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Preparing to assess road damage using a drone

By Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Drone operator standing on eroded road along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
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Detailed Description

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and powerful winds, resulting in multiple landslides along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requested technical assistance from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO), utilizing small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS), also known as drones, to assess road damage and future landslide risks. USGS remote pilots Matthew Burgess and Joe Adams traveled to North Carolina to provide UAS support at key locations along the Parkway. In this photo, Matthew Burgess prepares to fly a small drone with an integrated video camera to safely explore portions of the Parkway and inform flight planning for larger, more advanced drones and sensor technologies.

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Public Domain.

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