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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.
November 1, 2025
Drone-based radiometric surveys provide high-resolution mine waste characterization
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.
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.
Uncrewed 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.
Uncrewed 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.
In May 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS, also known as drone) data to support a collaborative field campaign led by Sasha Reed of the Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) and Miguel Villarreal of the Western Geographic Science Center (WGSC) near Moab, Utah.
In May 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS, also known as drone) data to support a collaborative field campaign led by Sasha Reed of the Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) and Miguel Villarreal of the Western Geographic Science Center (WGSC) near Moab, Utah.
Drone-captured photo of a vegetated field in Golden, Colorado. Faint paths visible across the grass formed from the consistent, repeated pattern walked by a spectrometer operator multiple times per day for multiple days in a row.
Drone-captured photo of a vegetated field in Golden, Colorado. Faint paths visible across the grass formed from the consistent, repeated pattern walked by a spectrometer operator multiple times per day for multiple days in a row.
USGS remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a drone to collect hyperspectral data over a field in Golden, Colorado.
USGS remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a drone to collect hyperspectral data over a field in Golden, Colorado.
Calibration and validation (cal/val) are essential steps to ensure that remotely sensed data are reliable for scientific use. Radiometric cal/val involves converting digital image pixel values to meaningful units and assessing their accuracy.
Calibration and validation (cal/val) are essential steps to ensure that remotely sensed data are reliable for scientific use. Radiometric cal/val involves converting digital image pixel values to meaningful units and assessing their accuracy.
USGS remote pilots Joe Adams and Todd Burton carry a drone during flight training at the Denver Federal Center.
USGS remote pilots Joe Adams and Todd Burton carry a drone during flight training at the Denver Federal Center.
U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service personnel stand with drone technologies used for mapping the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service personnel stand with drone technologies used for mapping the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
U.S. Geological Survey remote pilot Victoria Scholl flies a drone with camera payload to capture natural color images for photogrammetric mapping of the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
U.S. Geological Survey remote pilot Victoria Scholl flies a drone with camera payload to capture natural color images for photogrammetric mapping of the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
The U.S. Geological Survey National Uncrewed Systems Office flew uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to map the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
The U.S. Geological Survey National Uncrewed Systems Office flew uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to map the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
USGS remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare to conduct a drone mapping flight to collect thermal imagery over a dryland study site near Moab, Utah.
USGS remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare to conduct a drone mapping flight to collect thermal imagery over a dryland study site near Moab, Utah.
Drone operations near Moab, Utah to collect spectral remote sensing imagery during a collaborative USGS field campaign in May 2025.
Drone operations near Moab, Utah to collect spectral remote sensing imagery during a collaborative USGS field campaign in May 2025.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
USGS geographer and remote pilot Mark Bauer sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station, which will be used to correct uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data during post-processing. It's early during the field day and a layer of frost covers the ground.
USGS geographer and remote pilot Mark Bauer sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station, which will be used to correct uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data during post-processing. It's early during the field day and a layer of frost covers the ground.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 1, 2025
Drone-based radiometric surveys provide high-resolution mine waste characterization
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.
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.
Uncrewed 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.
Uncrewed 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.
In May 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS, also known as drone) data to support a collaborative field campaign led by Sasha Reed of the Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) and Miguel Villarreal of the Western Geographic Science Center (WGSC) near Moab, Utah.
In May 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS, also known as drone) data to support a collaborative field campaign led by Sasha Reed of the Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) and Miguel Villarreal of the Western Geographic Science Center (WGSC) near Moab, Utah.
Drone-captured photo of a vegetated field in Golden, Colorado. Faint paths visible across the grass formed from the consistent, repeated pattern walked by a spectrometer operator multiple times per day for multiple days in a row.
Drone-captured photo of a vegetated field in Golden, Colorado. Faint paths visible across the grass formed from the consistent, repeated pattern walked by a spectrometer operator multiple times per day for multiple days in a row.
USGS remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a drone to collect hyperspectral data over a field in Golden, Colorado.
USGS remote pilot Matt Burgess flies a drone to collect hyperspectral data over a field in Golden, Colorado.
Calibration and validation (cal/val) are essential steps to ensure that remotely sensed data are reliable for scientific use. Radiometric cal/val involves converting digital image pixel values to meaningful units and assessing their accuracy.
Calibration and validation (cal/val) are essential steps to ensure that remotely sensed data are reliable for scientific use. Radiometric cal/val involves converting digital image pixel values to meaningful units and assessing their accuracy.
USGS remote pilots Joe Adams and Todd Burton carry a drone during flight training at the Denver Federal Center.
USGS remote pilots Joe Adams and Todd Burton carry a drone during flight training at the Denver Federal Center.
U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service personnel stand with drone technologies used for mapping the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service personnel stand with drone technologies used for mapping the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
U.S. Geological Survey remote pilot Victoria Scholl flies a drone with camera payload to capture natural color images for photogrammetric mapping of the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
U.S. Geological Survey remote pilot Victoria Scholl flies a drone with camera payload to capture natural color images for photogrammetric mapping of the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
The U.S. Geological Survey National Uncrewed Systems Office flew uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to map the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
The U.S. Geological Survey National Uncrewed Systems Office flew uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to map the Abó Ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico.
USGS remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare to conduct a drone mapping flight to collect thermal imagery over a dryland study site near Moab, Utah.
USGS remote pilots Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl prepare to conduct a drone mapping flight to collect thermal imagery over a dryland study site near Moab, Utah.
Drone operations near Moab, Utah to collect spectral remote sensing imagery during a collaborative USGS field campaign in May 2025.
Drone operations near Moab, Utah to collect spectral remote sensing imagery during a collaborative USGS field campaign in May 2025.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support for the National Park Service to assess road damage and landslide hazards after Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
USGS geographer and remote pilot Mark Bauer sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station, which will be used to correct uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data during post-processing. It's early during the field day and a layer of frost covers the ground.
USGS geographer and remote pilot Mark Bauer sets up a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) base station, which will be used to correct uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data during post-processing. It's early during the field day and a layer of frost covers the ground.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its winding path through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The steep terrain and dense forests make for scenic views but also create a challenging environment for drone operations. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots seek out open areas from which to conduct flights to enable good visibility of their surroundings.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) remote pilots Joe Adams and Matthew Burgess prepare to conduct drone flights at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a range of drone technologies for data collection in science, mapping, and monitoring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
