In the 50+ years since the launch of Landsat-1 on July 23, 1972, advancements in Earth-imaging satellite sensor systems (optical & synthetic aperture radar) have had profound, cascading influences on our understanding of Earth systems science. Subsequent advancements in aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors and aerial drone systems (UAV) have pushed the limits of scientific inquiry even further. In the FAST Lab at Iowa State University, we leverage these aerial and satellite-based assets to quantify biological, chemical, and structural attributes of forest and agricultural landscapes to afford deeper understanding of connections within and between such systems. The links below provide several examples of our research to date.
PUBLICATIONS
RESEARCH
Agrivoltaic inter-panel crop monitoring via multi-spectral drone imagery
Lidar-derived forest fuels mapping
Superior National Forest change (1975-2000)
Iowa forest & crop damage via 2020 Derecho
Spruce budworm host abundance in the Superior NF
Forest structure mapping in the Superior NF
Forest fuels (canopy bulk density) mapping
Forest structure mapping via multi-sensor data fusion
Oak savanna basal area mapping
Phenological integration of jack pine budworm frass & modeled BioSIM data
STUDY ABROAD
Ecuador 2014