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 5 certified remote pilots in command (RPIC) and three 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.
EXCITING NEWS! To meet the research and outreach needs of MSU and beyond, RS&GIS is migrating to NDAA-compliant UAS platforms and sensors. We currently maintain and operate the following NDAA-compliant platforms and sensors. Please check back regularly or contact us if you have specific research or outreach needs and questions about the equipment we have available.
WingtraOne Gen II
The WingtraOne GenII is a BlueUAS-certified VTOL made in Switzerland with a range of fully-integrated sensors. While we currently have the MAP61, a 61MP natural color camera, many more sensors (RGB, Multispectral, and LIDAR) are available with full integration. With the MAP61 installed, it is possible to acquire over 500 ha of imagery (120m above ground) with an absolute accuracy of 3cm. It boasts over an hour flight time on a single set of batteries, making data collection more efficient than ever before. At only 54m above ground, the lowest possible ground sample distance (GSD) is 1.2cm per pixel.
Inspired Flight IF1200A
The Inspired Flight IF1200A is a BlueUAS-certified hexacopter made in California that boasts an impressive 19.1 lb. payload capacity, It is versatile and can be operated with any number of sensors in a range of conditions.
Flyby Robotics F-11
The Flyby Robotics F-11 is an NDAA-compliant quadcopter made in California with a 5.7 lb. payload capacity. It has an onboard NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX, enabling on the fly AI applications and processing. We are excited to test the F-11 in a range of applications and environments and are actively working with the company to develop fully-integrated sensors. The dual RTK system enables precise positioning to 1cm, and it can operate for nearly a full hour.
We have an existing fleet of many DJI and Autel drones, which we are actively seeking opportunities for. Given the new U.S. federal regulations limiting DJI and Autel drones on projects receiving federal money, we still believe that there is a time and place for these proven and reliable systems on other projects.
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.
Grape Cluster Detection and Modeling
Collection and processing of natural color imagery and video to generate accurate assessments of grape production on the vine.
