The LASERS Lab collected data from its new Octocopter UAV for this first time yesterday afternoon. We collected a series of images over a tree previously scanned with our Leica ScanStation 2 Terrestrial Lidar Sensor. While we determining the best multispectral sensor for our UAV we decided to collect some test images utilizing several iPhones attached to the UAV’s gyroscopically stabilized gimbal system.

Our data collection methodology is far from perfected, but the results look promising. The initial image acquisition flight has allowed us to become more familiar with our system and its current limitations. In the near future we will utilize this system to collect high resolution multispectral imagery over specific areas of interest. Keep checking back for more updates on our UAV system!