UAS Platforms Research Articles

SDR-Based Dual Polarized L-Band Microwave Radiometer Operating From Small UAS Platforms

SDR-Based Dual Polarized L-Band Microwave Radiometer Operating From Small UAS Platforms

BENCHMARKING COLLABORATIVE POSITIONING AND NAVIGATION BETWEEN GROUND AND UAS PLATFORMS

Abstract. The availability of Global Positioning System (GPS), or more in general of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the development of smart mobile devices, able to exploit the geospatial information provided by GPS/GNSS and integrate their use within many applications, have had a dramatic impact on the everyday life of most of the World population. While GNSS allows for real-time positioning in a wide range of scenarios, there are many challenging environments, such as tunnels and urban canyons, where GNSS-based solutions are inaccurate, unreliable, or even unavailable. The enormous interest in applications requiring ubiquitous positioning (e.g., self-driving vehicles) has been motivating the development of alternative positioning systems to support or substitute GNSS when operating in challenging scenarios. Alternative positioning systems to GNSS are usually developed by employing several sensors, such as radio-based, vision, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging). Furthermore, a collaborative approach can also be developed to increase the robustness of the navigation solution of inter-connected vehicles. To support research in this area, we are presenting the CONTEST (Collaborative pOsitioning and NavigaTion bEtween ground and uaS plaTforms) dataset, aiming at providing multiple data streams to test collaborative positioning approaches, involving both terrestrial and aerial platforms, based on the use of several sensors, such as Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) transceivers, cameras, LiDARs, GNSS. Data are described and some initial results presented.

A critical review of UAS-based aerial photography and photogrammetry of Cahokia’s Grand Plaza

Rapid development of increasingly powerful and accessible computer hardware, processing software, and UAS platforms has fueled a rapid increase in the adoption of UAS-based photogrammetry in archaeology. However, archaeologists still need to critically evaluate the methodology being used before flying photogrammetry missions at archaeological sites. Here, we critique a recent paper by Vilbig and colleagues (2020) which reported on UAS-based photogrammetry of Cahokia’s Grand Plaza. In order to address concerns with their methodology, we conducted our own photogrammetry flight of the same study area, reproducing their methodology as closely as possible. This allows us to make a direct comparison with Vilbig and colleagues’ (2020) results, highlighting key differences after correcting the problems in their methodology. We also discuss several insights of our own analysis, including the identification of potential secondary mounds built atop the platform of Mound 48.

Observations of the lower atmosphere from the 2021 WiscoDISCO campaign

Abstract. The mesoscale meteorology of lake breezes along Lake Michigan impacts local observations of high-ozone events. Previous manned aircraft and UAS observations have demonstrated non-uniform ozone concentrations within and above the marine layer over water and within shoreline environments. During the 2021 Wisconsin's Dynamic Influence of Shoreline Circulations on Ozone (WiscoDISCO-21) campaign, two UAS platforms, a fixed-wing (University of Colorado RAAVEN) and a multirotor (Purdue University DJI M210), were used simultaneously to capture lake breeze during forecasted high-ozone events at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area in southeastern Wisconsin from 21–26 May 2021​​​​​​​. The RAAVEN platform (data DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5142491, de Boer et al., 2021) measured temperature, humidity, and 3-D winds during 2 h flights following two separate flight patterns up to three times per day at altitudes reaching 500 m above ground level (a.g.l.). The M210 platform (data DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5160346, Cleary et al., 2021a) measured vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, and ozone during 15 min flights up to six times per day at altitudes reaching 120 ma.g.l. near a Wisconsin DNR ground monitoring station (AIRS ID: 55-059-0019). This campaign was conducted in conjunction with the Enhanced Ozone Monitoring plan from the Wisconsin DNR that included Doppler lidar wind profiler observations at the site (data DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5213039, Cleary et al., 2021b).

Estimation of soil moisture from UAS platforms using RGB and thermal imaging sensors in arid and semi-arid regions

Estimation of soil moisture from UAS platforms using RGB and thermal imaging sensors in arid and semi-arid regions

A Decade of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Irrigated Agriculture in the Western U.S.

Highlights Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are able to provide data for precision irrigation management. Improvements are needed regarding UAS platforms, sensors, processing software, and regulations. Integration of multi-scale imagery into scientific irrigation scheduling tools are needed for technology adoption. Abstract . Several research institutes, laboratories, academic programs, and service companies around the United States have been developing programs to utilize small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) as an instrument to improve the efficiency of in-field water and agronomical management. This article describes a decade of efforts on research and development efforts focused on UAS technologies and methodologies developed for irrigation management, including the evolution of aircraft and sensors in contrast to data from satellites. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for UAS operation in agriculture have been synthesized along with proposed modifications to enhance UAS contributions to irrigated agriculture. Although it is feasible to use sUAS technology to produce maps of actual crop coefficients, actual crop evapotranspiration, and soil water deficits, for irrigation management, the technology and regulations need to evolve further to facilitate a successful wide adoption and application. Improvements and standards are needed in terms of cameras’ spectral (bands) ranges, radiometric resolutions and associated calibrations, fuel/power technology for longer missions, better imagery processing software, and easier FAA approval of higher altitudes flight missions among other issues. Furthermore, the sUAS technology would play a larger role in irrigated agriculture when integrating multi-scale data (sUAS, ground-based or proximal, satellite) and soil water sensors is addressed, including the need for advances on processing large amounts of data from multiple and different sources, and integration into scientific irrigation scheduling (SIS) systems for convenience of decision making. Desirable technological innovations, and features of the next generation of UAS platforms, sensors, software, and methods for irrigated agriculture, are discussed. Keywords: Agricultural water management, Irrigation prescription mapping, Irrigation scheduling, Precision irrigation, Remote sensing, Sensors, Spatial crop evaOotranspiration, Unmanned aerial systems.

Unoccupied Aircraft Systems in Marine Science and Conservation.

The use of unoccupied aircraft systems (UASs, also known as drones) in science is growing rapidly. Recent advances in microelectronics and battery technology have resulted in the rapid development of low-cost UASs that are transforming many industries. Drones are poised to revolutionize marine science and conservation, as they provide essentially on-demand remote sensing capabilities at low cost and with reduced human risk. A variety of multirotor, fixed-wing, and transitional UAS platforms are capable of carrying various optical and physical sampling payloads and are being employed in almost every subdiscipline of marine science and conservation. This article provides an overview of the UAS platforms and sensors used in marine science and conservation missions along with example physical, biological, and natural resource management applications and typical analytical workflows. It concludes with details on potential effects of UASs on marine wildlife and a look to the future of UASs in marine science and conservation.

Unmanned Air Systems: Technology and Regulatory Advances for the Oil Spill Response Community

Field testing small unmanned air systems (UAS) in marine oil spill response exercises began in 2006. Soon afterward there were multiple credible examples where uas's could complement the traditional roles which manned aircraft filled for oil spill observation. Testing stopped abruptly in 2007 when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration changed rules for the commercial use of uas's. Testing resumed in 2013 after the U.S. Congress mandated that the FAA finalize operating rules for uas commercial use. Exercise tests validated oil spill observation by uas's when an experienced aerial oil spill observer confirmed that properly equipped uas platforms and cameras could offer results equal to manned aircraft flights. Today there are a much wider variety of uas's and increasingly more capable sensors which can be utilized for creating highly detailed maps or data collection for geographic information system applications such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA). Radio technology advances have also improved the ability to transfer video/data over greater distance and faster speeds than initial tests. Mobile ad hoc networks of multiple radios can transfer uas data streams beyond line of sight and connect with the internet for even broader distribution. This same network can also be used by responders in the field to exchange video, voice and location data and be linked real time with command post map displays and data feeds creating a true common operating picture across the entire response effort. From an organizational perspective, uas's are not discussed in the 2014 USCG Incident Management Handbook. Despite this however, their activities need coordinated with manned aircraft through Air Operations for regulations and safety. Staging them at airports serves little purpose given their flexibility and small size. Better utilization would be achieved placing the uas and operators near the command posts or at staging sites alongside the boats or vehicles they would work from. Their unique differences would also support creating a UAS Group Supervisor in Air Operations to clarify their requirements and tasking. The Situation Unit would typically be the best central receiving point for incoming data and from there aerial observers and data specialists can route video / data to operations, gis users and display operators managing the common operating picture. Additional topics for final presentation:*See and avoid capabilities*Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) transmitters/receivers*Night flights approval*New operator regulations not requiring pilot's license

THE POSSIBILITY OF USING IMAGES OBTAINED FROM THE UAS IN CADASTRAL WORKS

Abstract. Updating the cadastre requires much work carried out by surveying companies in countries that have still not solved the problem of updating the cadastral data. In terms of the required precision, these works are among the most accurate. This raises the question: to what extent may modern digital photogrammetric methods be useful in this process? The capabilities of photogrammetry have increased significantly after the introduction of digital aerial cameras and digital technologies. For the registration of cadastral objects, i.e., land parcels’ boundaries and the outlines of buildings, very high-resolution aerial photographs can be used. The paper relates an attempt to use an alternative source of data for this task - the development of images acquired from UAS platforms. Multivariate mapping of cadastral parcels was implemented to determine the scope of the suitability of low altitude photos for the cadastre. In this study, images obtained from UAS with the GSD of 3 cm were collected for an area of a few square kilometres. Bundle adjustment of these data was processed with sub-pixel accuracy. This led to photogrammetric measurements being carried out and the provision of an orthophotomap (orthogonalized with a digital surface model from dense image matching of UAS images). Geometric data related to buildings were collected with two methods: stereoscopic and multi-photo measurements. Data related to parcels’ boundaries were measured with monoplotting on an orthophotomap from low-altitude images. As reference field surveying data were used. The paper shows the potential and limits of the use of UAS in a process of updating cadastral data. It also gives recommendations when performing photogrammetric missions and presents the possible accuracy of this type of work.

THE POSSIBILITY OF USING IMAGES OBTAINED FROM THE UAS IN CADASTRAL WORKS

Updating the cadastre requires much work carried out by surveying companies in countries that have still not solved the problem of updating the cadastral data. In terms of the required precision, these works are among the most accurate. This raises the question: to what extent may modern digital photogrammetric methods be useful in this process? The capabilities of photogrammetry have increased significantly after the introduction of digital aerial cameras and digital technologies. For the registration of cadastral objects, i.e., land parcels’ boundaries and the outlines of buildings, very high-resolution aerial photographs can be used. The paper relates an attempt to use an alternative source of data for this task - the development of images acquired from UAS platforms. Multivariate mapping of cadastral parcels was implemented to determine the scope of the suitability of low altitude photos for the cadastre. In this study, images obtained from UAS with the GSD of 3 cm were collected for an area of a few square kilometres. Bundle adjustment of these data was processed with sub-pixel accuracy. This led to photogrammetric measurements being carried out and the provision of an orthophotomap (orthogonalized with a digital surface model from dense image matching of UAS images). Geometric data related to buildings were collected with two methods: stereoscopic and multi-photo measurements. Data related to parcels’ boundaries were measured with monoplotting on an orthophotomap from low-altitude images. As reference field surveying data were used. The paper shows the potential and limits of the use of UAS in a process of updating cadastral data. It also gives recommendations when performing photogrammetric missions and presents the possible accuracy of this type of work.

The January 8-9, 2015 Frozen UAS Tour Blows into Grand Forks, North Dakota

AbstractASPRS attendees from the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, USGS, KMB, Inc. and others all want to thank the University of North Dakota, the Customs Air and Marine Operations and the USAF 69th Observation Squadron for hosting a bunch of frozen remote sensors gain a better understanding of high tech UAS platforms.

Integrating the UAS in Undergraduate Teaching and Research – Opportunities and Challenges at University of North Georgia

Abstract. The University of North Georgia (UNG) has begun to evaluate both fixed and rotary UAS platforms across the departments to evaluate their potential for furthering both student learning experiences and undergraduate research. A research project of the Institute for Spatial Analysis (IESA) at UNG has acquired the fixed wing eBee UAS and is currently piloting its integration into the undergraduate geospatial science curriculum. Limited very low altitude, line of sight calibration runs within areas of our campus have help us understand the capabilities that this technology brings to learning and research opportunities at UNG. In our pilot area of study on the UNG Gainesville Campus, we will collect overlapping imagery and generate 3-D models. These models will be compared with models based on LiDAR data. Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) methods are essential to the analysis of voluminous high resolution UAS data and the associated computational and regulatory issues are discussed. Several future interdisciplinary projects are envisaged with the eBee UAS and this project helps establish their viability.