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January 22, 2016
PacTrans Technology Transfer Success Stories 2015 #1: Unmanned Aircraft Assesses Landslides
Investigators: PI Keith Cunningham (UAF), Co-PI Michael Olsen (OSU), Co-PI Joe Wartman (UW)
Project Type: Multi-Institution Project
Title of Original Research: Unmanned Aircraft System Assessments of Landslide Safety for Transportation Corridors
Research Description: Over the last year this team has be using drones to collect optical imagery of several unstable slopes located in Alaska, using digital cameras to characterize and model slope stability and to forecast their dynamics.
Technology Transfer: “With this recent success,” says Dr. Cunningham, “we can demonstrate this emerging survey technology that promises faster and more efficient data collection of slopes along transportation corridors.” Thus they have applied for, and received, additional PacTrans funding for Technology Transfer. Their transfer will include the creation of a short promotional video of the research to showcase the effectiveness of drone imaging collection.
Commuting to Work: In 2010, a reported 67.01% of Alaska drivers drove alone to work, while 13.21% used car pools and 1.17% used public transit.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics
