A USGS crew used new drone technology to test and evaluate new technology to measure water speed from the air without touching the water. This drone footage was taken on the Missouri River at Hermann, Missouri on March 27, 2019. Scientists compared these new method results to the conventional way of taking measurements from a boat.
What restrictions are in place to protect citizens' civil liberties and privacy concerns related to uncrewed aircraft systems?
The USGS is a bureau within the Department of the Interior (DOI), which requires the following actions related to privacy:
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Operating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) primarily over DOI lands.
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Obtaining written permission from landowners when UAS operations need to launch and/or land on their property.
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Following standard Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and DOI-approved procedures for aircraft operations (including special use permits, landowner approval letters, and developing safety cases). Must obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization from the FAA prior to conducting any flight operations outside of restricted airspace.
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Maintaining open and transparent UAS operations: UAS mission schedules are listed on the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office website, and local press and landowners are invited to observe the operations.
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Holding public hearings if required by the managing agency or local governing officials.
Related
How does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems? How does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
What types of uncrewed aircraft systems does the USGS use? What types of uncrewed aircraft systems does the USGS use?
Does the USGS need flight approval to operate uncrewed aircraft systems? Does the USGS need flight approval to operate uncrewed aircraft systems?
What does the USGS do with the information, pictures, and video collected by uncrewed aircraft systems? What does the USGS do with the information, pictures, and video collected by uncrewed aircraft systems?
What training do pilots of USGS uncrewed aircraft systems receive? What training do pilots of USGS uncrewed aircraft systems receive?
Why does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems? Why does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?

A USGS crew used new drone technology to test and evaluate new technology to measure water speed from the air without touching the water. This drone footage was taken on the Missouri River at Hermann, Missouri on March 27, 2019. Scientists compared these new method results to the conventional way of taking measurements from a boat.

The 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption marked the first time the federal government used Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to assist in an eruption response in the United States.
The 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption marked the first time the federal government used Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to assist in an eruption response in the United States.

On September 25, 2018, a team of three scientists based at the USGS–Cascades Volcano Observatory conducted the first-ever USGS-led Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) campaign at Mount St. Helens. The UAS survey was conducted with the permission and coordination of the U.S. Forest Service Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
On September 25, 2018, a team of three scientists based at the USGS–Cascades Volcano Observatory conducted the first-ever USGS-led Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) campaign at Mount St. Helens. The UAS survey was conducted with the permission and coordination of the U.S. Forest Service Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Putting Drones to Work for Scientific Research
By: Jeff Sloan, Geographer, Project Leader — USGS National Unmanned Systems Project Office
Putting Drones to Work for Scientific Research
By: Jeff Sloan, Geographer, Project Leader — USGS National Unmanned Systems Project Office
USGS revolutionizes data collection by surveying a river channel within the Redlands area using a drone.
USGS revolutionizes data collection by surveying a river channel within the Redlands area using a drone.
Related
How does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems? How does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
What types of uncrewed aircraft systems does the USGS use? What types of uncrewed aircraft systems does the USGS use?
Does the USGS need flight approval to operate uncrewed aircraft systems? Does the USGS need flight approval to operate uncrewed aircraft systems?
What does the USGS do with the information, pictures, and video collected by uncrewed aircraft systems? What does the USGS do with the information, pictures, and video collected by uncrewed aircraft systems?
What training do pilots of USGS uncrewed aircraft systems receive? What training do pilots of USGS uncrewed aircraft systems receive?
Why does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems? Why does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?

A USGS crew used new drone technology to test and evaluate new technology to measure water speed from the air without touching the water. This drone footage was taken on the Missouri River at Hermann, Missouri on March 27, 2019. Scientists compared these new method results to the conventional way of taking measurements from a boat.
A USGS crew used new drone technology to test and evaluate new technology to measure water speed from the air without touching the water. This drone footage was taken on the Missouri River at Hermann, Missouri on March 27, 2019. Scientists compared these new method results to the conventional way of taking measurements from a boat.

The 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption marked the first time the federal government used Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to assist in an eruption response in the United States.
The 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption marked the first time the federal government used Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to assist in an eruption response in the United States.

On September 25, 2018, a team of three scientists based at the USGS–Cascades Volcano Observatory conducted the first-ever USGS-led Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) campaign at Mount St. Helens. The UAS survey was conducted with the permission and coordination of the U.S. Forest Service Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
On September 25, 2018, a team of three scientists based at the USGS–Cascades Volcano Observatory conducted the first-ever USGS-led Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) campaign at Mount St. Helens. The UAS survey was conducted with the permission and coordination of the U.S. Forest Service Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Putting Drones to Work for Scientific Research
By: Jeff Sloan, Geographer, Project Leader — USGS National Unmanned Systems Project Office
Putting Drones to Work for Scientific Research
By: Jeff Sloan, Geographer, Project Leader — USGS National Unmanned Systems Project Office
USGS revolutionizes data collection by surveying a river channel within the Redlands area using a drone.
USGS revolutionizes data collection by surveying a river channel within the Redlands area using a drone.