2016 and donated to Yosemite by a coalition including the Trust for Public Lands, National Park Trust, Yosemite Conservancy, and American Rivers. A large gully network, up to 3 miles long, 14 feet deep, and 100 feet wide has drained 90 acres of wetlands in the meadow complex and is actively eroding an additional 100 acres of remaining wetlands and wet meadow habitat. The gully network is likely a result of over a century of landscape manipulation including domestic water diversion, farming, ranching, and timber harvest. Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest have partnered with American Rivers and Yosemite Conservancy to implement actions that reduce erosion and restore wetland functionality at Ackerson Meadow. These actions include filling eroded gullied with soils and sediment from nearby locations and revegetating the restored area. Source: NPS Ackerson Meadow Restoration Project
NUSO scientists have collected high-resolution UAS lidar datasets and photogrammetric imagery of the Main and South Ackerson Meadows as part of an effort to monitor the restoration with a time series of detailed topography, vegetation, and habitat structure. UAS data collections were completed for pre-restoration work in June 2023 and for the early restoration phase in November 2023. Additional fieldwork collections are planned for post-restoration (native revegetation) in 2024, and further monitoring when the wetland is fully restored in 2025.
Study Points of Contact:
Stephen (Steve) DeLong, Supervisory Research Geologist
USGS Southwest Region
Mark Bauer, Geographer
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
UAS Hyperspectral Crop Field Mapping in California
NUSO scientists used UAS to collect hyperspectral imagery in August 2023 to serve as an intermediate scale between field- and satellite-based observations to help build crop classification models for ongoing remote sensing research to monitor globally dominant agricultural crops.
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Researchers at the USGS Western Geographic Science Center are studying ways to assess crop productivity, health, yield, lignin and cellulose content using spaceborne hyperspectral systems including German DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) and Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP). A new generation of satellite-based hyperspectral sensors will provide hundreds of bands of spectral remote sensing data from space: German DESIS, EnMAP, and Italian PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA).
Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level and ground-based spectral measurements collected using an ASD FieldSpec instrument. The NUSO collected hyperspectral image data over a variety of crop fields: cotton, almond, pistachio, grape, rice, and corn. The hyperspectral UAS imagery will be calibrated to reflectance and ortho-rectified for comparison with spaceborne and ground-based observations.
Study Point of Contact:
Itiya Aneece, Research Geographer
USGS Western Geographic Science Center
Additional Information:
New generation hyperspectral sensors DESIS and PRISMA provide improved agricultural crop classifications
Using UAS to Support Road Condition Inspections on Federal Lands
In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the NUSO participated in an August 2023 evaluation at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge of UAS equipped with various sensors to collect the information necessary to support automated road distress detection.
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In addition to protecting and managing the lands and resources under their jurisdictions, Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs) are vitally interested in the maintenance of a public road system that provides access for the use, management, and enjoyment of Federal lands. FLMAs work to ensure that their road construction, maintenance, and operations activities are carried out in ways that minimize impacts on operations while complying with adopted standards and federal law regarding highways. Understanding that roads deteriorate over time due to traffic loading and environmental factors and preventive maintenance can be significantly less expensive than rehabilitation or reconstruction, FLMAs periodically inspect their roadway networks to help minimize the maintenance backlog, while also exploring ways to improve their inspection processes.
Accordingly, the USFWS undertook a research effort with the DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) to identify opportunities, challenges, and needs related to using UAS to support condition inspections on FLMA roads. Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado served as a testbed for applying and assessing UAS concepts reviewed in a literature scan and insights gathered from interviews with subject matter experts.
In coordination with the USFWS and the Volpe Center, NUSO remote pilots participated in a two-day demonstration and evaluation of the YellowScan VX20-100 light detection and ranging (lidar) payload on a UAS for assisting with unpaved road condition inspections at Alamosa. The NUSO led the interagency team in the field in placing ground control points and planning, coordinating, and conducting flight missions; UAS pilots from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Federal Lands Highway flew complementary missions with their UAS equipment after NUSO’s missions were flown. Multiple flights were conducted to acquire both lidar and imagery data.
The Volpe Center is tasked to assess whether the presence and severity of road distress on unpaved roads can be discerned via remote sensing techniques to generate a condition rating for a road. The USFWS and Volpe Center team expect to complete a final report for the research project by the end of the calendar year 2023.
Study Points of Contact:
Mark Bauer, Geographer & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Peter Tomczik, Transportation Asset Management Coordinator
Branch of Transportation and Data Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service
UAS Measurements of Methane in Interior Alaska
In August 2023 the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors over Interior Alaska to support USGS and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development research into low-cost ways to measure methane emissions.
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As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. Scientists at the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center are researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems. Scientists have traditionally monitored methane emissions using ground-based flux towers and surface chambers. While these methods provide valuable data, the measurement techniques are resource intensive and therefore done only in limited areas. A crewed helicopter at low altitude increases personnel risk, has the potential to disturb wildlife, and would have difficulty getting low enough to accurately measure these emissions. UAS, also known as drones, may enable scientists to significantly enhance their data collection capabilities at wetlands across Alaska.
During this mission the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors utilizing various altitudes and flight patterns at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site (BNZ LTER) located approximately 20 km southwest of Fairbanks, Alaska. UAS-based methane observations were collected with two distinctive custom methane-sensing payloads by USGS and EPA researchers for inter-comparison and with fixed tower-based measurements at BNZ LTER.
Study Points of Contact:
Kristen Manies, Ecologist
USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Brian Gullett, Environmental Engineer
Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Additional Information:
Arctic Biogeochemical Response to Permafrost Thaw (ABRUPT)
Radiometric Calibration and Validation Research for Scientific-grade Spectral UAS Imagery
In support of radiometric calibration and validation research at USGS, the NUSO in July 2023 collected multispectral and hyperspectral UAS data at several sites near the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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The EROS Calibration/Validation Center of Excellence (ECCOE) is responsible for the radiometric and geometric characterization and calibration of Landsat satellite instruments. Spaceborne sensors such as those onboard the Landsat satellites are rigorously characterized and calibrated using both laboratory and onboard techniques to generate science-grade data products. Although UAS technologies offer flexible opportunities to capture low-altitude remote sensing data, their low-cost sensors and variable environmental conditions during data collection create challenges for radiometric calibration. Developing UAS calibration protocols and quantifying sources of uncertainty are active areas of research in the remote sensing community.
The NUSO collected AgEagle/MicaSense RedEdge MX-Dual 10-band multispectral and Headwall Nano-Hyperspec 274-band hyperspectral UAS imagery over the course of four days and various environmental conditions (wildfire smoke, partly cloudy, and clear skies). The UAS flights were conducted at approximately 10am, 12pm, and 1-2pm each day to capture different solar geometries. ECCOE scientists measured a series of reflectance targets and a large, vegetated site using handheld spectrometers in close time proximity to the UAS collections and overpasses by Landsat 9 and Sentinel 2B.
The data collected in coordination between the NUSO and ECCOE will enable USGS researchers to explore questions related to calibration panel materials, colors, and sizes for UAS imagery calibration procedures. In conjunction with satellite overpasses, the UAS data collected during this mission may also provide value for satellite data validation studies.
Study Point of Contact:
Jeff Irwin, Geographer & Field Team Lead
EROS Calibration/Validation Center of Excellence
Additional Information:
Guidelines for Calibration of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Imagery (USGS Open File Report)
Test and Evaluation of UAS 3D Scan for Bridge Inspection at the Green Mountain Reservoir
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
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NUSO researchers are conducting evaluations of UAS to find suitable replacements for the existing Department of the Interior (DOI) UAS fleet. The Skydio X2D is a 4th generation DOI UAS that has sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms running on the flight controller while also using 360-degree obstacle avoidance cameras. This allows the aircraft to perform fully autonomous photogrammetric missions in confined, GPS-denied environments. The NUSO is testing the Skydio X2D 3D scan capability to create photogrammetric models to assist infrastructure assessment teams at bridges and dams.
Working alongside Civil Engineer Matthew Klein’s team from the Bureau of Reclamation, the NUSO participated in a test and evaluation of the Skydio X2D uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir. NUSO team members placed a series of ground control points and scale bars to assist with the processing of the photogrammetric models. Multiple flights were conducted that focused on the main bridge deck, bridge supports, and bridge substructure. Several visual observers were present including Rich Thurau of the DOI Office of Aviation Services to maintain visual site of the aircraft during the scan. Since these were the first flights using the Skydio in confined spaces, more care was taken to track the aircraft. Matt Chandler, Aaron Begle and Taylor Mitcham from Skydio were also present to assist with 3D scan parameters and provide support. The aircraft performed as advertised with little to no input from the remote pilot during the scan. Independent review of the Skydio imagery showed it is possible to acquire a high-quality camera calibration for the Skydio imaging systems allowing for a highly accurate photogrammetric model.
Learn more about the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Green Mountain Powerplant
Study Points of Contact:
Todd Burton, Regional Aviation Manager & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Mark Bauer, Geographer
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
UAS Multi-scale Remote Sensing for Carbon Sequestration on Public Lands
In May 2023, in coordination with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), the NUSO collected UAS data over two BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) plots at the NEON Moab site to support multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands. The UAS data collected included natural color, multispectral, hyperspectral, and lidar to capture diverse information about vegetation and soils.
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USGS researchers are studying ways to quantify and manage carbon sequestration across drylands. Although satellites offer global remote sensing coverage and a long-term data record, estimates of aboveground biomass and plant productivity via spectral indices are known to under-perform in drylands. The BLM measures field-based aboveground biomass at AIM sites spread across public lands in the west. However, BLM AIM plots require intensive sampling and offer finite observations over large areas.
The NEON has a long-term monitoring site located on high-desert BLM land 25 miles south of Moab, Utah. In addition to collecting meteorological, soil, vegetation, and wildlife observations, NEON collects and delivers freely available airborne remote sensing data at this site on a semi-annual basis. NEON’s airborne system collects lidar, spectrometer and high-resolution RGB camera data.
UAS provide a high spatial resolution (2-4cm) perspective that can help connect BLM AIM field measurements to airborne and satellite observations. In May 2023, the NUSO coordinated with BLM and NEON to collect field, UAS, and airborne data at the NEON Moab site. NEON collected airborne data at a flight altitude of 1000 meters above ground level (AGL) on April 28. During the following week, the NUSO collected UAS natural color, multispectral, hyperspectral, and lidar data at a flight altitude of 31 meters over two BLM AIM plots that were imaged by the NEON's airborne platform. BLM AIM teams collected field-based measurements of vegetation and soil at these two sites. USGS researchers will link these data sets to inform carbon storage questions on public lands.
Learn more:
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM)
National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
NEON MOAB site
Study Points of Contact:
Victoria Scholl, Physical Scientist & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Sasha Reed, Ph.D., Research Ecologist
Canyonlands Research Station, Southwest Biological Science Center
Brooke Osborne, Professor, Environment & Society
Utah State University
Jason Burgess-Conforti, Monitoring Coordinator/Ecologist
Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM), Bureau of Land Management
Additional Information:
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) natural color, multispectral, lidar, and hyperspectral remote sensing data products collected at dryland sites 40 km south of Moab, Utah in May 2023 (USGS Data Release)
UAS Mapping of Pleistocene Fossilized Trackways at the White Sands National Park
In coordination with the NPS, the NUSO collected scientific UAS data in April 2023 at the White Sands National Park to document trackways before erosion erases their existence.
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Although White Sands National Park is widely recognized for its wave-like gypsum sand dunes, this national park is also home to the world’s most extensive collection of fossilized footprints from the Pleistocene epoch. These fossilized tracks were left by ice age megafauna including mammoths, giant ground sloths, dire wolves, and even footprints left by humans along the shores of the ancient Lake Otero in the Tularosa Basin. These footprints are the subject of globally significant archeological
research: The oldest human footprints in North America were recently discovered at White Sands, changing the timeline of human arrival in the Americas by nearly 10,000 years (Bennett et al. 2021).
Soil stability, erosion, moisture, and activity at the nearby White Sands Missile Range pose a threat to these ephemeral fossilized tracks. White Sands National Park personnel are exploring the use of UAS to advance their preservation and applied research capabilities. UAS are scientific tools that could be used to reduce the destructive impact of work around trackway sites and to digitally capture trackways for future studies.
NUSO scientists collected natural color and lidar data at a variety of flight altitudes and spatial scales at multiple sites with known fossilized footprints. Note that the UAS data collected at White Sands National Park is protected and not released publicly. It is being utilized by park personnel for resource protection and preservation. The use of UAS and aircraft is prohibited from flying in the airspace above the park. USGS worked with the National Park Service and White Sands Missile Range to obtain airspace authorizations over the Park within a narrow window of time to conduct this data collection.
Reference:
Bennett, Matthew R., David Bustos, Jeffrey S. Pigati, Kathleen B. Springer, Thomas M. Urban, Vance T. Holliday, Sally C. Reynolds et al. "Evidence of humans in North America during the last glacial maximum." Science 373, no. 6562 (2021): 1528-1531. DOI:10.1126/science.abg7586
Learn more:
National Park Service: Fossilized Footprints
PBS Nova: Ice Age Footprints
Study Point of Contact:
David Bustos, Resource Program Manager
White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, NM
Gamma Ray Spectrometer Testing and Evaluation
In March 2023 the NUSO started work to learn how to collect UAS high-resolution gamma ray radiometric data in support of mineral resource research conducted by USGS Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center (G3SC) geophysicists and funded by the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).
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USGS geophysicists at the G3SC are engaged in studies of potential mineral resources from both in situ deposits and mining waste and tailings through the USGS Mineral Resources Program, including the Earth MRI effort. Airborne radiometric methods were first developed in the 1970s, primarily to assist with uranium exploration. The development of improved sensors and processing technology has led to new applications such as geologic mapping, mineral resource evaluation, and mining waste characterization (Shah et al. 2020; Shah et al. 2021).
Utilizing UAS technologies to conduct gamma ray radiometric surveys can facilitate a 10-fold or more increase in resolution over airplane or helicopter radiometric surveys because of reduced distance between source and sensor. At the same time, the UAS platform can reduce and potentially eliminate the need for personnel to walk, hike, and climb in unsafe terrain and environments where data collection is required.
The Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management (DOE-LM) maintains calibration facilities where environmental radiation sensors can be evaluated at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, Colorado. These facilities include large, flat concrete pads constructed with known concentrations of radioactive potassium, thorium, and/or uranium which emit gamma rays and are a high-quality calibration source utilized by crewed aircraft. These calibration pads provided a safe, controlled environment for USGS personnel to learn, test, and evaluate handheld gamma ray sensors in addition to a Medusa MS-350 Gamma Ray Spectrometer recently acquired by the NUSO.
The Medusa M-350 is a next-generation lightweight (< 3 kg) CsI sensor that can be used as part of a UAS. In coordination with DOE-LM and GJT, NUSO remote pilots flew a variety of transect spacings, altitudes, and directions over the radioelement calibration pads built into the tarmac at GJT. G3SC researchers also collected static measurements with handheld gamma ray spectrometer instruments to assess radiation at a variety of heights over the calibration pads to compare instruments and readings.
Since this was the first NUSO UAS mission flown over an active airport its successful execution relied on receiving the appropriate permissions and providing extensive communications with the Airport Authority, Tower, FAA personnel, DOE-LM contacts, and aviation safety personnel.
Learn more:
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
USGS Makes $5 million available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for mine waste research (USGS News Release)
Scientists Discover Significant Critical Minerals Potential in Northern Maine (USGS News Release)
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management (DOE-LM) Calibration Facilities
Study Points of Contact:
Joe Adams, IT Specialist & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Anjana K. Shah, Ph.D., Research Geophysicist
USGS Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center
Filter Total Items: 35
USGS UAS pilot conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
Drone image captured during almond field mapping in the Central Valley of California
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
USGS remote pilot at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
linkUSGS remote pilot Victoria Scholl flying a UAS at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
USGS remote pilot at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
linkUSGS remote pilot Victoria Scholl flying a UAS at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
Boardwalk through the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
Boardwalk through the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
In August 2023 the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors over Interior Alaska to support USGS and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development research into low-cost ways to measure methane emissions.
Boardwalk through the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
In August 2023 the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors over Interior Alaska to support USGS and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development research into low-cost ways to measure methane emissions.
Preparing a UAS for flight at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Alaska
USGS researcher Joe Adams preparing a UAS for flight at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Alaska
USGS researcher Joe Adams preparing a UAS for flight at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Alaska
Reviewing hyperspectral data acquired by UAS flown over crops at Firebaugh, CA
NUSO researchers reviewing hyperspectral data acquired by UAS flown over crops at Firebaugh, CA
NUSO researchers reviewing hyperspectral data acquired by UAS flown over crops at Firebaugh, CA
Providing shade to a remote pilot flying a UAS over crops in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) providing shade to remote pilot Victoria Scholl (NUSO) as she flies a UAS over crops in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) providing shade to remote pilot Victoria Scholl (NUSO) as she flies a UAS over crops in California
UAS in flight at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
UAS in flight at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
UAS in flight at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
Checking the hyperspectral sensor externally mounted to a UAS prior to flights in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) checking the hyperspectral sensor externally mounted to a UAS (held by Joe Adams NUSO) prior to flights in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) checking the hyperspectral sensor externally mounted to a UAS (held by Joe Adams NUSO) prior to flights in California
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa NWR
linkDense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa NWR
linkDense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Field crew sit on boardwalk while collecting UAS methane measurements in Alaska 2023
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
USGS personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
linkUSGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
linkUSGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS researchers calibrate the compass of a multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS researchers calibrate the compass of a multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS scientists check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS scientists check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
Bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
linkBridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
Bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
linkBridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
USGS remote pilot flying a UAS at a bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton flying a UAS at a bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton flying a UAS at a bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
Measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
linkUSGS NUSO scientist Mark Bauer measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
Measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
linkUSGS NUSO scientist Mark Bauer measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
Observing a UAS in flight at California's Ackerson Meadow
Mark Bauer (USGS NUSO) observing a UAS in flight at California's Ackerson Meadow controlled by remote pilot Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO)
Mark Bauer (USGS NUSO) observing a UAS in flight at California's Ackerson Meadow controlled by remote pilot Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO)
Getting ready to launch a UAS at Ackerson Meadow in California
NUSO remote pilot Mark Bauer getting ready to launch a UAS at Ackerson Meadow in California
NUSO remote pilot Mark Bauer getting ready to launch a UAS at Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS mounted with a Lidar sensor in flight at the Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS mounted with a lidar sensor in flight at the Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS mounted with a lidar sensor in flight at the Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS test and evaluation flights at the Green Mountain Reservoir bridge
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
This year’s missions focused on evaluating and testing the increasing variety of new UAS-mountable specialized sensors including multispectral, hyperspectral, lidar, gamma ray, and customized methane-detecting.
Monitoring Topographic, Vegetation, and Habitat Change in the Yosemite National Park
The NUSO partnered with a team of USGS scientists and the National Park Service (NPS) in June and November 2023 to collect high-resolution UAS lidar datasets and photogrammetric imagery to support an ongoing restoration and rehabilitation project to re-establish the Ackerson Meadow to a native wetland environment.
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Ackerson Meadow, one of the largest mid-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, is a newly acquired addition to Yosemite National Park. It is an ecologically and regionally critical wildlife corridor and an important habitat for the State’s endangered great Grey Owl and Little Willow Flycatcher, as well as a suite of additional at-risk wildlife species. It was purchased from private ownership in 2016 and donated to Yosemite by a coalition including the Trust for Public Lands, National Park Trust, Yosemite Conservancy, and American Rivers. A large gully network, up to 3 miles long, 14 feet deep, and 100 feet wide has drained 90 acres of wetlands in the meadow complex and is actively eroding an additional 100 acres of remaining wetlands and wet meadow habitat. The gully network is likely a result of over a century of landscape manipulation including domestic water diversion, farming, ranching, and timber harvest. Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest have partnered with American Rivers and Yosemite Conservancy to implement actions that reduce erosion and restore wetland functionality at Ackerson Meadow. These actions include filling eroded gullied with soils and sediment from nearby locations and revegetating the restored area. Source: NPS Ackerson Meadow Restoration Project
NUSO scientists have collected high-resolution UAS lidar datasets and photogrammetric imagery of the Main and South Ackerson Meadows as part of an effort to monitor the restoration with a time series of detailed topography, vegetation, and habitat structure. UAS data collections were completed for pre-restoration work in June 2023 and for the early restoration phase in November 2023. Additional fieldwork collections are planned for post-restoration (native revegetation) in 2024, and further monitoring when the wetland is fully restored in 2025.
Study Points of Contact:
Stephen (Steve) DeLong, Supervisory Research Geologist
USGS Southwest Region
Mark Bauer, Geographer
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
UAS Hyperspectral Crop Field Mapping in California
NUSO scientists used UAS to collect hyperspectral imagery in August 2023 to serve as an intermediate scale between field- and satellite-based observations to help build crop classification models for ongoing remote sensing research to monitor globally dominant agricultural crops.
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Researchers at the USGS Western Geographic Science Center are studying ways to assess crop productivity, health, yield, lignin and cellulose content using spaceborne hyperspectral systems including German DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) and Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP). A new generation of satellite-based hyperspectral sensors will provide hundreds of bands of spectral remote sensing data from space: German DESIS, EnMAP, and Italian PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA).
Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level and ground-based spectral measurements collected using an ASD FieldSpec instrument. The NUSO collected hyperspectral image data over a variety of crop fields: cotton, almond, pistachio, grape, rice, and corn. The hyperspectral UAS imagery will be calibrated to reflectance and ortho-rectified for comparison with spaceborne and ground-based observations.
Study Point of Contact:
Itiya Aneece, Research Geographer
USGS Western Geographic Science Center
Additional Information:
New generation hyperspectral sensors DESIS and PRISMA provide improved agricultural crop classifications
Using UAS to Support Road Condition Inspections on Federal Lands
In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the NUSO participated in an August 2023 evaluation at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge of UAS equipped with various sensors to collect the information necessary to support automated road distress detection.
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In addition to protecting and managing the lands and resources under their jurisdictions, Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs) are vitally interested in the maintenance of a public road system that provides access for the use, management, and enjoyment of Federal lands. FLMAs work to ensure that their road construction, maintenance, and operations activities are carried out in ways that minimize impacts on operations while complying with adopted standards and federal law regarding highways. Understanding that roads deteriorate over time due to traffic loading and environmental factors and preventive maintenance can be significantly less expensive than rehabilitation or reconstruction, FLMAs periodically inspect their roadway networks to help minimize the maintenance backlog, while also exploring ways to improve their inspection processes.
Accordingly, the USFWS undertook a research effort with the DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) to identify opportunities, challenges, and needs related to using UAS to support condition inspections on FLMA roads. Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado served as a testbed for applying and assessing UAS concepts reviewed in a literature scan and insights gathered from interviews with subject matter experts.
In coordination with the USFWS and the Volpe Center, NUSO remote pilots participated in a two-day demonstration and evaluation of the YellowScan VX20-100 light detection and ranging (lidar) payload on a UAS for assisting with unpaved road condition inspections at Alamosa. The NUSO led the interagency team in the field in placing ground control points and planning, coordinating, and conducting flight missions; UAS pilots from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Federal Lands Highway flew complementary missions with their UAS equipment after NUSO’s missions were flown. Multiple flights were conducted to acquire both lidar and imagery data.
The Volpe Center is tasked to assess whether the presence and severity of road distress on unpaved roads can be discerned via remote sensing techniques to generate a condition rating for a road. The USFWS and Volpe Center team expect to complete a final report for the research project by the end of the calendar year 2023.
Study Points of Contact:
Mark Bauer, Geographer & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Peter Tomczik, Transportation Asset Management Coordinator
Branch of Transportation and Data Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service
UAS Measurements of Methane in Interior Alaska
In August 2023 the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors over Interior Alaska to support USGS and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development research into low-cost ways to measure methane emissions.
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As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. Scientists at the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center are researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems. Scientists have traditionally monitored methane emissions using ground-based flux towers and surface chambers. While these methods provide valuable data, the measurement techniques are resource intensive and therefore done only in limited areas. A crewed helicopter at low altitude increases personnel risk, has the potential to disturb wildlife, and would have difficulty getting low enough to accurately measure these emissions. UAS, also known as drones, may enable scientists to significantly enhance their data collection capabilities at wetlands across Alaska.
During this mission the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors utilizing various altitudes and flight patterns at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site (BNZ LTER) located approximately 20 km southwest of Fairbanks, Alaska. UAS-based methane observations were collected with two distinctive custom methane-sensing payloads by USGS and EPA researchers for inter-comparison and with fixed tower-based measurements at BNZ LTER.
Study Points of Contact:
Kristen Manies, Ecologist
USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Brian Gullett, Environmental Engineer
Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Additional Information:
Arctic Biogeochemical Response to Permafrost Thaw (ABRUPT)
Radiometric Calibration and Validation Research for Scientific-grade Spectral UAS Imagery
In support of radiometric calibration and validation research at USGS, the NUSO in July 2023 collected multispectral and hyperspectral UAS data at several sites near the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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The EROS Calibration/Validation Center of Excellence (ECCOE) is responsible for the radiometric and geometric characterization and calibration of Landsat satellite instruments. Spaceborne sensors such as those onboard the Landsat satellites are rigorously characterized and calibrated using both laboratory and onboard techniques to generate science-grade data products. Although UAS technologies offer flexible opportunities to capture low-altitude remote sensing data, their low-cost sensors and variable environmental conditions during data collection create challenges for radiometric calibration. Developing UAS calibration protocols and quantifying sources of uncertainty are active areas of research in the remote sensing community.
The NUSO collected AgEagle/MicaSense RedEdge MX-Dual 10-band multispectral and Headwall Nano-Hyperspec 274-band hyperspectral UAS imagery over the course of four days and various environmental conditions (wildfire smoke, partly cloudy, and clear skies). The UAS flights were conducted at approximately 10am, 12pm, and 1-2pm each day to capture different solar geometries. ECCOE scientists measured a series of reflectance targets and a large, vegetated site using handheld spectrometers in close time proximity to the UAS collections and overpasses by Landsat 9 and Sentinel 2B.
The data collected in coordination between the NUSO and ECCOE will enable USGS researchers to explore questions related to calibration panel materials, colors, and sizes for UAS imagery calibration procedures. In conjunction with satellite overpasses, the UAS data collected during this mission may also provide value for satellite data validation studies.
Study Point of Contact:
Jeff Irwin, Geographer & Field Team Lead
EROS Calibration/Validation Center of Excellence
Additional Information:
Guidelines for Calibration of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Imagery (USGS Open File Report)
Test and Evaluation of UAS 3D Scan for Bridge Inspection at the Green Mountain Reservoir
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
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NUSO researchers are conducting evaluations of UAS to find suitable replacements for the existing Department of the Interior (DOI) UAS fleet. The Skydio X2D is a 4th generation DOI UAS that has sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms running on the flight controller while also using 360-degree obstacle avoidance cameras. This allows the aircraft to perform fully autonomous photogrammetric missions in confined, GPS-denied environments. The NUSO is testing the Skydio X2D 3D scan capability to create photogrammetric models to assist infrastructure assessment teams at bridges and dams.
Working alongside Civil Engineer Matthew Klein’s team from the Bureau of Reclamation, the NUSO participated in a test and evaluation of the Skydio X2D uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir. NUSO team members placed a series of ground control points and scale bars to assist with the processing of the photogrammetric models. Multiple flights were conducted that focused on the main bridge deck, bridge supports, and bridge substructure. Several visual observers were present including Rich Thurau of the DOI Office of Aviation Services to maintain visual site of the aircraft during the scan. Since these were the first flights using the Skydio in confined spaces, more care was taken to track the aircraft. Matt Chandler, Aaron Begle and Taylor Mitcham from Skydio were also present to assist with 3D scan parameters and provide support. The aircraft performed as advertised with little to no input from the remote pilot during the scan. Independent review of the Skydio imagery showed it is possible to acquire a high-quality camera calibration for the Skydio imaging systems allowing for a highly accurate photogrammetric model.
Learn more about the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Green Mountain Powerplant
Study Points of Contact:
Todd Burton, Regional Aviation Manager & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Mark Bauer, Geographer
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
UAS Multi-scale Remote Sensing for Carbon Sequestration on Public Lands
In May 2023, in coordination with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), the NUSO collected UAS data over two BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) plots at the NEON Moab site to support multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands. The UAS data collected included natural color, multispectral, hyperspectral, and lidar to capture diverse information about vegetation and soils.
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USGS researchers are studying ways to quantify and manage carbon sequestration across drylands. Although satellites offer global remote sensing coverage and a long-term data record, estimates of aboveground biomass and plant productivity via spectral indices are known to under-perform in drylands. The BLM measures field-based aboveground biomass at AIM sites spread across public lands in the west. However, BLM AIM plots require intensive sampling and offer finite observations over large areas.
The NEON has a long-term monitoring site located on high-desert BLM land 25 miles south of Moab, Utah. In addition to collecting meteorological, soil, vegetation, and wildlife observations, NEON collects and delivers freely available airborne remote sensing data at this site on a semi-annual basis. NEON’s airborne system collects lidar, spectrometer and high-resolution RGB camera data.
UAS provide a high spatial resolution (2-4cm) perspective that can help connect BLM AIM field measurements to airborne and satellite observations. In May 2023, the NUSO coordinated with BLM and NEON to collect field, UAS, and airborne data at the NEON Moab site. NEON collected airborne data at a flight altitude of 1000 meters above ground level (AGL) on April 28. During the following week, the NUSO collected UAS natural color, multispectral, hyperspectral, and lidar data at a flight altitude of 31 meters over two BLM AIM plots that were imaged by the NEON's airborne platform. BLM AIM teams collected field-based measurements of vegetation and soil at these two sites. USGS researchers will link these data sets to inform carbon storage questions on public lands.
Learn more:
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM)
National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
NEON MOAB site
Study Points of Contact:
Victoria Scholl, Physical Scientist & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Sasha Reed, Ph.D., Research Ecologist
Canyonlands Research Station, Southwest Biological Science Center
Brooke Osborne, Professor, Environment & Society
Utah State University
Jason Burgess-Conforti, Monitoring Coordinator/Ecologist
Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM), Bureau of Land Management
Additional Information:
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) natural color, multispectral, lidar, and hyperspectral remote sensing data products collected at dryland sites 40 km south of Moab, Utah in May 2023 (USGS Data Release)
UAS Mapping of Pleistocene Fossilized Trackways at the White Sands National Park
In coordination with the NPS, the NUSO collected scientific UAS data in April 2023 at the White Sands National Park to document trackways before erosion erases their existence.
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Although White Sands National Park is widely recognized for its wave-like gypsum sand dunes, this national park is also home to the world’s most extensive collection of fossilized footprints from the Pleistocene epoch. These fossilized tracks were left by ice age megafauna including mammoths, giant ground sloths, dire wolves, and even footprints left by humans along the shores of the ancient Lake Otero in the Tularosa Basin. These footprints are the subject of globally significant archeological
research: The oldest human footprints in North America were recently discovered at White Sands, changing the timeline of human arrival in the Americas by nearly 10,000 years (Bennett et al. 2021).
Soil stability, erosion, moisture, and activity at the nearby White Sands Missile Range pose a threat to these ephemeral fossilized tracks. White Sands National Park personnel are exploring the use of UAS to advance their preservation and applied research capabilities. UAS are scientific tools that could be used to reduce the destructive impact of work around trackway sites and to digitally capture trackways for future studies.
NUSO scientists collected natural color and lidar data at a variety of flight altitudes and spatial scales at multiple sites with known fossilized footprints. Note that the UAS data collected at White Sands National Park is protected and not released publicly. It is being utilized by park personnel for resource protection and preservation. The use of UAS and aircraft is prohibited from flying in the airspace above the park. USGS worked with the National Park Service and White Sands Missile Range to obtain airspace authorizations over the Park within a narrow window of time to conduct this data collection.
Reference:
Bennett, Matthew R., David Bustos, Jeffrey S. Pigati, Kathleen B. Springer, Thomas M. Urban, Vance T. Holliday, Sally C. Reynolds et al. "Evidence of humans in North America during the last glacial maximum." Science 373, no. 6562 (2021): 1528-1531. DOI:10.1126/science.abg7586
Learn more:
National Park Service: Fossilized Footprints
PBS Nova: Ice Age Footprints
Study Point of Contact:
David Bustos, Resource Program Manager
White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, NM
Gamma Ray Spectrometer Testing and Evaluation
In March 2023 the NUSO started work to learn how to collect UAS high-resolution gamma ray radiometric data in support of mineral resource research conducted by USGS Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center (G3SC) geophysicists and funded by the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).
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USGS geophysicists at the G3SC are engaged in studies of potential mineral resources from both in situ deposits and mining waste and tailings through the USGS Mineral Resources Program, including the Earth MRI effort. Airborne radiometric methods were first developed in the 1970s, primarily to assist with uranium exploration. The development of improved sensors and processing technology has led to new applications such as geologic mapping, mineral resource evaluation, and mining waste characterization (Shah et al. 2020; Shah et al. 2021).
Utilizing UAS technologies to conduct gamma ray radiometric surveys can facilitate a 10-fold or more increase in resolution over airplane or helicopter radiometric surveys because of reduced distance between source and sensor. At the same time, the UAS platform can reduce and potentially eliminate the need for personnel to walk, hike, and climb in unsafe terrain and environments where data collection is required.
The Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management (DOE-LM) maintains calibration facilities where environmental radiation sensors can be evaluated at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, Colorado. These facilities include large, flat concrete pads constructed with known concentrations of radioactive potassium, thorium, and/or uranium which emit gamma rays and are a high-quality calibration source utilized by crewed aircraft. These calibration pads provided a safe, controlled environment for USGS personnel to learn, test, and evaluate handheld gamma ray sensors in addition to a Medusa MS-350 Gamma Ray Spectrometer recently acquired by the NUSO.
The Medusa M-350 is a next-generation lightweight (< 3 kg) CsI sensor that can be used as part of a UAS. In coordination with DOE-LM and GJT, NUSO remote pilots flew a variety of transect spacings, altitudes, and directions over the radioelement calibration pads built into the tarmac at GJT. G3SC researchers also collected static measurements with handheld gamma ray spectrometer instruments to assess radiation at a variety of heights over the calibration pads to compare instruments and readings.
Since this was the first NUSO UAS mission flown over an active airport its successful execution relied on receiving the appropriate permissions and providing extensive communications with the Airport Authority, Tower, FAA personnel, DOE-LM contacts, and aviation safety personnel.
Learn more:
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
USGS Makes $5 million available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for mine waste research (USGS News Release)
Scientists Discover Significant Critical Minerals Potential in Northern Maine (USGS News Release)
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management (DOE-LM) Calibration Facilities
Study Points of Contact:
Joe Adams, IT Specialist & Remote Pilot
USGS NUSO, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Anjana K. Shah, Ph.D., Research Geophysicist
USGS Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center
Filter Total Items: 35
USGS UAS pilot conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
Drone image captured during almond field mapping in the Central Valley of California
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
USGS remote pilot at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
linkUSGS remote pilot Victoria Scholl flying a UAS at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
USGS remote pilot at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
linkUSGS remote pilot Victoria Scholl flying a UAS at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
Boardwalk through the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
Boardwalk through the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
In August 2023 the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors over Interior Alaska to support USGS and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development research into low-cost ways to measure methane emissions.
Boardwalk through the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site near Fairbanks, Alaska
In August 2023 the NUSO flew UAS equipped with custom methane-detecting sensors over Interior Alaska to support USGS and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development research into low-cost ways to measure methane emissions.
Preparing a UAS for flight at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Alaska
USGS researcher Joe Adams preparing a UAS for flight at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Alaska
USGS researcher Joe Adams preparing a UAS for flight at the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Alaska
Reviewing hyperspectral data acquired by UAS flown over crops at Firebaugh, CA
NUSO researchers reviewing hyperspectral data acquired by UAS flown over crops at Firebaugh, CA
NUSO researchers reviewing hyperspectral data acquired by UAS flown over crops at Firebaugh, CA
Providing shade to a remote pilot flying a UAS over crops in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) providing shade to remote pilot Victoria Scholl (NUSO) as she flies a UAS over crops in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) providing shade to remote pilot Victoria Scholl (NUSO) as she flies a UAS over crops in California
UAS in flight at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
UAS in flight at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
UAS in flight at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
Checking the hyperspectral sensor externally mounted to a UAS prior to flights in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) checking the hyperspectral sensor externally mounted to a UAS (held by Joe Adams NUSO) prior to flights in California
Matt Burgess (NUSO) checking the hyperspectral sensor externally mounted to a UAS (held by Joe Adams NUSO) prior to flights in California
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa NWR
linkDense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa NWR
linkDense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Field crew sit on boardwalk while collecting UAS methane measurements in Alaska 2023
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
USGS personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
linkUSGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
linkUSGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS researchers calibrate the compass of a multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS researchers calibrate the compass of a multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS scientists check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS scientists check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
linkUSGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
Bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
linkBridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
Bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
linkBridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir used as a test site for UAS infrastructure inspections
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
USGS remote pilot flying a UAS at a bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton flying a UAS at a bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton flying a UAS at a bridge over the Green Mountain Reservoir
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
Measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
linkUSGS NUSO scientist Mark Bauer measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
Measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
linkUSGS NUSO scientist Mark Bauer measuring the height of a GNSS receiver secured onto a survey tripod during a UAS mission in California
Observing a UAS in flight at California's Ackerson Meadow
Mark Bauer (USGS NUSO) observing a UAS in flight at California's Ackerson Meadow controlled by remote pilot Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO)
Mark Bauer (USGS NUSO) observing a UAS in flight at California's Ackerson Meadow controlled by remote pilot Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO)
Getting ready to launch a UAS at Ackerson Meadow in California
NUSO remote pilot Mark Bauer getting ready to launch a UAS at Ackerson Meadow in California
NUSO remote pilot Mark Bauer getting ready to launch a UAS at Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS mounted with a Lidar sensor in flight at the Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS mounted with a lidar sensor in flight at the Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS mounted with a lidar sensor in flight at the Ackerson Meadow in California
UAS test and evaluation flights at the Green Mountain Reservoir bridge
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.