UAS - Unmanned Aircraft Systems

2020/09/30 - from material prepared by Joseph Millete (link to video here when published)

---

• PubMed Articles published using UAS - see list

If you are planning on collecting geospatial data using a drone, or some kind of unmanned aircraft system (UAS), please check FAA for rules and regulations. The Main website will provide the most up-to-date information.

• https://www.faa.gov/uas/

UAS between the weights of 0.55 and 55lb must be registered either as Part 107 or with an waiver (COA). UAS flights must be below 400ft and within sightline of the operator. When running a UAS, have a certified operator along with a visual observer. Have at least 2 people on site.

There is more than the cost of the aircraft

• unmanned aircraft (estimated at ~$700)
  • Fixed Wing
  • Hybrid Quad
  • Multicopter
  • Helicopter
  • For the most up to date information on aircraft hardware, check https://www.auvsi.org/
• Licensed pilot
• 2nd observer for safety
• Part 107 or FAA waiver + insurance
• GCS Software for planning flight path
  • Mission Planner
    • Ardupilot
  • DJI GO - propriotory, and cannot be used at USDA as of Sept 2020
  • PX4 capture

Common sensors and Data collected from UAS

• Thermal-IR
• Near-infrared and Multi-spectual
• Visible Light Photogrammetry
• Visible Light Video
• LiDAR
• Hyper-Spectral
• GPS (make sure you have stable GPS stations nearby)

Example applications

• inspecting fields/mines/place of interest
• crop/animal monitoring

Example Publications

• paper 1
• paper 2
• paper 3