The Department of the Interior and USGS uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operational strategy emphasizes small systems with a combined aircraft and payload weight of less than 55 pounds. These small UAS are designed to support short (90 minute) missions and operate on rechargeable batteries or gasoline. This strategy recognizes that any given small UAS model will have a limited life span based on the rapid evolution of commercially available UAS platforms. Supporting this dynamic operational environment requires researchers to continually work on evaluating and integrating newer, less expensive and more flexible platforms.
Learn more: National Land Imaging Program - UAS Platforms
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How does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
The USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (UAS) and the Office of Aviation Services are leading the development and testing of UAS scientific and resource management technology across the Department of the Interior in coordination with the other bureaus. Department of the Interior UAS capabilities support a range of activities including scientific research, monitoring environmental conditions...
Does the USGS need flight approval to operate uncrewed aircraft systems?
Yes, approval is required for operating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The USGS receives flight approval from the Federal Aviation Administration prior to every UAS mission. The official document is referred to as a Certificate of Authorization and Waiver. It is the approval process by which the Federal Aviation Administration allows for public agencies to operate UAS in the National Airspace...
What does the USGS do with the information, pictures, and video collected by uncrewed aircraft systems?
All data collected by USGS uncrewed aircraft systems are processed and used in support of mission-specific research objectives. The vast majority of the resource management and scientific data will be archived for long-term use and placed in the public domain. Learn more: National Uncrewed Systems Office
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: Operating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) primarily over DOI lands. Obtaining written permission from landowners when UAS operations need to launch and/or land on their property. Following standard Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and DOI-approved procedures for aircraft...
What training do pilots of USGS uncrewed aircraft systems receive?
Training for USGS uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operators is provided by the Department of the Interior Office of Aviation Services. The training has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and is specific to the types of UAS that the department operates. The training provides operators with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a small UAS in the National Airspace System.
Why does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) provide an affordable solution when the USGS needs "eyes in the sky" but doesn’t have the budget to maintain a fleet of aircraft or to obtain commercial imagery. The USGS relies on a variety of remotely sensed data. UAS can provide a range of remote sensing data types, from aerial images to hyperspectral or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data at resolutions down to...
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How does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
The USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (UAS) and the Office of Aviation Services are leading the development and testing of UAS scientific and resource management technology across the Department of the Interior in coordination with the other bureaus. Department of the Interior UAS capabilities support a range of activities including scientific research, monitoring environmental conditions...
Does the USGS need flight approval to operate uncrewed aircraft systems?
Yes, approval is required for operating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The USGS receives flight approval from the Federal Aviation Administration prior to every UAS mission. The official document is referred to as a Certificate of Authorization and Waiver. It is the approval process by which the Federal Aviation Administration allows for public agencies to operate UAS in the National Airspace...
What does the USGS do with the information, pictures, and video collected by uncrewed aircraft systems?
All data collected by USGS uncrewed aircraft systems are processed and used in support of mission-specific research objectives. The vast majority of the resource management and scientific data will be archived for long-term use and placed in the public domain. Learn more: National Uncrewed Systems Office
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: Operating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) primarily over DOI lands. Obtaining written permission from landowners when UAS operations need to launch and/or land on their property. Following standard Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and DOI-approved procedures for aircraft...
What training do pilots of USGS uncrewed aircraft systems receive?
Training for USGS uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operators is provided by the Department of the Interior Office of Aviation Services. The training has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and is specific to the types of UAS that the department operates. The training provides operators with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a small UAS in the National Airspace System.
Why does the USGS use uncrewed aircraft systems?
Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) provide an affordable solution when the USGS needs "eyes in the sky" but doesn’t have the budget to maintain a fleet of aircraft or to obtain commercial imagery. The USGS relies on a variety of remotely sensed data. UAS can provide a range of remote sensing data types, from aerial images to hyperspectral or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data at resolutions down to...
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