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.
National Uncrewed Systems Office Active
Using UAS to Support Road Condition Inspections on Federal Lands
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
Radiometric calibration and validation research for scientific-grade spectral UAS imagery
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls, SD
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.
DOI manages over 20 percent of the Nation’s public lands and is responsible for migratory bird and wildlife conservation; historic preservation; endangered species conservation; surface-mined lands protection and restoration; and mapping, geological, hydrological, and biological science for the Nation. Access to remotely sensed data is critical to fulfilling the DOI’s commitment to providing the best available science over such diverse missions and extensive landscapes. UAS is a tool that has quickly become vital to scientists by delivering some of the best remotely sensed data available over DOI’s expansive geography. UAS can also carry sophisticated high-resolution sensors that offer impressive capabilities relative to the amount, resolution, persistence, and flexibility of remotely collected data for these challenging locations.
New and Noteworthy
- Alternative Approaches to Inspections for Federal Land Management Agency Roads:…
- Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) natural color, multispectral, lidar, and hypers…
- Incredible discoveries and devastation of paleontological resources in a changi…
- Compilation of topographic data, aerial imagery, and land cover classification,…
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 November 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park in California.
In November 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park in California.
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.
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. 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.
A dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired from a drone at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado.
A dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired from a drone at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge 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.
Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload.
linkLance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload.
linkLance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight
linkMatt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight.
Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight
linkMatt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight.
ECCOE and NUSO personnel discuss flight parameters in preparation for the day’s flights. They gather around a table with laptops under a tent canopy for shade.
ECCOE and NUSO personnel discuss flight parameters in preparation for the day’s flights. They gather around a table with laptops under a tent canopy for shade.
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.
Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor
linkVictoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to collect hyperspectral data while the drone sits on an orange landing pad.
Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor
linkVictoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to collect hyperspectral data while the drone sits on an orange landing pad.
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.
UAS acquired image of the team at the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport
linkDrone 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).
UAS acquired image of the team at the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport
linkDrone 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).
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS scientists conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
linkUSGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
USGS scientists conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
linkUSGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Joe Adams (NUSO) positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture an image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
Joe Adams (NUSO) positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture an image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS
linkAs a visual observer, Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS on an orange drone helipad.
Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS
linkAs a visual observer, Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS on an orange drone helipad.
Matthew Burgess and Victoria Scholl (USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to fly on an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
Matthew Burgess and Victoria Scholl (USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to fly on an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
USGS employees from the National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE)
linkGroup photo with USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) standing in a parking lot with clear skies overhead.
USGS employees from the National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE)
linkGroup photo with USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) standing in a parking lot with clear skies overhead.
Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for at least two years. With the warming climate, permafrost across Alaska is thawing and greenhouse gases such as methane are released as a result. Ecologist Kristen Manies of the U.S.
Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for at least two years. With the warming climate, permafrost across Alaska is thawing and greenhouse gases such as methane are released as a result. Ecologist Kristen Manies of the U.S.
Check out -
Quick Link "UAS Supports Science" to see UAS data releases and related scientific journal articles
U.S. Geological Survey Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Roadmap 2014
National Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Office
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.
DOI manages over 20 percent of the Nation’s public lands and is responsible for migratory bird and wildlife conservation; historic preservation; endangered species conservation; surface-mined lands protection and restoration; and mapping, geological, hydrological, and biological science for the Nation. Access to remotely sensed data is critical to fulfilling the DOI’s commitment to providing the best available science over such diverse missions and extensive landscapes. UAS is a tool that has quickly become vital to scientists by delivering some of the best remotely sensed data available over DOI’s expansive geography. UAS can also carry sophisticated high-resolution sensors that offer impressive capabilities relative to the amount, resolution, persistence, and flexibility of remotely collected data for these challenging locations.
New and Noteworthy
- Alternative Approaches to Inspections for Federal Land Management Agency Roads:…
- Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) natural color, multispectral, lidar, and hypers…
- Incredible discoveries and devastation of paleontological resources in a changi…
- Compilation of topographic data, aerial imagery, and land cover classification,…
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.
In November 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park in California.
In November 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) collected uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) lidar data at Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park in California.
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.
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. 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.
A dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired from a drone at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado.
A dense point cloud generated using UAS photogrammetric techniques with natural color based on imagery acquired from a drone at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge 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.
Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload.
linkLance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
Lance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload.
linkLance Brady and Joe Adams (NUSO) calibrate the compass of an AgEagle/MicaSense multispectral payload. This involves lifting and rotating the aircraft in specific sequences as indicated on the connected tablet.
Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight
linkMatt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight.
Matt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight
linkMatt Burgess and Victoria Scholl (NUSO) crouch near the UAS with a hyperspectral sensor as they prepare the sensor and aircraft for a mapping flight.
ECCOE and NUSO personnel discuss flight parameters in preparation for the day’s flights. They gather around a table with laptops under a tent canopy for shade.
ECCOE and NUSO personnel discuss flight parameters in preparation for the day’s flights. They gather around a table with laptops under a tent canopy for shade.
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.
Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor
linkVictoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to collect hyperspectral data while the drone sits on an orange landing pad.
Victoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor
linkVictoria Scholl (USGS NUSO), Matt Burgess (USGS NUSO), and Rich Thurau (DOI OAS) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to collect hyperspectral data while the drone sits on an orange landing pad.
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.
UAS acquired image of the team at the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport
linkDrone 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).
UAS acquired image of the team at the DOE-LM Calibration Pads at the Grand Junction Regional Airport
linkDrone 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).
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS researchers teamed up for a biological soil crust (biocrust) remote sensing and field data campaign near Moab, Utah in February of 2022.
USGS scientists conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
linkUSGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
USGS scientists conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
linkUSGS scientists Joe Adams and Matt Burgess conduct a UAS lidar data collection flight at the Vicksburg National Military Park
NUSO scientists, along with USGS landslide researchers, in December 2022 undertook a topographic analysis of slide-prone areas of the National Park Service Vicksburg National Military Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Joe Adams (NUSO) positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture an image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
Joe Adams (NUSO) positions a UAS over a calibration panel to capture an image with the attached MicaSense Dual multispectral sensor. This calibration image will be used to post-process the imagery in support of radiometric calibration research conducted at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado.
Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS
linkAs a visual observer, Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS on an orange drone helipad.
Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS
linkAs a visual observer, Joe Adams (NUSO) checks the sky and surrounding area for hazards while remote pilot Matt Burgess (NUSO) lands the UAS on an orange drone helipad.
Matthew Burgess and Victoria Scholl (USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to fly on an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
Matthew Burgess and Victoria Scholl (USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office) prepare the Headwall Nano-Hyperspec sensor to fly on an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
USGS employees from the National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE)
linkGroup photo with USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) standing in a parking lot with clear skies overhead.
USGS employees from the National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE)
linkGroup photo with USGS employees from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) and the USGS EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE) standing in a parking lot with clear skies overhead.
Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for at least two years. With the warming climate, permafrost across Alaska is thawing and greenhouse gases such as methane are released as a result. Ecologist Kristen Manies of the U.S.
Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for at least two years. With the warming climate, permafrost across Alaska is thawing and greenhouse gases such as methane are released as a result. Ecologist Kristen Manies of the U.S.
Check out -
Quick Link "UAS Supports Science" to see UAS data releases and related scientific journal articles