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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.
Matt Burgess (NUSO) setting up the Yellowscan Mapper+ on a DJI M600 for flights at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
Matt Burgess (NUSO) setting up the Yellowscan Mapper+ on a DJI M600 for flights at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
Picture of the UAS Project Team at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park NPS Visitors Center located near Brownsville, Tx. From left to right, Scott McTavish (Wingtra), Keith Williams (Wingtra), Matt Burgess (NUSO), Josh Von Nonn (WGSC), Lance R. Brady (NUSO), Lee Bragg (NPS), Samuel Chambers (WGSC).
Picture of the UAS Project Team at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park NPS Visitors Center located near Brownsville, Tx. From left to right, Scott McTavish (Wingtra), Keith Williams (Wingtra), Matt Burgess (NUSO), Josh Von Nonn (WGSC), Lance R. Brady (NUSO), Lee Bragg (NPS), Samuel Chambers (WGSC).
Verifying successful lidar data collection while in the field at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
Verifying successful lidar data collection while in the field at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
The YellowScan Navigator Bathymetric Lidar Scanner awaits preflight checks near the South Platte River, Denver, CO.
The YellowScan Navigator Bathymetric Lidar Scanner awaits preflight checks near the South Platte River, Denver, CO.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
UAS operations near Moab, Utah for carbon sequestration research on public lands
UAS operations near Moab, Utah for carbon sequestration research on public lands
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
Gamma Ray Spectrometer testing at DOE Environmental Radiation Calibration Facility located on Grand Junction Airport.
Gamma Ray Spectrometer testing at DOE Environmental Radiation Calibration Facility located on Grand Junction Airport.
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.
Matt Burgess (NUSO) setting up the Yellowscan Mapper+ on a DJI M600 for flights at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
Matt Burgess (NUSO) setting up the Yellowscan Mapper+ on a DJI M600 for flights at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
Picture of the UAS Project Team at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park NPS Visitors Center located near Brownsville, Tx. From left to right, Scott McTavish (Wingtra), Keith Williams (Wingtra), Matt Burgess (NUSO), Josh Von Nonn (WGSC), Lance R. Brady (NUSO), Lee Bragg (NPS), Samuel Chambers (WGSC).
Picture of the UAS Project Team at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park NPS Visitors Center located near Brownsville, Tx. From left to right, Scott McTavish (Wingtra), Keith Williams (Wingtra), Matt Burgess (NUSO), Josh Von Nonn (WGSC), Lance R. Brady (NUSO), Lee Bragg (NPS), Samuel Chambers (WGSC).
Verifying successful lidar data collection while in the field at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
Verifying successful lidar data collection while in the field at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park.
The YellowScan Navigator Bathymetric Lidar Scanner awaits preflight checks near the South Platte River, Denver, CO.
The YellowScan Navigator Bathymetric Lidar Scanner awaits preflight checks near the South Platte River, Denver, CO.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
In January 2024, Joe Adams of the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office led an A-454 aviation training course at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
USGS UAS pilot Mark Bauer (NUSO) conducts lidar mapping flight over Ackerson Meadow in November 2023
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
As permafrost soils in the Arctic warm and thaw, greenhouse gases including methane are released into the atmosphere. USGS Ecologist Kristen Manies of the USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEGSC) is researching low-cost ways to measure methane emissions across these changing ecosystems.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley. Hyperspectral satellites were commissioned in coordination with hyperspectral UAS flights at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
In August 2023, the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) participated in a collaborative field campaign to collect remote sensing data over agricultural crop fields in California's Central Valley.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Colorado.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
Collaborators Kristen Manies (Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center), Joe Adams (National Uncrewed Systems Office, NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO), Brian Gullett U.S.
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS researchers Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload mounted on a UAS prior to a flight in South Dakota. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS ECCOE and NUSO personnel at the UAS ground control station discussing flight parameters for the day’s drone flights near EROS
Left to Right:
Back Row -- Mahesh Shrestha (ECCOE), Tom Cecere (NLI HQ), Jeff Irwin (ECCOE), Joe Adams (NUSO)
Front Row -- Matt Burgess (NUSO), Victoria Scholl (NUSO)
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
USGS NUSO scientists Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl check the hyperspectral sensor mounted on a UAS prior to flight in South Dakota
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
The NUSO, along with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation participated in a June 2023 test and evaluation of an uncrewed aircraft’s 3D scan capability for assisting with infrastructure inspections near Heeney, Colorado at the Green Mountain Reservoir.
UAS operations near Moab, Utah for carbon sequestration research on public lands
UAS operations near Moab, Utah for carbon sequestration research on public lands
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS NUSO (Victoria Scholl and Matt Burgess) and DOI OAS (Rich Thurau) remote pilots prepare a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor prior to a UAS flight over a BLM AIM plot near Moab, Utah
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
USGS remote pilot Todd Burton powers on UAS in White Sands National Park, April 2023
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone-captured group photo with USGS remote pilots, White Sands National Park personnel, and USGS geologists standing in and next to a study area with fossilized tracks.
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
Drone selfie captured using a Skydio X2D UAS of the team standing in front of the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado. From left to right: Joel Doebele (DOE-LM contractor), Anji Shah (USGS), Chelsea Amaral (USGS), Brandon Mittan (GJT), Matt Burgess (USGS), and Joe Adams (USGS).
Gamma Ray Spectrometer testing at DOE Environmental Radiation Calibration Facility located on Grand Junction Airport.
Gamma Ray Spectrometer testing at DOE Environmental Radiation Calibration Facility located on Grand Junction Airport.