QuestUAV’s AQUA drone receives FAA approval for Environmental Institute of Houston

After a successful application round, the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) and the QuestUAV AQUA drone have been awarded FAA approval to fly missions within the United States for research and mapping. A qualification process that started in August 2015 has concluded and work at the EIH with the UAV has begun, to collect data for ongoing research projects.

Shallow Reef Mapping
Mapping shallow reefs is usually impeded by navigation and the inability to use traditional survey methods. The use of UAV photography combined with digital image processing techniques provide more effective way for mapping and assessing these reefs. The project aims to map the physical extent and conditions of intertidal oyster reefs for assessing the current status of oyster population and hard bottom habitat within an estuary as well as to provide information needed for ongoing oyster conservation and restoration efforts. The study site is located in Bastrop Bay near the city of Houston, Texas.

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Environmental Institute of Houston – EIH
The University of Houston-Clear Lake established the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) in 1991 to address regional issues of environmental concern. Since then, the institute has become a leader in building partnerships in research, education and outreach.

QuestUAV AQUA
This fixed wing, waterproof UAV is based on the globally recognised and tremendously successful QuestUAV airframe. The drone is ideal for coastal and inland survey work. A rugged, impact-resistant wing and body structure with a 2m wing-span, the AQUA generally carries twin NDVI sensors but is available with a high resolution RGB camera. Recovery options include belly landing or parachute deployment. Flight planning is included and industry leading photogrammetry and post-processing software options are available.

About QuestUAV

QuestUAV is a UK manufacturer of sub-7Kg and sub-2Kg, fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft, that are designed to carry sensors such as high resolution cameras, infra-red and multispectral sensors, thermal cameras and gas analysers. We also help provide the science to analyse the results that come back from a flight.

http://www.questuav.com/