REALIZED BENEFITS OF THE BUDGET-CONSCIOUS DRONE PROGRAM OF THE PENNSYLVANIA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The Pennsylvania Geological Survey’s (PAGS) field work capabilities have improved with the implementation of a budget-conscious drone program. The program began in 2019 with a $2,300 investment to purchase a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom drone and to obtain FAA Part 107 pilot licensure which together enabled aerial photography and creation of basic map products. The program’s second (current) phase expanded mapping capabilities in 2021 with a $6,700 investment into two Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK GNSS) receivers and ESRI’s Drone2Map software to create accurately scaled orthomosaic maps, elevation products, and three-dimensional models.

Throughout both phases of program development, field work benefits were realized from increased safety, time savings, and continually improving map products for several sites. PAGS staff were able to safely study a hazardous 200 foot-tall, near vertical outcrop of the Burgoon formation in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. The novel perspective provided by the drone allowed for better stratigraphic analysis and geologic interpretation of the section. The Survey’s drone was also used to rapidly photograph a temporarily available outcrop of the Antes through Juniata formations in an area of active road construction in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Time savings have been realized by using the drone to perform site reconnaissance at expansive or heavily vegetated field sites to help direct on-the-ground work. This reconnaissance has proved especially valuable at identifying features such as small sinkholes that were unobserved from the ground prior to viewing the site from the air. High-resolution map products allow staff geologists to study sites in an unprecedented amount of detail. The drone package provides up to date, accurately scaled base maps for areas of Pennsylvania that lack detailed aerial photography. Repeat mapping flights are planned to monitor active geologic hazards through time. Improving data collection techniques with the Survey’s current equipment and resources will allow for additional capabilities and geologic investigations.