Drone Usage

The use of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), is a relatively new technology to access plant or animal species, populations, or communities difficult to access, detect, or observe.

• Relic populations of bigtooth maple are found in isolated, deep canyons in central Texas.
• Populations occur with other mostly deciduous species.
• Density and basal area of a sample of these communities was measured using the quadrat procedure.
• A UAV or drone was employed to survey all of the canyon communities.
• The study was completed in the fall when the deciduous plants were in full autumn colors so the limits of these communities would be visible from the air.
• Communities in the canyon were digitally outlined and the total area was estimated.
• Total area of the deciduous communities was 3.81 ha (9.41 ac).
• The total number of bigtooth maples and other woody species found using the quadrat procedure was increased by a factor of 3.81 to get a true picture of the community structure.

drone on landing pad

drone photo of landing pad (orange circle)

drone in ground transportation