ATCEM UAV Session
This session will provide a brief overview of when and how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones) can be best used in tribal environmental work. We will cover FAA licensing, how to find out about local restricted air space, the cost of owning or contracting UAVs, when it is best to use UAV imagery vs Satellite imagery, when to use a drone vs contracting an airplane for photographing sites, and what you will need to stay current with regulations if you buy a drone for tribal use. We will also demonstrate ways to manage the imagery files from drones.
Presenter: Cynthia Annett
Resources
Imagery sources
There may be adequate imagery already available from public sources and you may be able to access imagery for free without having to use a drone to obtain new imagery. Here is a partial list of public imagery collections from satellite and aerial sources - you can also check state agencies and GIS archives at universities.
University of Minnesota Polar Geospatial Center (aerial as well as satellite imagery)
Sentinels Scientific Data Hub - this is from the European Space Agency
Google Earth Pro use the timeslider to access imagery from different dates
You may also be able to access imagery collections from paid services at a lower cost than conducting your own surveys. Check with your Tribal GIS office or with a university GIS program for advice on how to purchase imagery.
Training and operating support
Rules, laws, regulations
Drone Laws for the state of Alaska
State Code 33.398 – Salmon Fishing
In the Southeastern Area, during an open commercial salmon fishing period, UAVs may not be used to locate salmon for commercial fishing or for any activity related to commercial salmon fishing operations.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has established a restriction on drones in Chugach State Park. This law prohibits aircraft in Chugach State Park, except for authorized aircraft flying into/out of Bold Airport.
Imagery analysis
Commonly used platforms for creating orthomosaics
Paid Services with free options
Paid Services
Maps Made Easy - pay as you go, no subscription fee
Pix4Dreact - reduced cost for first responders, works offline
Commonly used platforms for analyzing orthomosaics
Paid Services
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement (TR-83910001) to (Kansas State University). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.