RS&GIS has been deploying Uncrewed Aerial Systems, also known as Drones, since 2013. In fact, RS&GIS was the first to secure FAA authorization to operate drones at Michigan State University. Since that time, we have logged hundreds of hours flying rotorcraft, fixed-wing and fixed-wing VTOL aircraft. At the same time we have been at the forefront of remote sensing, utilizing natural color, multi-spectral, hyperspectral, thermal and lidar drone sensors to collect data in support of engineering, agriculture, forestry, and more. Our drone staff includes 4 certified remote pilots in command (RPIC), three of which are certified GIS professionals (GISP).
Mission Planning
Photogrammetric / Waypoints
Data Collection
Natural Color / Multispectral / Hyperspectral / Thermal Infrared / Lidar
Primary Data Processing
Orthomosaics / Multi-Band Image Composites / Surface Models / 3D Point Clouds
Secondary Geospatial Processing and Analysis
Spectral Indices / Elevation Contours / Multi-Temporal Analysis / Feature Extraction / Image Classification / Stockpile Volumes / etc.
Training
Drone Deployment / Data Processing / Data Analysis
Proposal Development
Contracts / Grants
RS&GIS is constantly upgrading its platforms and sensors to meet the needs of its clients both on and off campus. We are currently deploying our fifth generation multispectral sensor, the MicaSense RedEdge-P Dual, to capture information about natural systems and agriculture to address research questions and improve decision-making. We also utilize advanced thermal infrared sensors (DJI H30T) and hyperspectral sensors (Headwall VNIR/SWIR + Lidar) for both research and business applications.
MSU Flood Mapping
Drone mapping in support of infrastructure, planning and facilities at MSU. Generation of orthomosaic, 3D point cloud and digital surface model (DSM) followed by digitization of flood boundary.
Wheat Breeding Multispectral Analysis
Multi-temporal collection and processing of multispectral wheat imagery to quantify differences between varieties. Composites were used to generate spectral indices, which were then analyzed by plant geneticists.
Lake Michigan Sand Dune Modeling
Collection and processing of natural color drone imagery to create high-resolution 3D model. Data used to study sand movement in dynamic dune systems.
