WVDEP Drone Mapping Program

Beginning in the spring of 2016, WVDEP began evaluating drone data capture as an alternative to external contracts and flights that could significantly cut costs and greatly reduce data delivery schedules. Both of these objectives were met. Data quality was sufficient for performing cost estimations and creating reclamation designs. The program expanded using existing personnel, primarily surveyors, project managers, and members of the GIS group.

WVDEP has adapted an old reclamation site to be used as a UAV test range. Survey equipment was used to create a series of checkpoints at known locations, which are used to evaluate the accuracy of data products created by a variety of equipment and data collection techniques.

• 24 horizontal checkpoints (12 of those are semi-permanent concrete tiles)
• 86 vertical checkpoints (using survey GNSS systems)
• 120ft of elevation change
• variety of vegetation
• constructed features

WVDEP is evaluating a thermal camera to identify groundwater sources that that may be the source of contamination from prior mining operations. The sensor relies on the temperature differential between ambient ground and groundwater which is typically around 55 degrees F.

WVDEP is flying a multi-spectral camera that is being used to monitor the condition of selected wetlands. The camera captures data in two infrared bands that are more suitable for identifying vegetation types and monitoring vegetation condition over time.

One of our drone pilots also has begun operating a remotely controlled catamaran platform for bathymetric mapping for contours of water bodies.  The primary use is for monitoring sediment deposition in larger drainage control and treatment ponds.

One challenge frequently faced in WV is our terrain. There are sites that have elevations changes of 400ft or more, so a single altitude flight would be outside 400ft AGL FFA restriction. In these situations, we’ve had to adapt and started using terrain following flights when the need arises.

There are sites flown that only want a video or imagery, but most request a standard set of deliverables. In that set, we include the imagery, classified point cloud (las file), surface model (includes ground/buildings/veg), elevation model (only ground), any boundaries or breaklines created, and 1 & 2ft contours that are GIS (shp) and CAD (dwg) compatible. These deliverables can then be used to create further data products, like volume calculations.

Drones are most often used to collect data for in-house cost estimation and design for reclamation sites managed by the Division of Land Restoration. An example of this, below, is a drainage control pond that was damaged during a flood and needed to be removed. The drone was able to map the modified conditions, which included a temporary bypass ditch, and the elevation data was used by an engineer to design a permanent solution.

Because the cost of flying a site has been significantly reduced, it is practical to monitor progress on a reclamation site over time. The project manager can confirm cut and fill volumes reported by the contractor and verify that post-reclamation elevation profiles match the approved engineering plans.

UAV mapping with WVDEP has progressed in the last several years. Now, flights and data collection have grown to include hazardous waste sites, landfills, stream habitat mitigation projects, wetland monitoring, and more.

-The maximum flight level is 400 ft above the ground. -UAV pilot must maintain line of sight. -Do not fly over people or moving vehicles. -Avoid all other manned aircraft and at least five miles from airports. -Do not fly after dark. -Drone pilot must have FAA remote pilot certification and retest every two years.

-Electronically obscure Personally Identifiable Information (PII), like faces and license plates. -Avoid using for the specific purpose of persistent and continuous collection of PII. -Minimize UAS operations over or within private property without consent. -Any data collected is subject to existing laws and regulations regarding privacy. -It is at DEP's discretion to share data, that conforms to guidelines, with news organizations, prospective contractors, or public interest groups.

Will you fly over private property? Generally no, consent must first be obtained to fly over private property. What happens if I shoot a drone out of the sky? Nothing good. The FAA has stated that this is a federal crime. Aircraft Sabotage statute (18 U.S.C. 32) makes it a felony to damage or destroy an aircraft. Is anyone spying on me with a zoom lens? No, we're only interested in things that pertain to WVDEP and its missions. Can you see inside my house? Nope! The angle of the camera doesn't allow this. If someone else tried, you'd know because it is as loud as a lawnmower.