Trekking through Cossatot State Park, Arkansas, with UAS gear.
New Article: Spectrometer consistency testing supports flexible field data collection for drone vegetation mapping
New Article: Drone-based radiometric surveys provide high-resolution mine waste characterization
New research article: evaluating radiometric calibration and data quality of spectral UAS sensors
Using uncrewed aircraft systems to assess landslide damage after Hurricane Helene
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) leads the research activities needed to make Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) data collection an efficient, safe, and cost-effective remote sensing tool for Department of the Interior (DOI) and USGS scientists.
Technology Research
Research Missions
What We Do
We focus on the evaluation of new platforms, integration of new UAS-compatible sensors, development of data specifications and processing techniques, recommendations of UAS data acquisition best-practices, and operational support for new and existing DOI remote pilots.
Who We Are
We are a team of platform and UAS-compatible sensor subject matter experts that, in addition to research, provide operational support to DOI remote pilots and outreach to federal, public, and international audiences. Our office, established on May 8th, 2008, operates as part of the National Land Imaging Program, and contributes to its goal to provide the Federal Government and the public with the remotely sensed data and applications needed to support our Nation’s economic security and environmental vitality.
NUSO Research Missions
NUSO Research Activities
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.
Hyperspectral Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Data Collected over Agricultural Crop Fields near Firebaugh, Central Valley, CA in August 2023 Hyperspectral Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Data Collected over Agricultural Crop Fields near Firebaugh, Central Valley, CA in August 2023
Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Laudholm Marsh, Wells, Maine, December 1, 2025 Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Laudholm Marsh, Wells, Maine, December 1, 2025
Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to survey fuel break conditions in sagebrush steppe near Arco, Idaho (June and July, 2024) Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to survey fuel break conditions in sagebrush steppe near Arco, Idaho (June and July, 2024)
5 Hz data collected by the M600 sUAS platform, including measurements from GPS, OPLS, LIDAR range finder, and wind sensors, during Alaska CH4 measurement campaign 5 Hz data collected by the M600 sUAS platform, including measurements from GPS, OPLS, LIDAR range finder, and wind sensors, during Alaska CH4 measurement campaign
Radiometric data collected from an uncrewed airborne system and via walking surveys at mine waste sites in New Mexico, 2024 Radiometric data collected from an uncrewed airborne system and via walking surveys at mine waste sites in New Mexico, 2024
High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 7-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Horseshoe Bend near Jensen, Utah from 2024-2025 High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 7-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Horseshoe Bend near Jensen, Utah from 2024-2025
High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 6-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge near Ouray, Utah from 2024-2025 High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 6-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge near Ouray, Utah from 2024-2025
UAV Imagery and Topographic Data from Black Hollow 10 September 2025, upper Cache la Poudre River UAV Imagery and Topographic Data from Black Hollow 10 September 2025, upper Cache la Poudre River
Uncrewed Aerial System Digital Surface Model and Multispectral Footprints for the Rio De Las Vacas, New Mexico, USA, Summer 2025 Uncrewed Aerial System Digital Surface Model and Multispectral Footprints for the Rio De Las Vacas, New Mexico, USA, Summer 2025
Imagery of the Mauna Loa 2022 eruption acquired with uncrewed aircraft systems Imagery of the Mauna Loa 2022 eruption acquired with uncrewed aircraft systems
Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Lower Darby Creek, Darby Township, Pennsylvania, March to August 2025 (ver. 2.0, September 2026) Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Lower Darby Creek, Darby Township, Pennsylvania, March to August 2025 (ver. 2.0, September 2026)
Hyperspectral and Thermal Data Collected during Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Operations near Moab, Utah in May 2025 Hyperspectral and Thermal Data Collected during Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Operations near Moab, Utah in May 2025
Trekking through Cossatot State Park, Arkansas, with UAS gear.
Freefly Astro with attached Yellowscan Mapper+ lidar sensor ready for takeoff at Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
Freefly Astro with attached Yellowscan Mapper+ lidar sensor ready for takeoff at Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
Flying UAS over Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
Flying UAS over Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
USGS scientists are using an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to range-test technology for tracking monarch butterfly migration pathways. A UAS, also known as a drone, carrying BluMorpho ultra-lightweight radio tracking devices or tags sits on a landing pad at the Denver Federal Center.
USGS scientists are using an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to range-test technology for tracking monarch butterfly migration pathways. A UAS, also known as a drone, carrying BluMorpho ultra-lightweight radio tracking devices or tags sits on a landing pad at the Denver Federal Center.
A BluMorpho tag secured on the arm of a Skydio X-10, the uncrewed aircraft system, or drone, being used for range testing. (Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.)
A BluMorpho tag secured on the arm of a Skydio X-10, the uncrewed aircraft system, or drone, being used for range testing. (Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.)
A USGS remote pilot secures a gamma ray spectrometer sensor onto an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. Concrete pads built into the tarmac at GJT contain known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials including Potassium, Thorium, and Uranium for radiometric calibration.
A USGS remote pilot secures a gamma ray spectrometer sensor onto an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. Concrete pads built into the tarmac at GJT contain known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials including Potassium, Thorium, and Uranium for radiometric calibration.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a gamma ray spectrometer sensor sits on a landing pad at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. USGS conducted UAS flights at a variety of transect spacings, altitudes, and directions over radioelement calibration pads built into the tarmac at GJT in support of critical mineral research.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a gamma ray spectrometer sensor sits on a landing pad at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. USGS conducted UAS flights at a variety of transect spacings, altitudes, and directions over radioelement calibration pads built into the tarmac at GJT in support of critical mineral research.
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional Airport
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional AirportAn uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) hovers a radioelement calibration pad with known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. These calibration pads, managed by the U.S.
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional Airport
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional AirportAn uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) hovers a radioelement calibration pad with known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. These calibration pads, managed by the U.S.
USGS remote pilots fly uncrewed aircraft systems to capture hyperspectral imagery and video footage at Willow Creek Reservoir in support of harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
USGS remote pilots fly uncrewed aircraft systems to capture hyperspectral imagery and video footage at Willow Creek Reservoir in support of harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for hyperspectral data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for hyperspectral data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validation
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validationGreyscale tarps and ground control points were placed on land during harmful algae mapping fieldwork at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, CO. These targets enable calibration and validation of hyperspectral data captured by uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to study water quality and algae conditions across the reservoir.
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validation
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validationGreyscale tarps and ground control points were placed on land during harmful algae mapping fieldwork at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, CO. These targets enable calibration and validation of hyperspectral data captured by uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to study water quality and algae conditions across the reservoir.
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, Colorado
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station to enable geospatial positioning corrections of remote sensing data at Williams Fork Reservoir near Kremmling, Colorado.
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, Colorado
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station to enable geospatial positioning corrections of remote sensing data at Williams Fork Reservoir near Kremmling, Colorado.
USGS personnel hike through tall grasses and over fallen trees to access a launch site for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) lidar data collection as part of the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
USGS personnel hike through tall grasses and over fallen trees to access a launch site for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) lidar data collection as part of the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
Oblique natural color view of Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California, taken using UAS.
Oblique natural color view of Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California, taken using UAS.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) with a mounted lidar sensor sits on an orange landing pad in a field of purple flowers at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California. Repeat lidar data scans were collected by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) to quantify vegetation and topographic changes during meadow restoration.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) with a mounted lidar sensor sits on an orange landing pad in a field of purple flowers at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California. Repeat lidar data scans were collected by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) to quantify vegetation and topographic changes during meadow restoration.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot Mark Bauer prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for lidar data collection at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot Mark Bauer prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for lidar data collection at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California.
A USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a lidar sensor to map vegetation and topography during the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
A USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a lidar sensor to map vegetation and topography during the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensorUncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor during test and evaluation flights by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office.
Any use of trade, firm, logos, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensorUncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor during test and evaluation flights by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office.
Any use of trade, firm, logos, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.
U.S. Geological Survey Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Roadmap 2014 U.S. Geological Survey Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Roadmap 2014
A methods framework for evaluating measurement consistency across spectrometers for multispectral uncrewed aerial system vegetation mapping applications A methods framework for evaluating measurement consistency across spectrometers for multispectral uncrewed aerial system vegetation mapping applications
Quantifying methane emissions from a rich fen with uncrewed aircraft systems in boreal Alaska Quantifying methane emissions from a rich fen with uncrewed aircraft systems in boreal Alaska
Developing a low-cost drone-based method for deploying and retrieving autonomous recording units in inaccessible areas Developing a low-cost drone-based method for deploying and retrieving autonomous recording units in inaccessible areas
Drought on the fly: UAS mapping of conifer drought stress Drought on the fly: UAS mapping of conifer drought stress
Quantifying southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) reactions to a quadcopter drone in central California Quantifying southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) reactions to a quadcopter drone in central California
Evaluating the use of uncrewed surface vessels to enhance Lake Erie acoustic prey-fish surveys Evaluating the use of uncrewed surface vessels to enhance Lake Erie acoustic prey-fish surveys
Development and field testing of a UAS-based software-defined radar for measuring freshwater bathymetry Development and field testing of a UAS-based software-defined radar for measuring freshwater bathymetry
Absolute radiometric calibration evaluation of Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Headwall and MicaSense sensors and improving data quality using the Empirical Line Method Absolute radiometric calibration evaluation of Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Headwall and MicaSense sensors and improving data quality using the Empirical Line Method
Exploring the use of non-invasive drone-based Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to characterize biogenic gas dynamics in subtropical peat soils Exploring the use of non-invasive drone-based Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to characterize biogenic gas dynamics in subtropical peat soils
Drone-based radiometric surveys provide high-resolution mine waste characterization Drone-based radiometric surveys provide high-resolution mine waste characterization
UAS and high-resolution satellite imagery improve the accuracy of cheatgrass detection across an invaded Yellowstone landscape UAS and high-resolution satellite imagery improve the accuracy of cheatgrass detection across an invaded Yellowstone landscape
UAS-based geomorphic change detection of incised montane meadow stream channels with low-tech process-based restoration treatments UAS-based geomorphic change detection of incised montane meadow stream channels with low-tech process-based restoration treatments
UASsbs - Classifying UAS soil burn severity and scaling up to satellite with Python UASsbs - Classifying UAS soil burn severity and scaling up to satellite with Python
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) leads the research activities needed to make Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) data collection an efficient, safe, and cost-effective remote sensing tool for Department of the Interior (DOI) and USGS scientists.
Technology Research
Research Missions
What We Do
We focus on the evaluation of new platforms, integration of new UAS-compatible sensors, development of data specifications and processing techniques, recommendations of UAS data acquisition best-practices, and operational support for new and existing DOI remote pilots.
Who We Are
We are a team of platform and UAS-compatible sensor subject matter experts that, in addition to research, provide operational support to DOI remote pilots and outreach to federal, public, and international audiences. Our office, established on May 8th, 2008, operates as part of the National Land Imaging Program, and contributes to its goal to provide the Federal Government and the public with the remotely sensed data and applications needed to support our Nation’s economic security and environmental vitality.
NUSO Research Missions
NUSO Research Activities
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.
Hyperspectral Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Data Collected over Agricultural Crop Fields near Firebaugh, Central Valley, CA in August 2023 Hyperspectral Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Data Collected over Agricultural Crop Fields near Firebaugh, Central Valley, CA in August 2023
Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Laudholm Marsh, Wells, Maine, December 1, 2025 Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Laudholm Marsh, Wells, Maine, December 1, 2025
Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to survey fuel break conditions in sagebrush steppe near Arco, Idaho (June and July, 2024) Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to survey fuel break conditions in sagebrush steppe near Arco, Idaho (June and July, 2024)
5 Hz data collected by the M600 sUAS platform, including measurements from GPS, OPLS, LIDAR range finder, and wind sensors, during Alaska CH4 measurement campaign 5 Hz data collected by the M600 sUAS platform, including measurements from GPS, OPLS, LIDAR range finder, and wind sensors, during Alaska CH4 measurement campaign
Radiometric data collected from an uncrewed airborne system and via walking surveys at mine waste sites in New Mexico, 2024 Radiometric data collected from an uncrewed airborne system and via walking surveys at mine waste sites in New Mexico, 2024
High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 7-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Horseshoe Bend near Jensen, Utah from 2024-2025 High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 7-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Horseshoe Bend near Jensen, Utah from 2024-2025
High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 6-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge near Ouray, Utah from 2024-2025 High resolution natural color imagery collected by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for mapping channel and vegetation change along a 6-mile reach of the Middle Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge near Ouray, Utah from 2024-2025
UAV Imagery and Topographic Data from Black Hollow 10 September 2025, upper Cache la Poudre River UAV Imagery and Topographic Data from Black Hollow 10 September 2025, upper Cache la Poudre River
Uncrewed Aerial System Digital Surface Model and Multispectral Footprints for the Rio De Las Vacas, New Mexico, USA, Summer 2025 Uncrewed Aerial System Digital Surface Model and Multispectral Footprints for the Rio De Las Vacas, New Mexico, USA, Summer 2025
Imagery of the Mauna Loa 2022 eruption acquired with uncrewed aircraft systems Imagery of the Mauna Loa 2022 eruption acquired with uncrewed aircraft systems
Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Lower Darby Creek, Darby Township, Pennsylvania, March to August 2025 (ver. 2.0, September 2026) Topographic data, aerial imagery, and GPS data collected during uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations at Lower Darby Creek, Darby Township, Pennsylvania, March to August 2025 (ver. 2.0, September 2026)
Hyperspectral and Thermal Data Collected during Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Operations near Moab, Utah in May 2025 Hyperspectral and Thermal Data Collected during Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Operations near Moab, Utah in May 2025
Trekking through Cossatot State Park, Arkansas, with UAS gear.
Trekking through Cossatot State Park, Arkansas, with UAS gear.
Freefly Astro with attached Yellowscan Mapper+ lidar sensor ready for takeoff at Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
Freefly Astro with attached Yellowscan Mapper+ lidar sensor ready for takeoff at Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
Flying UAS over Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
Flying UAS over Cossatot State Park, Arkansas.
USGS scientists are using an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to range-test technology for tracking monarch butterfly migration pathways. A UAS, also known as a drone, carrying BluMorpho ultra-lightweight radio tracking devices or tags sits on a landing pad at the Denver Federal Center.
USGS scientists are using an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to range-test technology for tracking monarch butterfly migration pathways. A UAS, also known as a drone, carrying BluMorpho ultra-lightweight radio tracking devices or tags sits on a landing pad at the Denver Federal Center.
A BluMorpho tag secured on the arm of a Skydio X-10, the uncrewed aircraft system, or drone, being used for range testing. (Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.)
A BluMorpho tag secured on the arm of a Skydio X-10, the uncrewed aircraft system, or drone, being used for range testing. (Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.)
A USGS remote pilot secures a gamma ray spectrometer sensor onto an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. Concrete pads built into the tarmac at GJT contain known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials including Potassium, Thorium, and Uranium for radiometric calibration.
A USGS remote pilot secures a gamma ray spectrometer sensor onto an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. Concrete pads built into the tarmac at GJT contain known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials including Potassium, Thorium, and Uranium for radiometric calibration.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a gamma ray spectrometer sensor sits on a landing pad at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. USGS conducted UAS flights at a variety of transect spacings, altitudes, and directions over radioelement calibration pads built into the tarmac at GJT in support of critical mineral research.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a gamma ray spectrometer sensor sits on a landing pad at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. USGS conducted UAS flights at a variety of transect spacings, altitudes, and directions over radioelement calibration pads built into the tarmac at GJT in support of critical mineral research.
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional Airport
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional AirportAn uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) hovers a radioelement calibration pad with known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. These calibration pads, managed by the U.S.
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional Airport
UAS performing radiometric calibration at Grand Junction Regional AirportAn uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) hovers a radioelement calibration pad with known concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, CO. These calibration pads, managed by the U.S.
USGS remote pilots fly uncrewed aircraft systems to capture hyperspectral imagery and video footage at Willow Creek Reservoir in support of harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
USGS remote pilots fly uncrewed aircraft systems to capture hyperspectral imagery and video footage at Willow Creek Reservoir in support of harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for hyperspectral data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado
Preparing drone for data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for hyperspectral data collection at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, Colorado. This data collection supported harmful algae bloom and water quality research led by the Colorado Water Science Center.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flies over the open water at Willow Creek Reservoir during a harmful algae bloom research campaign.
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validation
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validationGreyscale tarps and ground control points were placed on land during harmful algae mapping fieldwork at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, CO. These targets enable calibration and validation of hyperspectral data captured by uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to study water quality and algae conditions across the reservoir.
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validation
Tarps and targets used in UAS calibration and validationGreyscale tarps and ground control points were placed on land during harmful algae mapping fieldwork at Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, CO. These targets enable calibration and validation of hyperspectral data captured by uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to study water quality and algae conditions across the reservoir.
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, Colorado
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station to enable geospatial positioning corrections of remote sensing data at Williams Fork Reservoir near Kremmling, Colorado.
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, Colorado
Setting up instruments for UAS flights at Williams Fork Reservoir, ColoradoUSGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station to enable geospatial positioning corrections of remote sensing data at Williams Fork Reservoir near Kremmling, Colorado.
USGS personnel hike through tall grasses and over fallen trees to access a launch site for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) lidar data collection as part of the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
USGS personnel hike through tall grasses and over fallen trees to access a launch site for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) lidar data collection as part of the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
Oblique natural color view of Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California, taken using UAS.
Oblique natural color view of Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California, taken using UAS.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) with a mounted lidar sensor sits on an orange landing pad in a field of purple flowers at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California. Repeat lidar data scans were collected by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) to quantify vegetation and topographic changes during meadow restoration.
An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) with a mounted lidar sensor sits on an orange landing pad in a field of purple flowers at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California. Repeat lidar data scans were collected by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) to quantify vegetation and topographic changes during meadow restoration.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot Mark Bauer prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for lidar data collection at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California.
USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot Mark Bauer prepares an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for lidar data collection at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, California.
A USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a lidar sensor to map vegetation and topography during the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
A USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) remote pilot flies an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a lidar sensor to map vegetation and topography during the Ackerson Meadow restoration in Yosemite National Park, California.
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensorUncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor during test and evaluation flights by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office.
Any use of trade, firm, logos, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor
Drone with hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensorUncrewed aircraft system (UAS) carrying a hyperspectral imaging payload with integrated lidar sensor during test and evaluation flights by the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office.
Any use of trade, firm, logos, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Products listed below were supported through the use of UAS technologies and resources at USGS.