Emerging applications for UAS (uncrewed aerial systems)

Date/Time & Location

Thursday, October 10 from 10:30-12 PM in Parlors A/B Room

Conveners

Chris Crosby, UNAVCO
Chelsea Scott, Arizona State University
Keith Williams, UNAVCO

Abstract

The use of small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) as platforms for data capture in the geosciences has rapidly increased in recent years. Adoption has been driven by lower-cost hardware, smaller and lightweight sensors, the availability of flight planning and data processing software, and increasing clarity in national and international aviation regulations. UAS have several advantages when compared to other “traditional” data collection methods: (1) the ability to collect higher spatial and or temporal resolution data; (2) a reduced impact on sensitive environments being monitored; (3) lowered risks to workers and equipment involved in data collection in dangerous environments; (4) a flexible platform from which a wide range of parameters might be monitored simultaneously, and (5) access to data that what would otherwise be practically inaccessible, all (6) often at a significantly lower cost than traditional methods might incur. This session will review the current state of facility support for UAS in support of geodetic and geoscience research, will highlight emerging applications and recent science results enabled by UAS, and will offer the community an opportunity to discuss future needs, opportunities, and challenges.