Integrating Drone Technology with GPS Data Collection to Enhance Forestry Students Interactive Hands-On Field Experiences

Unger, Daniel; Hung, I‐Kuai; Kulhavy, David

doi:10.5539/hes.v8n3p49

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…(Bullard et al, 2014). In Spatial Science, Forestry and Environmental Science, UAS are enhancing interactive hands-on experiences for students (Unger, Hung, Zhang, & Kulhavy, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Measure Linear and Areal Features into Undergraduate Forestry Education

Viegut

Kulhavy

Unger

et al. 2018

IJHE

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The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in undergraduate forestry education continues to expand and develop. Accuracy of data collection is an important aspect of preparation for “society-ready” foresters to meet the complex sustainable environment managing for ecological, social and economic interests. Hands-on use of a DJI Phantom 4 Pro UAS by undergraduates to measure the length and area of 30 linear features and areal features on Earth’s surface were estimated. These measurements were compared (measured within the ArcMap 10.5.2 interface) to hyperspectral Pictometry imagery measured on the web-based interface and the Google Earth Pro interface. Each remotely estimated measurement was verified with the actual ground measurements and the methods compared. An analysis of variance, conducted on the absolute length errors resulting in a p-value of 0.000057, concluded that the three length estimating techniques were statistically different at a 95% confidence interval. A Tukey pair-wise test found that the remotely sensed DJI Phantom 4 Pro data was statistically less accurate than the Pictometry and Google Earth Pro data, while both of which were found to be not different statistically in terms of accuracy. The areal feature area measurements were not normally distributed and therefore tested for equal medians using a Kruskal-Wallis test. The test found that there was no significant difference between sample medians, indicating that all three methods of estimating area are statistically equal in accuracy. The results indicate that Pictometry and Google Earth Pro could both be used to accurately estimate linear feature lengths remotely in lieu of in situ linear measurements while all three remote sensing techniques can be used to accurately estimate areal feature areas remotely in lieu of in situ areal measurements.

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“…(Bullard et al, 2014). In Spatial Science, Forestry and Environmental Science, UAS are enhancing interactive hands-on experiences for students (Unger, Hung, Zhang, & Kulhavy, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Measure Linear and Areal Features into Undergraduate Forestry Education

Viegut

Kulhavy

Unger

et al. 2018

IJHE

Self Cite

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“…A DJI Phantom 4 Advanced version 2 drone was integrated into undergraduate forestry instruction to enhance learning of remotely-sensed spatial information (Unger, Hung, Zhang & Kulhavy 2018). Kulhavy, Unger, Hung & Zhang (2016) found no difference in visual assessment and drone assessment of urban tree hazard rating.…”

Section: Orthophoto Mosaicmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Drone Mapping Capabilities and Increased Cognitive Retention Using Interactive Hands-On Natural Resource Instruction

Williams¹,

Unger²,

Kulhavy³

et al. 2023

HES

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The use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also known as drones, is increasing in geospatial science curricula within the United States. Four geospatial science faculty members within the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU), Texas, focus on applying imagery obtained from drones to map, monitor, and quantify natural resources. To produce society-ready foresters, natural resource managers, and environmental scientists, the geospatial science faculty employ an intensive one-on-one hands-on interactive approach in training future resource management professionals in how to effectively apply drone technology within natural resource endeavors. In particular, recent instruction has focused on training students how to evaluate the amount of overlap and sidelap percentages required within a drone flight to create the optimum orthophoto mosaic. Results indicate that the one-on-one interactive methodology employed by faculty at SFASU produce highly qualified drone pilots capable of providing the drone community with new insights on how to produce accurate orthophoto mosaics in a timely and efficient manner.

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“…In additional to traditional teach and research activities, faculty within ATCOFA also integrated drone technology into service project benefiting local communities and society in general [6,10]. Faculty in ATCOFA have found the use of drones to be a useful took in aiding local communities acquire useful and pertinent information.…”

Section: Service-local State and The Worldmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating Drones Across the Curriculum at Stephen F. Austin State University

L. Kulhavy,

R. Unger,

Hung

et al. 2023

Drones - Various Applications

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Faculty within the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University are heavily involved with using drones to quantify and qualify forests and natural resources. Drones are involved across the entire curriculum within the College of Forestry and Agriculture to enhance the educational experience of all students. Emphasis is placed on integrating drones, and their effective use in forest and natural resource management endeavors, within all three main focus areas of teaching, research, and service. In addition to the traditional three education focus areas, faculty within the College of Forestry and Agriculture also help train future drone pilots as part of their educational experience.

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Integrating Drone Technology with GPS Data Collection to Enhance Forestry Students Interactive Hands-On Field Experiences

Cited by 7 publications

References 7 publications

Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Measure Linear and Areal Features into Undergraduate Forestry Education

Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Measure Linear and Areal Features into Undergraduate Forestry Education

Assessing Drone Mapping Capabilities and Increased Cognitive Retention Using Interactive Hands-On Natural Resource Instruction

Integrating Drones Across the Curriculum at Stephen F. Austin State University

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