NEWS
EES researchers explore drone technology BY BRUCE E. BEANS
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rones are revolutionizing the ways geologists conduct surveys. “We can access geological formations that, on foot, we could never access,” says Professor Laura Toran, “and drones are radically speeding up the time it takes to conduct surveys.” Within the past year, both Toran and Associate Professor Alexandra Davatzes began using Mavic Pro drones to both conduct research and to explore using drones in new ways. Toran’s drone is equipped with thermal and imaging cameras. She and her lab have been using it to map variations in stream temperatures and to map plant health in stormwater basins by periodically photographing plants to chronicle their growth, height and presence. Focusing on integrating cognitive science and intelligent systems to enhance geoscience practice, Davatzes is working with a team of roboticists and cognitive scientists. The team has been flying drones in areas deformed by southern California’s San Andreas fault, including along a steep cliff face. “We’re trying to integrate our knowledge of geology, robotics and cognitive science to think critically about how we can best automate drones to help geologists do field work, particularly in inaccessible or very large areas,” Davatzes says. “Do we just use drones the same way we normally do field work, by walking around, or, utilizing artificial intelligence, can we use them in innovative ways so that, for instance, they could automatically detect faults?” Toran also launched a one credit, introductory drone course to teach students how to fly drones and learn about drone safety and ethics, and requirements for becoming a certified drone pilot. The 40-student class included students from across CST, as well as students from the colleges of Engineering and of Liberal Arts.
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College of Science and Technology
