Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The U.S.
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.
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.
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.
Gamma Ray Spectrometer on drone in New Mexico.
Gamma Ray Spectrometer on drone in New Mexico.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The U.S.
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.
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.
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.
Gamma Ray Spectrometer on drone in New Mexico.
Gamma Ray Spectrometer on drone in New Mexico.
