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NAVFAC Southeast Explores Technology Alternatives for Aerial Surveys

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110921-13
9/21/2011

From Cam Betz, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast participated in a demonstration of a remote controlled airplane for use in an aerial survey of property Sept. 12 to look at new technology and cost compared to traditional aerial photography.

The NAVFAC Southeast GeoReadiness Center team is looking at commercial off-the-shelf products that can be used to enhance their capabilities and timeliness in producing aerial photography.

"The small size of the aircraft is one of its greatest features because it allows the user to take the vehicle anywhere imagery needs to be captured, without having to coordinate large scale photogrammetry projects," said Scott McAvoy, GeoReadiness Center (GRC) manager.

Photogrammetry is the science of making reliable measurements by the use of photographs; specifically in this demonstration, aerial photographs for surveying.

The NAVFAC Southeast GRC team assisted in-flight preparation by creating detailed maps of the demonstration site from historical imagery. GPS units were loaded with data to target specific control points to be captured during the flight.

Proper planning and training is essential in collecting data correctly and accurately.

The flight took place at a location in Central Florida selected for its open area, limited restrictions on flying, and diversity of ground features that could be captured.

A remote controlled aircraft has the ability to collect data in subpar conditions, such as cloud cover or light rain, but also when traveling to different destinations across the Navy's areas of responsibility.

Additional usage considerations for this technology are with the NAVFAC Southeast Disaster Assessment Team (DAT). Not only will the DAT have data collected from ground level, but also extensive imagery and data collected from the air, enabling the team to better assess the before and after effects of a disaster.

The GeoReadiness team provides policy, guidance and standards to ensure geospatial information is readily available to support the efficient and effective operations of Navy installations. They maximize the use of Geographic Information System technologies and geospatial information to map Navy shore assets and display relationships in a visual format to provide near real time situational awareness and actionable information required to support quick and informed decisions.