UAVs are helping researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Geophysical Institute overcome obstacles in arctic research and education. At the 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, UAF scientists will present groundbreaking projects demonstrating how drones are reshaping snow and sea ice measurement, sea floor mapping, and remote education in Alaska.
Capelli noted that unmanned aerial vehicles offer flexibility in deployment from both land and marine platforms, can traverse ice areas inaccessible to surface travel, and create less disturbance compared to manned aircraft. He highlighted that with the integration of advanced sensors, LASSITOS has the potential to provide precise and efficient data collection in challenging polar regions.
According to Roddewig, "Data collection with traditional maritime lidar is uniquely challenged by Alaska's remoteness, unfavourable weather, and limited personnel capacity." The UAV-based lidar addresses these challenges by offering a cost-effective solution for mapping coastal bathymetry, studying fish populations, and monitoring plankton.
This project will be presented by Roddewig at the AGU meeting on December 10 from 1:40 to 5:30 p.m.
Buurman mentioned that the program activities integrate academic concepts with traditional and Indigenous knowledge systems to provide students with a meaningful and impactful learning experience. She added that the program is conducted as a three-day workshop in remote Alaskan settlements. The program promotes a greater comprehension of geospatial technology while assisting students in addressing local issues, such as locating open water on frozen rivers.
Communities like Venetie, Shageluk, and Utqiaġvik have already participated in the program, with plans for expansion. Buurman will share the program’s details during the AGU meeting on Dec. 10, from 1:40 to 5:30 p.m.
Measuring Snow and Sea Ice with UAVs
Under the direction of postdoctoral researcher Achille Capelli, the Long-range Airborne Snow and Sea Ice Thickness Observing System (LASSITOS) aims to enhance the assessment of sea ice thickness and snow cover. These data are crucial for supporting operations like ice road transportation and maritime navigation as well as for studying polar shifts.Capelli noted that unmanned aerial vehicles offer flexibility in deployment from both land and marine platforms, can traverse ice areas inaccessible to surface travel, and create less disturbance compared to manned aircraft. He highlighted that with the integration of advanced sensors, LASSITOS has the potential to provide precise and efficient data collection in challenging polar regions.
Mapping the Sea Floor with Drones
Using a drone-borne maritime lidar system, assistant professor Michael Roddewig is leading the way in the use of UAVs for mapping the coast. Traditional lidar methods rely on costly, manned aircraft, but Roddewig’s innovation employs fixed-wing drones, making the process more affordable and adaptable.According to Roddewig, "Data collection with traditional maritime lidar is uniquely challenged by Alaska's remoteness, unfavourable weather, and limited personnel capacity." The UAV-based lidar addresses these challenges by offering a cost-effective solution for mapping coastal bathymetry, studying fish populations, and monitoring plankton.
This project will be presented by Roddewig at the AGU meeting on December 10 from 1:40 to 5:30 p.m.
Engaging Alaska’s Youth Through Drone Education
Under the direction of Helena Buurman from the Alaska Satellite Facility, the "Drones on Ice!" program promotes drone technology to K–12 children in isolated villages throughout Alaska. The NASA-funded initiative offers students practical learning opportunities by fusing traditional and Indigenous knowledge with modern academic ideas.Buurman mentioned that the program activities integrate academic concepts with traditional and Indigenous knowledge systems to provide students with a meaningful and impactful learning experience. She added that the program is conducted as a three-day workshop in remote Alaskan settlements. The program promotes a greater comprehension of geospatial technology while assisting students in addressing local issues, such as locating open water on frozen rivers.
Communities like Venetie, Shageluk, and Utqiaġvik have already participated in the program, with plans for expansion. Buurman will share the program’s details during the AGU meeting on Dec. 10, from 1:40 to 5:30 p.m.
