NUSO researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
Lance Brady at the "White House Roundtable on Emerging Technologies for Preventing Health Emergencies"
Convened by the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP), Patricia Bright, Senior Science Advisor for the USGS Ecosystems Environmental Health Program, was also in attendance.
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
UAS Supports Science
New and Noteworthy
October 1, 2024
Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019 (USGS Data Release)
September 30, 2024
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 2020-2023 (USGS Data Release)
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 researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Check out -
Quick Link "UAS Supports Science" to see UAS data releases and related scientific journal articles
U.S. Geological Survey Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Roadmap 2014
National Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Office
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
UAS Supports Science
New and Noteworthy
October 1, 2024
Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019 (USGS Data Release)
September 30, 2024
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 2020-2023 (USGS Data Release)
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 researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
NUSO researchers Matt Burgess and Mark Bauer prepare for evaluation flights with the WingtraOne GEN II vertical take-off and landing mapping UAS equipped with the newly released lidar payload.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS geologists view the informational sign at the quarry upper overlook in July 2024. The sign describes the history of Professor O.C. Marsh and Marshall P. Felch, the namesakes of the quarry, who worked together to excavate and study dinosaur bones. The sign features a photograph by Israel Cook Russel, a USGS Geologist, in July 1888.
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
USGS personnel standing at the overlook to the quarry prior to conducting UAS operations.
Thomas Casadevall (Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Matt Burgess (NUSO)
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Group photo captured using a drone. Left to right: Matt Burgess (NUSO), Paco Van Sistine (GECSC), Victoria Scholl (NUSO) standing at the overlook for the Marsh-Felch quarry.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Field crew standing at the upper overlook on the Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
Victoria Scholl (NUSO) conducts a Skydio X10 UAS 3D Scan flight at the
Marsh-Felch Quarry site.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) took an interest in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technologies in the early 2000s, when UAS were predominantly being used for military applications.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
Interactive UAS Science Exhibit on display in Reston
Included in this display are some of the earliest UAS platforms operated by the USGS and an interactive touch screen table that provides access to additional information and videos.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral sensor hovers over a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Tarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
linkTarp secured to an anchored boat to enable radiometric calibration of the UAS hyperspectral data during post-processing.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess (NUSO) conducting a hyperspectral UAS flight over the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
UAS-captured photo showing another UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
linkDJI Mavic Pro UAS-captured photo showing DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload approaching the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
NUSO remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare the hyperspectral sensor for data collection.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
Group photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
linkGroup photo of the field crew at the Lexington boat ramp on the morning of the dye release in the Missouri River.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
USGS scientists compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release.
linkMatt Burgess (NUSO) and Brandon Sansom (CERC) compare waypoints in UAS flight plans during field tests the day prior to the dye release. A train travels across the farmland in the background.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
NUSO remote pilot flies a UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
linkNUSO remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAS with hyperspectral payload from a levee on the south bank of the Missouri River.
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
In support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center research, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) conducted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remote sensing flights near Moab, Utah in May 2023 for multi-scale carbon sequestration research on public lands.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Picture of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial from the NPS Visitors Center located on South Bass Island, Put in Bay, Ohio in Lake Erie.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Image of the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial taken from a drone
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
UAS with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
linkDJI M600 with Sony A7R on Gremsy gimbal manually flown to supplement stereo imagery at Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The NUSO and the National Park Service (NPS) Heritage Document Programs partnered in May 2024 to perform a UAS-based 3D scan of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Check out -
Quick Link "UAS Supports Science" to see UAS data releases and related scientific journal articles