Application of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for Ecological Monitoringat Reclamation

Project ID: 19012
Principal Investigator: Aaron Murphy
Research Topic: Repair and Maintenance
Funded Fiscal Years: 2019
Keywords: None

Research Question

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have the potential to improve Reclamation's ability to manage water resources in the western United States. This research explored potential applications of UAS to invasive species management at Reclamation.

Need and Benefit

The most promising applications include aquatic vegetation monitoring and surveys. Overstory habitat in sensitive areas could also be surveyed. Wetland mapping is already possible using remote sensing technology, and applying UAS to these projects could significantly reduce costs. Although understory surveys in complex environments are not currently possible using UAS, research in this area should be monitored, as the technology is rapidly progressing.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Application of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for Invasive Species Detection at Reclamation (final, PDF, 1.4MB)
By Aaron Murphy
Research Product completed on September 30, 2019

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

Application of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) forEcological Monitoring at Reclamation (final, PDF, 1.0MB)
By Aaron Murphy
R&D Bulletin completed on September 30, 2019

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20