Jenny Hansen
Research Interest:
- Remote Sensing Technologies
- Sonar Technologies and Applications in Rivers
- Benthic Mapping
- Bathymetry
- Side Scan Sonar
- Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers
- Geomorphology
- Elevation Data Collection and Processing (Lidar, Multibeam Echo Sounders)
- Object Based Image Analysis/Automated Image Interpretation
- Vegetation Classification/Mapping
Active Projects:
- Develop Sonar Data Mapping on Three Rivers to Assess Suitability for Native Mussel Habitat
- Benthic and Pelagic Mapping of Microhabitat of Channel and Off-channel Areas of the Upper Illinois River to Support Asian Carp Research
- Aquatic Vegetation Mapping in Lake Erie using Object Based Image Analysis to Monitor the Effects of Grass Carp Herbivory
Education and Certifications
B.S. in Biology, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, La Crosse WI 2001
Minor: Applied Geography
Concentration: Environmental Science
Science and Products
Lake Superior Beach Nourishment and Near-Shore Bathymetric Surveys of Minnesota Point at Duluth, Minnesota
The shoreline, beaches, and infrastructure in Duluth, Minnesota have been degraded along the Minnesota Point barrier island because of high water levels and heavy wave action. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is exploring the beneficial use of dredge material for beach nourishment on the Lake Superior side of the barrier island.
Hydroacoustic detection of dreissenid mussels and their habitat: an innovative way to detect dreissenid infestations and model preferred habitat for future colonization
The proposed project will explore the technology of hydroacoustics to detect dreissenid mussels and analyze habitat variables to model preferred future habitat locations to help control the spread of invasive dreissenid mussels.
Mapping 3D floodplain forest understory and density of wild rice beds of UMRS with mobile mapping system to support UMESC research in landform characteristics, hydrologic position, and associated vegetation mapping
The objectives of this project are to test new 3D mobile mapping equipment that could be used for future Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) ecological research, specifically research in floodplain vegetation densities.
Develop Sonar Data Mapping on Three Rivers to Assess Suitability for Native Mussel Habitat
The National Park Service Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is known for their conservation efforts of threatened and endangered native freshwater mussels. Understanding what constitutes mussel habitat is important for identifying suitable habitat for the conservation and restoration of freshwater mussels. Mussel habitat has not been well...
Hydroacoustic mapping of habitat for threatened and endangered native mussels in the Upper Mississippi River
Understanding the distribution of threatened and endangered freshwater mussels is needed to conserve and restore populations. Sampling for native freshwater mussels typically involves taking quadrat samples in soft substrates and counting the number of mussels in a defined area. However, this methodology is unsuitable for detecting populations of the Spectaclecase mussel (Margaritifera monodonta...
Benthic Mapping – Illinois River Benthic Mapping to Support Invasive Asian Carp Research
According to the 2016 Monitoring and Response Plan for Asian carp in the Mississippi River Basin, there is little to no information regarding Asian carp behavior and habitat use in invaded areas (1). There are some studies and anecdotal information showing that Asian carp are occurring in certain macrohabitats, specifically the main channel border during low summer flows and backwaters during...
Hydroacoustic mapping of physical habitat for imperiled freshwater mussels in the St. Croix River
Recent advances in hydroacoustic technology are proving to be valuable tools for mapping habitat features for sedentary biota such as freshwater mussels, and has the potential to identify and quantify habitat features. The Spectaclecase (Margaritifera monodonta) and Salamander (Simpsonaias ambigua) are imperiled mussels that are typically associated with rock structures (e.g., wing dams, revetment
Illinois River Substrate Characterization and Supporting Bathymetric Derivatives
Using high-resolution sonar technologies with geographic information systems (GIS) and object based image analysis, benthic characteristics of the Illinois River have been interpreted to support Asian carp research, monitoring, and control. The study plan consisted of data collection and analysis of the Brandon, Dresden, Starved Rock, Marseilles, Peoria, La Grange, and Alton reaches of the Illinoi
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MISS) Multibeam Bathymetry, Hillshades, and Sidescan Image Mosaics; River Velocity and Bed Composition Mapping for Hidden Falls
The National Park Service's (NPS) Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MISS) and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (SACN) have established high value habitat corridors for threatened and endangered native mussels, including the Winged Mapleleaf and Higgins’ Eye Pearlymussel. Underwater sonar, a hydroacoustic remote sensing technology, is a valuable tool for mapping ph
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (SACN): Sonar Data Mapping to Assess Native Mussel Habitat
The National Park Service (NPS) partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to collect hydroacoustic data of the Saint Croix River for the development of high-resolution bathymetry and sidescan imagery. The combined datasets will provide key components to characterizing benthic habitat. These information needs were highly desired by the NPS to more accurately assess environmental factors that
Lock and Dam 19 Mega-Imaging Sonar Mosaic, 2020
A high-resolution sidescan image of the Mississippi River, Lock and Dam 19 approach (downstream) was collected with a Humminbird Solix. Side-imaging sonar creates an image of underwater riverbed features by measuring the intensity of acoustic reflections. This mega side-imaging sonar data was collected and mosaicked to capture more detailed information on the condition of the lock approach to prov
Topography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at Minnesota Point, MN, July 2020, and topography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at Mt, Minnesota Point - Duluth Entry, 2020.
This dataset represents elevation data of the beach topography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at two locations along Minnesota Point, Duluth, Minnesota. LiDAR data were collected using a Velodyne VLP-16 unit representing the beach topography, and multibeam sonar data were collected using a Norbit integrated Wide Band Multibeam System compact (iWBMSc) sonar for bathymetry. The dataset i
Lake Erie Aquatic Vegetation data
Observations and subtle shifts of vegetation communities in western Lake Erie have USGS researchers concerned about the potential for Grass Carp to alter these vegetation communities. Broad-scale surveys of vegetation using remote sensing and GIS mapping, coupled with on-the-ground samples in key locations will permit assessment of the effect Grass Carp may have already had on aquatic vegetation
Object-Based Image Analysis Detection of Aquatic Vegetation, Lake Erie, 2018
The USGS developed the second in a series of informative spatial distribution datasets of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Lake Erie. The second dataset was developed by object-based image analysis of high-resolution imagery (US waters less than 6 meters deep) collected during peak biomass in 2018 to allow assessments of changes in SAV distribution. Assessing SAV abundance may contribute to i
Hydrographic and benthic mapping—St. Croix National Scenic Riverway—Osceola landing
High-resolution topographic and bathymetric mapping can assist in the analysis of river habitat. The National Park Service has been planning to relocate a boat ramp along the St. Croix River in Minnesota, across the river from the town of Osceola, Wisconsin, to improve visitor safety, improve operations for commercial use, enhance the overall visitor experience, and eliminate deferred maintenance
Remnant hardwood forest mapping within the Upper Mississippi River floodplain
Executive SummaryThe primary objective of the project was to locate previously unknown stands of mast-producing hardwood forest trees in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain using existing information. We located and mapped 399 previously unknown hardwood forest stands within the Mississippi River floodplain area of navigation pools 9, 10, and 11. Using color infrared images in combination with
The Upper Mississippi River System—Topobathy
The Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS), the navigable part of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, is a diverse ecosystem that contains river channels, tributaries, shallow-water wetlands, backwater lakes, and flood-plain forests. Approximately 10,000 years of geologic and hydrographic history exist within the UMRS. Because it maintains crucial wildlife and fish habitats, the dynamic ecos
Science and Products
- Science
Lake Superior Beach Nourishment and Near-Shore Bathymetric Surveys of Minnesota Point at Duluth, Minnesota
The shoreline, beaches, and infrastructure in Duluth, Minnesota have been degraded along the Minnesota Point barrier island because of high water levels and heavy wave action. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is exploring the beneficial use of dredge material for beach nourishment on the Lake Superior side of the barrier island.Hydroacoustic detection of dreissenid mussels and their habitat: an innovative way to detect dreissenid infestations and model preferred habitat for future colonization
The proposed project will explore the technology of hydroacoustics to detect dreissenid mussels and analyze habitat variables to model preferred future habitat locations to help control the spread of invasive dreissenid mussels.Mapping 3D floodplain forest understory and density of wild rice beds of UMRS with mobile mapping system to support UMESC research in landform characteristics, hydrologic position, and associated vegetation mapping
The objectives of this project are to test new 3D mobile mapping equipment that could be used for future Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) ecological research, specifically research in floodplain vegetation densities.Develop Sonar Data Mapping on Three Rivers to Assess Suitability for Native Mussel Habitat
The National Park Service Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is known for their conservation efforts of threatened and endangered native freshwater mussels. Understanding what constitutes mussel habitat is important for identifying suitable habitat for the conservation and restoration of freshwater mussels. Mussel habitat has not been well...Hydroacoustic mapping of habitat for threatened and endangered native mussels in the Upper Mississippi River
Understanding the distribution of threatened and endangered freshwater mussels is needed to conserve and restore populations. Sampling for native freshwater mussels typically involves taking quadrat samples in soft substrates and counting the number of mussels in a defined area. However, this methodology is unsuitable for detecting populations of the Spectaclecase mussel (Margaritifera monodonta...Benthic Mapping – Illinois River Benthic Mapping to Support Invasive Asian Carp Research
According to the 2016 Monitoring and Response Plan for Asian carp in the Mississippi River Basin, there is little to no information regarding Asian carp behavior and habitat use in invaded areas (1). There are some studies and anecdotal information showing that Asian carp are occurring in certain macrohabitats, specifically the main channel border during low summer flows and backwaters during... - Data
Hydroacoustic mapping of physical habitat for imperiled freshwater mussels in the St. Croix River
Recent advances in hydroacoustic technology are proving to be valuable tools for mapping habitat features for sedentary biota such as freshwater mussels, and has the potential to identify and quantify habitat features. The Spectaclecase (Margaritifera monodonta) and Salamander (Simpsonaias ambigua) are imperiled mussels that are typically associated with rock structures (e.g., wing dams, revetmentIllinois River Substrate Characterization and Supporting Bathymetric Derivatives
Using high-resolution sonar technologies with geographic information systems (GIS) and object based image analysis, benthic characteristics of the Illinois River have been interpreted to support Asian carp research, monitoring, and control. The study plan consisted of data collection and analysis of the Brandon, Dresden, Starved Rock, Marseilles, Peoria, La Grange, and Alton reaches of the IllinoiMississippi National River and Recreation Area (MISS) Multibeam Bathymetry, Hillshades, and Sidescan Image Mosaics; River Velocity and Bed Composition Mapping for Hidden Falls
The National Park Service's (NPS) Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MISS) and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (SACN) have established high value habitat corridors for threatened and endangered native mussels, including the Winged Mapleleaf and Higgins’ Eye Pearlymussel. Underwater sonar, a hydroacoustic remote sensing technology, is a valuable tool for mapping phSt. Croix National Scenic Riverway (SACN): Sonar Data Mapping to Assess Native Mussel Habitat
The National Park Service (NPS) partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to collect hydroacoustic data of the Saint Croix River for the development of high-resolution bathymetry and sidescan imagery. The combined datasets will provide key components to characterizing benthic habitat. These information needs were highly desired by the NPS to more accurately assess environmental factors thatLock and Dam 19 Mega-Imaging Sonar Mosaic, 2020
A high-resolution sidescan image of the Mississippi River, Lock and Dam 19 approach (downstream) was collected with a Humminbird Solix. Side-imaging sonar creates an image of underwater riverbed features by measuring the intensity of acoustic reflections. This mega side-imaging sonar data was collected and mosaicked to capture more detailed information on the condition of the lock approach to provTopography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at Minnesota Point, MN, July 2020, and topography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at Mt, Minnesota Point - Duluth Entry, 2020.
This dataset represents elevation data of the beach topography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at two locations along Minnesota Point, Duluth, Minnesota. LiDAR data were collected using a Velodyne VLP-16 unit representing the beach topography, and multibeam sonar data were collected using a Norbit integrated Wide Band Multibeam System compact (iWBMSc) sonar for bathymetry. The dataset iLake Erie Aquatic Vegetation data
Observations and subtle shifts of vegetation communities in western Lake Erie have USGS researchers concerned about the potential for Grass Carp to alter these vegetation communities. Broad-scale surveys of vegetation using remote sensing and GIS mapping, coupled with on-the-ground samples in key locations will permit assessment of the effect Grass Carp may have already had on aquatic vegetationObject-Based Image Analysis Detection of Aquatic Vegetation, Lake Erie, 2018
The USGS developed the second in a series of informative spatial distribution datasets of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Lake Erie. The second dataset was developed by object-based image analysis of high-resolution imagery (US waters less than 6 meters deep) collected during peak biomass in 2018 to allow assessments of changes in SAV distribution. Assessing SAV abundance may contribute to i - Publications
Hydrographic and benthic mapping—St. Croix National Scenic Riverway—Osceola landing
High-resolution topographic and bathymetric mapping can assist in the analysis of river habitat. The National Park Service has been planning to relocate a boat ramp along the St. Croix River in Minnesota, across the river from the town of Osceola, Wisconsin, to improve visitor safety, improve operations for commercial use, enhance the overall visitor experience, and eliminate deferred maintenanceRemnant hardwood forest mapping within the Upper Mississippi River floodplain
Executive SummaryThe primary objective of the project was to locate previously unknown stands of mast-producing hardwood forest trees in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain using existing information. We located and mapped 399 previously unknown hardwood forest stands within the Mississippi River floodplain area of navigation pools 9, 10, and 11. Using color infrared images in combination withThe Upper Mississippi River System—Topobathy
The Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS), the navigable part of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, is a diverse ecosystem that contains river channels, tributaries, shallow-water wetlands, backwater lakes, and flood-plain forests. Approximately 10,000 years of geologic and hydrographic history exist within the UMRS. Because it maintains crucial wildlife and fish habitats, the dynamic ecos