AeroACWA

AeroACWA is the drone-based remote sensing program of the ACWA Lab at Utah State University. We use UAV technology to collect high-resolution imagery and 3D data in support of research in hydrology, ecology, and watershed science. AeroACWA enables fine-scale, data-driven insights across diverse landscapes in the western U.S. and beyond.

Training & Teaching

A core part of AeroACWA’s mission is training the next generation of scientists to use drone technology for environmental research. We offer hands-on instruction through our course,

Using Drones in Environmental Restoration, where students learn to plan flights, collect data, and process high-resolution imagery for real-world applications in watershed science, ecology, and restoration.

Whether you're new to UAVs or looking to build advanced skills, the course combines fieldwork with practical data analysis to prepare students for research and career opportunities in environmental remote sensing.

Click here for a link to our class ›

If you're interested in preparing for the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification, USU also offers a dedicated training course through the Unmanned Aerial Systems major.

Click here to learn more about the UAS program ›

Field Tools & Mapping Technology

AeroACWA supports high-precision environmental mapping with a full suite of drone-based tools. Our fleet includes over four UAVs equipped for photogrammetry, multispectral imaging, and thermal infrared (TIR) data collection. To ensure spatial accuracy, we use a real-time kinematic (RTK) system and ground control points (GCPs) as part of our standard workflow. We also process imagery using advanced photogrammetry software to produce detailed outputs such as orthomosaics, point clouds, and 3D surface models. These resources allow students and researchers to generate high-quality, spatially explicit data across a wide range of landscapes and research applications.

Projects & Impact

Community Engagement

AeroACWA combines science and creativity through outreach efforts like a Science and Art exhibit (Decisions Downstream), which toured multiple locations across Utah. This unique project bridges environmental research and public art to engage communities with landscape change and conservation.

Research & Collaboration

We support research and management by mapping large areas such as the Diamond Fork watershed, providing valuable data for government agencies and scientific studies. Our work helps inform decisions on water resources, ecology, and land management in complex landscapes.

Forest Ecology Study

AeroACWA contributed to a study on pine forest encroachment in Patagonia, using spatial point pattern analysis to reveal patterns of ecological change. Explore this research and its wider implications through our interactive StoryMap.

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