Tidbits from the ESRI Conference 2018

sUAS Makes Data Access and Presentation Easier Than Ever

It was a week before Comic-con and the San Diego Convention Center was packed. There were even superheroes: Mapman and Mapgirl. Over 18,000 people from across the globe gathered for the annual ESRI conference to learn about the latest and greatest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The conference showed that small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) use is becoming more utilized in GIS and data analysis. Several map submissions showcased the broad capability of sUAS, ranging from wetland classification, a coastal study of New Jersey, multiple fire scene evaluations both in urban and forest settings. One map used the extensive coverage from a sUAS to recreate a car fire/accident in 3D for future officers as a case study. Another map displayed a more playful side, as a school group did an extensive study on the best hiding spot while playing capture the flag. While only a small percentage of the hundreds of maps displayed, these showed the versatility of sUAS in the GIS field.

While satellites still serve as the main source of data for GIS specialists, some scenarios require maneuverability, convenience, and resolution not offered by a satellite. In areas where maneuverability is essential such as forests, sUAS is used to evaluate the danger of forest fires. Unlike satellites, which may appear over an area once in 24 hours (if you are lucky), a sUAS can be launched on the operator’s timeline, weather permitting. The amount of detail is also a factor. For instance, the resolution of Landsat 8 is around 30 meters (98 feet), amazing, considering it orbits 704 kilometers (438 miles) above Earth (USGS.gov). In comparison with a sUAS with the capability of capturing images on the millimeter scale thanks to upgradeable cameras and, of course, the ability to be closer to the ground.

ESRI has made data collection and sharing easier than ever. Data is from ESRI’s many data applications, satellites, or sUAS. Once gathered, the ArcGIS Online and Story Maps make sharing information simple, even for the aesthetically challenged. As the rapid expansion of sUAS technology continues, industries become more reliant on sUAS data, providing opportunities for UAS operators with GIS skills. Who knows, we might even get a drone superhero.