Practical Stormwater Data Collection with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
10 Sep 19
4:30 PM
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4:55 PM
Tracks:
Water Resources: Stormwater
The availability of affordable small unmanned aerial systems - sUAS (also known as drones) with lightweight sensors and powerful photogrammetry software has made sUAS a useful and flexible tool for stormwater management data collection. sUAS data collection offers advantages over ground-based methods, including rapid topographic mapping, thermal and multispectral imagery for evaluation of vegetation and hydrology patterns, and increased worker safety. Commercially available sUAS flight planning and photogrammetry software allows for rapid preparation of topographic maps useful for evaluating stormwater drainage patterns. Specialized sensors allow for collection of multiple data types including mapping impervious ground, vegetative health and growth, stormwater discharge mixing zones, and the effects of discharge on receiving waters. This presentation will include an overview of various stormwater applications, sUAS regulations, training, sensor, and software selection, and the accuracy and limitations of sUAS data collection.