Uvm sal. UVM Joins FAA’s ASSURE Consortium: Advancing Drone Safety in Disaster Response

How does UVM’s participation in ASSURE benefit drone research. What role will the Spatial Analysis Laboratory play in disaster response studies. How will this collaboration enhance FAA regulations for unmanned aerial systems.

Table of Contents

UVM’s Groundbreaking Entry into the ASSURE Consortium

The University of Vermont (UVM) has taken a significant step forward in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research by joining the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, known as ASSURE. This collaboration brings together 23 leading research institutions and 100 industry and government partners, positioning UVM at the forefront of drone technology and safety research.

The primary focus of UVM’s contribution to ASSURE will be through its Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL), which will conduct research on the use of drones in disaster situations. This critical work will provide the FAA with valuable data to inform safe drone operations during emergencies.

The Importance of UVM’s Participation

Why is UVM’s participation in ASSURE significant? The rapid growth of drone technology has created new challenges for airspace safety, particularly during disaster response scenarios. UVM’s expertise in this area will help shape regulations and best practices for drone use in critical situations, ultimately enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities.

Leveraging UVM’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory for Disaster Response

The Spatial Analysis Laboratory at UVM has been a pioneer in the use of UAS for monitoring emergencies and disasters since 2013. This extensive experience positions the lab as a valuable asset to the ASSURE consortium.

Key Research Areas

Drone operations in crowded airspace during emergencies
Coordination of multiple agencies and entities using drones
Development of safety protocols for disaster response scenarios
Integration of UAS technology with existing emergency response systems

How will UVM’s research impact disaster response efforts? By studying the complexities of drone use in emergency situations, the SAL team aims to develop guidelines that will allow for more effective and safer deployment of UAS during critical events. This research could lead to improved coordination among various agencies and potentially save lives through more efficient disaster response strategies.

The Growing Importance of UAS in Emergency Situations

As drone technology continues to advance, its potential applications in emergency and disaster scenarios are expanding rapidly. UAS offer unique advantages in these situations, including:

Rapid deployment and real-time data collection
Access to hard-to-reach or dangerous areas
Aerial perspective for damage assessment and search operations
Cost-effective alternative to manned aircraft in certain situations

What challenges do drones present in emergency airspace? Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne, director of UVM’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory, points out that the airspace during emergencies can become crowded with various entities operating drones, including fire departments, state and federal agencies, media outlets, and even private individuals. This complex environment necessitates careful regulation and coordination to ensure safety and effectiveness.

ASSURE’s Role in Shaping FAA Regulations

Since its establishment in 2015, ASSURE has played a crucial role in working alongside the FAA and manufacturers to create a regulatory framework for drone use. The consortium has provided guidance on various aspects of UAS integration, including:

Air traffic control procedures for drones
Regulations for flight over people
Guidelines for beyond visual line of sight operations
Safety standards for UAS manufacturing and operation

How does ASSURE’s research translate into policy? The data and recommendations provided by ASSURE members directly inform FAA decision-making processes, helping to create evidence-based regulations that balance innovation with safety concerns. UVM’s contribution to this effort will focus specifically on the unique challenges presented by drone use in disaster response scenarios.

The Spatial Analysis Laboratory’s Expertise and Capabilities

UVM’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory brings a wealth of experience and technical capabilities to the ASSURE consortium. The lab’s work extends beyond disaster response, encompassing a wide range of geospatial analysis applications.

Key Areas of Expertise

Urban tree canopy assessments
Erosion monitoring along rivers
Aerial imagery collection for infrastructure planning
Large-scale geospatial data analysis

How does the SAL’s diverse experience benefit disaster response research? The lab’s multifaceted approach to geospatial analysis allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex environments in which disasters occur. This holistic perspective is crucial for developing effective strategies for UAS deployment in emergency situations.

Implications for Future Drone Regulations and Safety

UVM’s participation in ASSURE is expected to have far-reaching implications for the future of drone regulations and safety standards, particularly in the context of emergency response.

Potential Outcomes

Enhanced safety protocols for UAS operations during disasters
Improved coordination frameworks for multi-agency drone deployments
Development of specialized training programs for emergency responders
Creation of best practices for integrating UAS into existing disaster response plans

How might these developments impact emergency response capabilities? By establishing clear guidelines and protocols for drone use in disaster situations, emergency responders will be better equipped to leverage UAS technology effectively and safely. This could lead to more rapid and efficient response times, improved situational awareness, and ultimately, better outcomes for those affected by disasters.

Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships within ASSURE

UVM’s entry into the ASSURE consortium opens up new opportunities for collaboration with other leading research institutions and industry partners. This network of expertise will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges associated with UAS integration into the national airspace system.

Benefits of Collaboration

Shared resources and research facilities
Cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies
Access to a wider range of UAS technologies and platforms
Opportunity to participate in large-scale, multi-institutional studies

How will collaboration within ASSURE accelerate UAS research? By pooling resources, expertise, and data from multiple institutions, ASSURE can tackle larger and more complex research questions than any single entity could address alone. This collective approach is essential for developing comprehensive solutions to the challenges of integrating UAS into various aspects of society, including emergency response.

The Role of UVM in Advancing UAS Technology and Applications

As a member of ASSURE, UVM is poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of UAS technology and its applications across various sectors. The university’s unique perspective and expertise in spatial analysis will complement the existing capabilities within the consortium.

Areas of Potential Impact

Development of new sensing technologies for disaster assessment
Creation of advanced algorithms for real-time data processing
Exploration of novel UAS applications in environmental monitoring
Integration of UAS data with other geospatial information systems

What unique contributions can UVM make to UAS research? The university’s strong background in environmental sciences and spatial analysis positions it to address critical questions at the intersection of technology and ecology. This perspective could lead to innovative approaches for using UAS in environmental monitoring, disaster response, and other applications that require a deep understanding of complex ecosystems.

Preparing for the Future of Drone Technology in Emergency Response

As UAS technology continues to evolve rapidly, the research conducted by UVM and other ASSURE members will be crucial in preparing for future developments and challenges in the field of emergency response.

Emerging Trends and Technologies

Artificial intelligence and machine learning integration in UAS
Swarm technology for coordinated drone operations
Long-endurance UAS for extended monitoring missions
Integration of 5G networks for enhanced data transmission

How will these advancements shape the future of disaster response? As UAS capabilities expand, emergency responders will have access to more sophisticated tools for assessing and responding to disasters. UVM’s research within ASSURE will help ensure that these technological advancements are integrated safely and effectively into existing emergency response frameworks.

The Broader Impact of UVM’s ASSURE Membership

UVM’s participation in ASSURE extends beyond the immediate benefits to drone research and disaster response. This collaboration has the potential to create ripple effects across various sectors and communities.

Potential Broader Impacts

Enhanced educational opportunities for UVM students in UAS technology
Increased industry partnerships and economic development in Vermont
Improved disaster preparedness for local communities
Advancement of Vermont’s position as a leader in geospatial technology

How will UVM’s ASSURE membership benefit the local community? By participating in cutting-edge UAS research, UVM will be able to offer students unique learning experiences and career opportunities in this growing field. Additionally, the knowledge gained through this collaboration can be applied to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities at the local and state levels, directly benefiting Vermont communities.

Challenges and Considerations in UAS Integration

While the potential benefits of UAS in disaster response are significant, there are also important challenges and considerations that must be addressed through research and policy development.

Key Issues to Address

Privacy concerns related to drone surveillance
Cybersecurity risks associated with UAS data transmission
Airspace management in complex urban environments
Public perception and acceptance of increased drone presence

How will UVM’s research help address these challenges? By focusing on the specific context of disaster response, UVM researchers can develop strategies that balance the need for rapid and effective emergency operations with concerns about privacy and safety. This targeted approach can inform broader policies and best practices for UAS integration across various applications.

The Future of UAS Research at UVM

UVM’s entry into the ASSURE consortium marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the university’s UAS research capabilities. As the field continues to evolve, UVM is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the safe and effective integration of drone technology into various aspects of society.

Future Research Directions

Advanced sensor integration for environmental monitoring
Development of autonomous UAS systems for disaster assessment
Creation of standardized protocols for multi-agency UAS operations
Exploration of UAS applications in climate change research

What long-term goals does UVM have for its UAS research program? By leveraging its strengths in spatial analysis and environmental sciences, UVM aims to become a leading institution in the development of UAS applications that address critical societal challenges. This includes not only disaster response but also areas such as climate change mitigation, precision agriculture, and sustainable urban planning.

As UVM embarks on this new collaboration with ASSURE, the potential for groundbreaking research and innovation in UAS technology is immense. The university’s unique perspective and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to safer, more effective drone operations in emergency situations and beyond, ultimately benefiting communities across the nation and around the world.

University of Vermont to Join FAA’s ASSURE Consortium

As the popularity and usage of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, continues to grow, keeping the nation’s airspace system safe has become a critically important goal for the Federal Aviation Administration.

To help accomplish that objective, the University of Vermont has joined the FAA’s Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, or ASSURE, alongside 23 of the world’s leading research institutions and 100 industry and government partners. Consortium members together provide the expertise and infrastructure needed to help the FAA conduct the research and testing necessary to make laws that keep the skies safe.

As part of the FAA’s Center for Excellence, the University of Vermont’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory will research the use of drones in disaster situations, providing the agency with data for their safe operations in times of disaster.

“UVM’s Spatial Analysis Lab has been a critical resource for the State of Vermont and local communities that need new tools to plan for and recover from disasters,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt. ) “I’m delighted that they will be lending their expertise to ASSURE, which has a vital mission to develop research in crucial areas that inform decision makers at the FAA about the rapidly changing UAS landscape.” As the vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Leahy has increased funding for the FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research over the past two fiscal years and included guidance for the Center to expand its work around disaster recovery.

“The airspace during an emergency or disaster has always had rescue and media helicopters,” said Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne, director of the UVM’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory. “Today the space can also become crowded with drones – from the fire department, state and federal agencies, the media, even the person down the street who wants to shoot a YouTube video. UAS are an exciting new technology that could revolutionize disaster response, but there is a lot of work to be done if we are to employ them in a safe and effective manner. We look forward to working with FAA and our partners in ASSURE to help advance UAS for disaster response.”

“This partnership is a good fit for UVM,” said Richard Galbraith, vice president for research at the university. “Our Spatial Analysis Laboratory pioneered the use of UAS in monitoring emergencies and disasters in 2013. We have learned from experience how much this fast growing area of drone use needs regulation and oversight to prevent redundancy and keep everyone safe.”

Since ASSURE was established in 2015, the agency has worked alongside the FAA and manufacturers to provide guidance in creating a regulatory framework for drone use. Since then, ASSURE members have helped the FAA establish policy and training in areas ranging from air traffic control to flight over people and beyond line of sight.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the University of Vermont into the ASSURE network,” said Stephen Luxion, ASSURE’s executive director. “The university’s expertise in the incorporation of UAS during emergencies and disasters is extensive and will provide excellent use cases, as well as critical training and recommendations for the safe integration of UAS into our daily lives. ”

The Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) consists of 25 of the world’s leading research institutions and more than 100 leading industry/government partners. ASSURE members are core to three FAA UAS test sites, lead four FAA research centers, have seven airfields and a fleet of 340 UAS – 24 more than the USAF. ASSURE’s goal is to provide the FAA with the research it needs to efficiently integrate UAS into our National Airspace System.

How the Spatial Analysis Laboratory Helps Communities

Helping communities make better decisions is the foundation of Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne’s work.

As director of the University of Vermont’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL), O’Neil-Dunne and his team are involved with everything from conducting urban tree canopy assessments in major cities, to monitoring erosion along local rivers, to collecting aerial imagery to help small towns develop better infrastructure.

“We’re a land grant university, and we have an obligation to share our knowledge with the community,” says O’Neil-Dunne, who came to UVM as a graduate student in 2000 and was named director of the Spatial Analysis Laboratory at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources in 2012. “I like our role because we don’t tell people what to do, but we tell them what they have. You could say we are the people who do the accounting from the sky.”

The SAL can turn large geospatial datasets into high-value information for analysis, planning, and management. Some of the SAL’s projects, such as bridge assessments, wildlife habitat mapping, and land cover change detection, involve drone technology.

“Drones are good for things that are dirty, dangerous, or difficult,” he says. “Just to inspect a few miles of stream, it would be very tricky to do without a drone. You would need landowner permission and it would take a ground crew several days to do the job.”

As extreme weather events have increased in frequency, communities have also sought out the SAL to collect aerial images or data. When there are catastrophic events like Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA will get involved and help a town problem solve and rebuild. But when there are smaller events, such as a flash flood that washes out a bridge or an ice jam that floods a street, communities still need to address the issue. That’s when they turn to the SAL.

Extreme weather events over the years in Plainfield, for example, caused tree and brush debris to wash down Great Brook, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars of damage to one of the town’s major bridges. Plainfield partnered with the SAL, the regional planning commission, and Milone & Macbroom, a consulting firm, to find an efficient solution to come up with a robust bridge design plan.

“We enjoy helping communities solve environmental problems,” O’Neil-Dunne says.

More Trees, Please

At UVM, O’Neil-Dunne also holds a joint position with the USDA Forest Service Research and Development, where for over a decade his work has centered on urban tree canopy assessments in cities like San Diego, New York, and Seattle. Urban tree canopy refers to the layer of tree leaves, branches, and stems that provide tree coverage of the ground when viewed from above.

Using traditional, aerial high-resolution imagery instead of drones—which have limited battery power and thus shorter flying time capacity—along with LiDAR data, tree mapping is a way for cities to become more sustainable and livable, he says.

“We’ve had this shift where our cities have become sanitary—meaning there’s no waste running down the streets—to wanting to be sustainable. But how do cities become sustainable?” he says. “Communities are becoming more interested in green space to be sustainable and livable. And cities need to attract people and companies because cities need a tax base.”

One way to become more sustainable is for a city to set a tree canopy goal, he says. To do that, a city needs to ask: How much tree canopy does our city already have, how much tree canopy could our city have, who owns the tree canopy in our city, and what are the opportunities for increasing tree canopy?

“Cities are going to be warmer, but you can’t put air conditioning or fans outside to cool them down,” he says. “But you can put in trees. With trees, there’s shade, parks, and people are spending more time outside.”

In 2010, O’Neil-Dunne worked on the Million Trees NYC initiative, and New York City exceeded its goal of planting a million trees. The SAL is currently revisiting the project to map the changes that have occurred in NYC’s tree canopy since 2010.

“Tree come down easy but they go up hard,” he says, “and it takes decades to establish a robust urban tree canopy.”

Working for the Greater Good

At UVM, O’Neil-Dunne works with about 18 students in the SAL per semester. The students working in the SAL are drawn from across campus from diverse majors such as environmental science, forestry, civil engineering, economics, linguistics, and geology.

“Working in the lab involves elements of design, critical thinking, and qualitative methods that are very important. I really love how students from across campus come together to work in our lab and their knowledge gets fused together,” O’Neil-Dunne says, “When you’re mapping things, one person doesn’t have all the answers.”

For O’Neil-Dunne, the changing nature of the spatial analytics field and the opportunity to work with students make his work most rewarding.

“We get to latch on to new technologies to help make our communities better and the world better. The students keep me on my toes, too. They work really hard and adapt really well to new technology,” he says. “Ultimately, what they’re doing together is all about communication. With this work, we need to always ask ourselves, ‘What are people’s needs, and how can we help?’”

-The “UVM Is” series celebrates University faculty, educators, and the campus community.

To learn more, visit UVM Continuing and Distance Education at learn.uvm.edu.

ARE – AirShark Teams Up With UVM Spatial Analysis Lab

Good friend Jarlath O’Niel-Dunne, the Director of UVM SAL has been promising to write an article for Lidar News. I guess we will have count this blog post on the ARE-AirShark website as his report on UAV operations – for now.

ARE – AirShark Teams with UVM SAL

This is from a blog post on the ARE website.

In order to maximize productivity, versatility, and efficiency with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), ARE-AirShark and the University of Vermont’s Spatial Analysis Lab (UVM SAL) have formalized a partnership. One of ARE-AirShark’s very own GIS Analysts’, Tayler Engel, worked as UVM SAL’s Lead Pilot for 5 years and stated “I see the ARE-AirShark, UVM SAL relationship as the perfect opportunity for both sides to advance in the field of UAV technology.

While at UVM SAL, I frequently worked with AirShark to discuss new technology and new workflows. Nothing has changed now that I work at ARE-AirShark. I work closely with the UVM SAL team on many projects”. This background helped lead ARE-AirShark to form this exciting relationship with UVM. Stemming from this collaboration, UAS projects, including the use and application of a variety of data collection technologies, have been completed.

Working with the Director of UVM SAL; Jarlath O’Niel-Dunne, has enabled ARE-AirShark to integrate the strengths of an educational institution and a private sector company, to increase the cost effectiveness when completing UAS mapping and data processing for prospective customers. Working with UVM SAL has allowed ARE-AirShark to scale both in data collection and back-office GIS processing, ultimately allowing for increased project efficiency. In turn, the collaboration with ARE-AirShark has provided UVM the opportunity to educate students on UAS operations and data collection as well as to increase their overall productivity in the field.

UVM’s own Research Technician Emma Estabrook said this of her time spent working with ARE-AirShark “I’m very much looking forward to UVM SAL’s continued relationship with ARE-AirShark. I have worked with AirShark on the Truro, UMass, and landfill mapping and their level of professionalism and expertise in the field has not only been beneficial for myself, but our students as well. It’s very neat to be able to work on such a broad range of projects in the private sector and I’m excited to see what we will collaborate on in the future.”

At UMass, ARE-AirShark and the UVM SAL team worked together to successfully survey the campus. The overall objective was to provide photogrammetry mapping and support construction documentation and planimetrics. The use of powerful software allows for images to be processed and turned into delivered products quickly. The team provided UMass with 3D models of buildings, campus mapping via drone from 2016 and 2018, as well as updated elevation data. The image below (among others) was used by UMass to update their planimetrics, sidewalks, pavement conditions, line work, and centerlines. Our team effort completed the mapping of 1500 acres of campus in 2 days.

For more information click here.

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Das Trimble Innovationsprogramm | Trimble Geospatial

Das Trimble Innovation Program (TIP) wurde aufgelegt, um neue eCognition-Anwendungen und -Einsatzmöglichkeiten zu erkunden, junge Talente auszubilden, Vorschläge für eine bessere Implementierung zu erarbeiten, Wissen und Erfahrung innerhalb der eCognition-Community zu vermitteln und gemeinschaftlich zu nutzen, sowie die eCognition-Technologie auf ein immer höheres Innovationsniveau zu bringen. Das Programm dient der Förderung der objektbasierten Analyse und steht akademischen Einrichtungen offen, die in der wissenschaftlichen Gemeinschaft der Fernerkundung aktiv sind.

Zu den derzeitigen Mitgliedern des TIP zählen einige der weltweit führenden Universitäten, die über Fachbereiche für Erdbeobachtung verfügen:

Die Universität Vermont

Burlington, Vermont (USA)

Seit mehr als einem Jahrzehnt nutzt das University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Laboratory (UVM SAL) die zukunftsweisende Merkmalsextraktionstechnologie von eCognition, um mittels Fernerkundung gewonnene Daten in Informationen zu verwandeln. Die dort in Zusammenarbeit mit dem US Forest Service entwickelten Verfahren zur Bewertung des Baumkronenzustands in städtischen Räumen haben Kommunen überall in Nordamerika dabei geholfen, eine grünere Zukunft ins Auge zu fassen. Das UVM SAL hat sowohl gemeinnützige Organisationen und staatliche Stellen als auch die Wirtschaft bei der Einbindung von eCognition in ihre jeweiligen Arbeitsprozesse zur Fernerkundung unterstützt. Studierende, die im Unterricht mit eCognition in Berührung kommen, erwerben die nötigen Fähigkeiten, um mit dem weltweit führenden Softwarepaket zur Datenfusion die Herausforderungen in der Fernerkundungsbranche zu bewältigen. UVM SAL-Direktor Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne veranstaltet regelmäßig Workshops zur objektbasierten Bildanalyse (OBIA) mit eCognition für Tagungen großer Fachverbände, wie etwa der ASPRS und des IMLF. Seine Lehrvideos zu eCognition, die auf YouTube abrufbar sind, wurden Zehntausende Male angesehen.

Beispiele für die im UVM SAL bei der Analyse von Baumkronen geleistete Arbeit wurden bereits vorgestellt im eCognition Blog Intelligente Städte sind grüne Städte und Jarlath war Gastredner in unserer Webinar-Reihe Nutzung von eCognition zur Qualitätskontrolle von LiDAR-Punktwolken.

Universität Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch (Südafrika)

The Centre for Geographical Analysis (CGA) ist ein Institut für angewandte Forschung beim Institut für Geografie und Umweltstudien an der Universität Stellenbosch. Das CGA setzt seit den frühen 2000er Jahren eCognition-Software in der Forschung ein und bietet seit 2010 Schulungen zu objektbasierter Bildanalyse (OBIA) unter Verwendung von eCognition als Teil seiner Module für Studierende im Grundstudium sowie Kurzkurse für Fachleute an.

Über die am CGA betriebene Forschung haben wir bereits berichtet, und zwar im eCognition Blog Field Boundary Delineation with Multi-Temporal Sentinel-2 Imagery und das zugehörige Webinar remains our most popular to date.

Universität Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

Z_GIS ist ein interdisziplinäres Kompetenzzentrum für Geoinformatik an der Universität Salzburg und wurde das erste und größte eCognition TIP-Mitglied im Jahr 2001. Z_GIS hat den ’Paradigmenwechsel’ innerhalb der mit Bildanalyse befassten wissenschaftlichen Gemeinschaft klar in Richtung objektbasierte Bildanalyse verschoben (OBIA). Unsere Kooperation mit Trimble ermöglicht den Zugang zu Spitzentechnologien mit dem Schwerpunkt OBIA, wobei das Z_GIS mit wissenschaftlich führenden Positionen und konzeptioneller Innovation seinen eigenen Beitrag auf globaler Ebene leistet.

Im Laufe der Jahre haben wir uns an einer Reihe gemeinsamer Aktivitäten mit dem Z_GIS beteiligt; hierzu zählen unser Webinar über Automatisierte Extraktion von Geodaten zur Unterstützung humanitärer Maßnahmen as well as the customer story Hilfeleistung für Flüchtlinge.

Universität Queensland

Brisbane, Australia

The Remote Sensing Research Centre (RSRC)at the Universität Queensland stützt sich auf Fernerkundungsdaten, Außendienstarbeit und räumliche Modelle, um biophysikalische Eigenschaften an Land, in der Atmosphäre und in Gewässern zu messen, zu kartieren und zu überwachen, auf diese Weise zu einem besseren Verständnis der Umwelt und der Ressourcen der Erde zu gelangen und einen besseren Umgang damit zu finden. Von der dort betriebenen Forschung profitieren privatwirtschaftliche und öffentliche Organisationen in Gestalt von Techniken, die es ermöglichen, Satelliten- und Luftbilder sowie herkömmlich erhobene Vermessungsdaten in aussagekräftige Karten oder Informationen zu einem oder vielen Zeitpunkten umzuwandeln. Diese Ergebnisse lassen sich dann nutzen, um besser zu verstehen, wo, wie und warum sich die Umwelt verändert, und um natürliche Veränderungen von denen zu unterscheiden, die vom Menschen verursacht wurden. Darüber hinaus wird Fernerkundung in einer Reihe von Bachelor- und Postgraduierten-Studiengängen gelehrt und ist Gegenstand gezielter Forschung.

Die von den Mitarbeitern des RSRC geleistete Arbeit bei der Kartierung von Korallenriff- und Seegrashabitaten wurde unsererseits bereits vorgestellt, und zwar in unserer Webinar -Reihe, einem Trimble Anwenderbericht und dem eCognition Blog.

University of California Berkeley

Berkeley, California, U.S.A.

The Geospatial Innovation Facility (GIF) at UC Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources ist führend auf ihrem Fachgebiet und bietet Schulungen in verschiedensten integrierten Kartierungstechnologien an. Ihr Ziel ist es, zu einem besseren Verständnis der sich verändernden Welt durch die Analyse und Visualisierung raumbezogener Daten beizutragen. Die Geospatial Innovation Facility (GIF) entwickelt ineinander greifende Anwendungen, die auf modernste vermessungstechnische und Web-Technologien setzen, und bietet Forschern die Möglichkeit, zu erkunden, wie sie anhand raumbezogener Daten wichtige Fragen beantworten können. Außerdem veranstaltet sie jährlich eCognition-Workshops, in denen es um die Grundlagen der objektbasierten Bildanalyse (OBIA) geht.

Das Trimble eCognition-Team und die GIF haben eCognition-Schulungsveranstaltungen organisiert, die sich an Lehrende, Studierende und Fachleute aus der Praxis richten.

Relationship with UVM | ARE | UAS Services

ARE-AirShark and UVM – Maximizing Productivity, Versatility and Efficiency

In order to maximize productivity, versatility, and efficiency with UAS Services (Unmanned Aerial Systems), ARE-AirShark and the University of Vermont’s Spatial Analysis Lab (UVM SAL) have formalized a partnership. One of ARE-AirShark’s very own GIS Analysts’, Tayler Engel, worked as UVM SAL’s Lead Pilot for 5 years and stated “I see the ARE-AirShark, UVM SAL relationship as the perfect opportunity for both sides to advance in the field of UAV technology. While at UVM SAL, I frequently worked with AirShark to discuss new technology and new workflows. Nothing has changed now that I work at ARE-AirShark. I work closely with the UVM SAL team on many projects”. This background helped lead ARE-AirShark to form this exciting relationship with UVM. Stemming from this collaboration, UAS services, including the use and application of a variety of data collection technologies, have been completed.

ARE-AirShark in collaboration with UVM SAL, have already completed a number of photogrammetry and LiDAR projects. They have surveyed the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) campus, captured the structure from motion (SFM) imagery for a GIS map in the town of Truro, Massachusetts, and completed UAS landfill mapping in Vermont. Working with the Director of UVM SAL; Jarlath O’Niel-Dunne, has enabled ARE-AirShark to integrate the strengths of an educational institution and a private sector company, to increase the cost effectiveness when completing UAS services for prospective customers. Working with UVM SAL has allowed ARE-AirShark to scale both in data collection and back-office GIS processing, ultimately allowing for increased project efficiency. In turn, the collaboration with ARE-AirShark has provided UVM the opportunity to educate students on UAS operations and data collection as well as to increase their overall productivity in the field. UVM’s own Research Technician Emma Estabrook said this of her time spent working with ARE-AirShark “I’m very much looking forward to UVM SAL’s continued relationship with ARE-AirShark. I have worked with AirShark on the Truro, UMass, and landfill mapping. Their level of professionalism and expertise in the field has not only been beneficial for myself, but our students as well. It’s very neat to be able to work on such a broad range of projects in the private sector and I’m excited to see what we will collaborate on in the future.”

UMASS Photogrammetry

At UMass, ARE-AirShark and the UVM SAL team worked together to successfully survey the campus. The overall objective was to provide photogrammetry mapping and support construction documentation and planimetrics. The image below depicts an orthoimage collected by the Ebee drone. The use of powerful software allows for images to be processed and turned into delivered products quickly. The team provided UMass with 3D models of buildings, campus mapping via drone from 2016 and 2018, as well as updated elevation data. The image above (among others) was used by UMASS to update their plannimetrics, sidewalks, pavement conditions, line work, and centerlines. Our team effort completed the mapping of 1500 acres of campus in 2 days.

Truro River Post-storm Assessment

The mapping project in the town of Truro was completed by ARE-AirShark and UVM in March of 2018 over the Pamet River. The flight team captured images and video that were used to create a GIS map which in turn helped the town visualize where and to what extent the flooding occurred from March storms. The use of the Ebee UAS with PPK and RTK technology augmented other methods normally used. The town of Truro is inputting this information into hazard mitigation plans and larger long-term engineering projects that in turn will reduce future impacts to the hydrodynamic system.

Landfill Data Collection, Processing and Analysis

In 2018, ARE-AirShark and UVM SAL continue monthly landfill mapping, including 3D point clouds, an orthomosaic map, elevation contours, and digital elevation model (DEM). The data provides excellent progress documentation as a part of the overall management plan.

UVM SAL and ARE-AirShark have many more collaborations on the way as a benefit to customers. Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne the Director of University of Vermont’s Spatial Analytics Lab said this of working with ARE-AirShark, “You would be hard pressed to find a group more knowledgeable of UAS/drones than AirShark. From FAA regulations to flight operations to data analytics – AirShark is a leader in the field. Our UAS Team at the University of Vermont has collaborated with AirShark on a broad range of outreach activities and projects. Their capabilities, professionalism, and commitment to safety have been nothing short of outstanding.”

See more of ARE’s UAS Mapping capabilities:

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Men’s lax seals home opener with a win – The Vermont Cynic

Image Source: UVM ATHLETICS

Sophomore midfielder Sal Iaria battles a Quinnipiac player during UVM’s home opener, Feb. 22. UVM won the game 16-7.

Parents of UVM’s men’s lacrosse team filled the stands, with lanyards of their son’s lacrosse stats around their necks, to cheer on the team in their first home game.

The Catamounts faced Quinnipiac University Feb. 22 in their first home game of the 2020 season and came out with a 16-7 win.

The team was led by head coach Chris Feifs, who is entering his fourth year as head coach at UVM, according to UVM athletics.

“I thought there were some really good individual performances,” Feifs said. “We wanted to start faster than we did last week, and I thought we did that.”

The team’s first game scheduled against Jacksonville University Feb. 8 was postponed, and they lost their game against College of the Holy Cross 10-9 Feb. 15, according to UVM athletics.

“Coming off of a loss, we felt like we really had to pay attention to the little details, and we were really intensive with our scout teams this week and trying to replicate what Quinnipiac was doing offensively and defensively,” Feifs said.

At just over a minute into the game, the Bobcats scored their first goal, according to the box score.

The Catamounts retaliated with four goals before Quinnipiac could score again and the first quarter ended 5-2 in UVM’s favor.

Senior midfielder Rob Hudson had a hattrick in the first quarter and all three of those goals were unassisted, according to the box score. Hudson scored two more goals in the third quarter.

Sophomore attacker David Closterman and first-year midfielder JJ Levandowski both scored in the first quarter. Closterman scored a second goal in the second quarter, and Levandowski scored a second goal in the third quarter.

“Overall I thought we played hard, and we were pretty consistent throughout the day,” Feifs said.

Quinnipiac sophomore midfielder Will Abbott scored five of the team’s seven goals and tied with Hudson for most goals scored in the game.

Sophomore midfielder Thomas McConvey also had a hattrick and made three assists in the game, according to the box score.

First-year midfielder Connor Boyle, sophomore midfielder Jonathon McConvey, junior attacker Liam Limoges and senior attacker and captain Ben French all scored one goal in the game.

“For me, I just want to see these young guys have success,” Feifs said. “That’s what makes me the most happy.”

The team’s next three games will be at home starting against Merrimack College Feb. 29 following with Dartmouth College and University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

“Next week, it’s going to be the defending national champions and so it’s going to be a tough game,” Feifs said.

UVM men’s lacrosse captures share of America East crown with last-second goal

UVM men’s lacrosse celebrates its last-second victory over Stony Brook to secure the first share of the America East regular-season crown in program history. (Photo: Courtesy of UVM athletics)

A buzzer beater and a championship — all wrapped up with one sweet shot.

Liam Limoges’ behind-the-back flip as time expired gave the University of Vermont men’s lacrosse team a 14-13 victory over No. 19 Stony Brook at Virtue Field on Saturday, clinching the program’s first-ever America East regular-season crown.

The Catamounts (7-4 overall, 7-2 in league play) share the league title with Maryland-Baltimore County (8-2, 7-2), but lose the tiebreaker for the No. 1 seed because of the head-to-head loss to the Retrievers.

The win was also UVM’s third over a nationally ranked opponent this season and the second in as many games.

“This regular season championship means the world to me because I know it means the world to our guys,” UVM coach Chris Feifs said in a statement. “They’ve worked really hard to get to this point, there’s been a lot of people who have supported us along the way, and believed in us and stuck with us through tough times and believed that this program could be a nationally respected program.

“To achieve that milestone is certainly one that I don’t take for granted and I know our guys are going to be really thrilled as well. We’re going to enjoy today, turn the page tomorrow and get back to work.”

Here it is! Incredible finish by Liam Limoges @UVMmlax this afternoon over Stony Brook. #AEMlax
The Catamounts earned a share of the regular-season title for the first time in program history! pic.twitter.com/qO7RwPzo0b
— Ang Martinez (@AngMartinezTV) May 1, 2021

After the Seawolves tied the game at 13 with 8.5 seconds left in regulation, UVM went to work quickly.

Tommy Burke won the draw and passed to Spencer Decker, who found David Closterman. The junior attackman cut to the net and fired a diving pass to Limoges, who went behind his back for the walk-off winner just before the horn.

“I knew he’d handle it and I knew he’d finish it,” Closterman said.

Limoges tallied three goals and an assist and Closterman finished with team highs of six goals and three assists. Thomas McConvey also had three assists to go with a pair of goals, while Sal Iaria added a goal and two helpers for the Catamounts.

Liam Limoges moves with possession during Vermont’s 14-13 win over Stony Brook at Virtue Field on Saturday. (Photo: Courtesy of UVM athletics)

A Stony Brook third-quarter run gave the visitors a 11-9 margin entering the final frame. The second of Closterman’s back-to-back goals knotted the game at 12 with 8:40 to play, and McConvey’s team-leading 29th goal of the season pushed UVM ahead with 4:11 to go.

Chris Pickel netted the equalizer for Stony Brook with 8.5 seconds on the clock before UVM pulled out the dramatic final goal. Burke, who won 22 of 29 faceoffs, also had a game-high 12 ground balls.

Dylan Pallonetti paced Stony Brook with three goals and two assists.

Vermont and Stony Brook will meet again in the league semifinals on Thursday at UMBC, the tournament host. Game time is set for 4 p.m., and will be broadcast on AmericaEast. TV.

David Closterman fires a shot on the Stony Brook net during Vermont’s 14-13 win at Virtue Field on Saturday. (Photo: Courtesy of UVM athletics)

Contact Alex Abrami at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5.