Aerial Drone Surveillance and Image Processing (AutoPlane)

Project Overview 

Aerial surveying involves flying repeatedly over the area of interest while taking photographs. These photos can then be combined into a composite image and various post-processing techniques can be applied to highlight patterns and collect data. These surveys have the potential to increase safety and efficiency in a variety of fields, though their use is often limited by expensive equipment and software. The goal of AutoPlane is to overcome the cost and accessibility barriers associated with aerial surveying by designing a low-cost, autonomous air vehicle capable of flying survey missions and processing the collected images using freely available software. The drone will fly a grid pattern to survey areas of interest, and the images collected will be used to generate orthomosaic photos, slope models, and subsequently perform tree segmentation using computer algorithms. Potential applications of this data include evaluating the risk of forest fires, determining forest health, and monitoring invasive species.

Objectives 

  1. Fabricate, test, and fly MK4.2 airframe
  2. Validate new avionics and multispectral imaging payload
  3. Integrate imaging payload with MK4.2 airframe
  4. Collect multispectral images at Kentland

Major Tasks 

The major tasks of the project are outlined below. These are nominal and are likely to change somewhat throughout the course of the year. These are meant to illustrate the general nature of the work that the position entails.

  1. MK4.2 fabrication using composites
  2. Design and assembly of internal avionics arrangement
  3. Flight Control Setup and Ground Testing
  4. Flight testing
  5. Validate multispectral camera payload with heavy-lift UAS
  6. Integrate camera payload with MK4.2 airframe
  7. Perform semi-autonomous waypoint missions and collect multispectral images at Kentland
  8. Crosstrain current and new members
  9. Identify improvements for future projects

Open Positions 

Preferred Skills and Interests 

  • airframe design
  • drone flight
  • automated flight programming
  • mechanical design, fabrication/assembly, mechanical test
  • sensor systems
  • payload accommodation
  • data collection
  • procedure documentation

Preferred Academic Years 

  • Looking for First-year/Sophomore/Junior level students  

Preferred Majors 

  • ME
  • AOE
  • EE
  • CpE
  • CS
  • CEE
  • MSE
  • Phys

How to Apply 

Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Gray and by continuing researchers on the team.  After a review of the application, our team will contact candidates to schedule an interview (likely to be conducted via zoom).  Review for the positions will be conducted over the 2024 Summer break starting around 7/14/24. Please complete the MS Form, uploading the following documents:

  • A brief (~1 page) essay or cover letter explaining which of the projects you are interested in, and why you think you might be a good fit for that project (or those projects).  If you are applying for multiple projects, extend your essay a little and describe your interest and qualifications for each position.  Be sure to let us know your major and where you are in your academic career (sophomore, junior, etc.) 
  • A resume outlining your work experience and education 

Please reach out to Dr. Gray (dagray3@vt.edu) if you have any questions or concerns. 

See All Projects
Student Responsibilities
Apply Today