J.B. Sharma University of North Georgia
Parker Goins University of North Georgia
Zachary Miller University of North Georgia

25F

Novel sUAS platforms, miniaturized sensors and advances in computing are opening up new possibilities for spatially detailed remote sensing applications. The University of North Georgia (UNG) is beginning to use various sUAS platforms in curriculum, research and outreach. The multiple campuses of UNG are an excellent laboratory for piloting 2D and 3D mapping and modeling applications that benefit the University in multifaceted ways. These efforts can lay a foundation for best practices in this domain. The distributed UNG campuses have varied land-cover that includes urban areas, forested wetlands and nature preserves, some with substantial terrain relief. A series of high spatial resolution 2D and 3D mapping projects have been conducted using both the DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter and the eBee Sensefly fixed wing sUAS. The geo-spatial product developed include orthophoto mosaics, digital surface models and thermal imaging. There were several challenges that had to be overcome to begin producing useful geo-spatial products that include regulations, complex terrain, personnel training, workflow development and data management. A workflow was developed for 3D printing of the 3D models to create realistic renditions of campus. Thermal imaging has proved to be particularly challenging and the technological capabilities and constraints for mapping heat leakages will be discussed. Cloud computing approaches are being considered for efficient computation data management of large datasets. The 2D maps and 3D models developed will be presented along with a discussion of how these will be integrated into interdisciplinary research, campus facilities management and undergraduate coursework.

14:00 Developing sUAS Based Optical and Thermal 2D and 3D Mapping Applications at the University of North Georgia, J.B. Sharma