Source: STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND APPLICATION FOR FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1011115
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Nov 15, 2016
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2021
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOX 6109
NACOGDOCHES,TX 75962
Performing Department
College of Forestry & Agriculture
Non Technical Summary
Natural resources are spatially distributed, thus, Geospatial technology, including remote sensing (RS), global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and Geographic Information System (GIS), is the basic tool to study, monitor, model, and manage natural resources. Currently, geospatial technology is on the fast development track. There are so many new advancements and data acquisition methods developed in recent years, such as Pictometry, air-based and ground based LiDAR (light detection and ranging), UAS (unmanned aerial systems), LandSat 8, cloud computation, and crowd sourcing. It is necessary to study these new techniques and to apply them efficiently in natural resources conservation and management. The proposed project has four objectives to explore the up-to-date geospatial technology: SWAT modeling of the impact of land use/land cover change on water resources, accuracy of GNSS receivers, Python programming for LiDAR data processing, and the application of UAS in forest management. It is expected that the outcomes of this research will serve the conservation and management of natural resources in east Texas.
Animal Health Component
80%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
80%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1230699310075%
1120320310025%
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to explore geospatial technology development and application in natural resources management in east Texas. The technologies range from Soil and Water Assessment (SWAT) modeling, GNSS receivers' accuracy, LiDAR data processing, to unmanned aerial systems (UAS), etc. The application of advanced and up to date technology in the management of natural resources is critical to understand natural ecosystem and to conserve precious resources for us and for the future generations. Four main objectives of the project are listed below.1.Water resources modeling using SWAT to study land use/ land cover impact on peak discharge and flood management in east Texas.2.Evaluation of positional accuracy of different consumer-grade GNSS receivers and other kinds of mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets with different hardware and operational system (Windows, iOS and Android).3.Python programming for ground based forest LiDAR data processing. Open source programming not only offers public domain software, but also provides a good opportunity for crowdsourcing which means the further development of the software for future use. 4.UAS (unmanned aerial systems) image acquisition and processing for natural resources management.
Project Methods
For the first research objective, the research procedure will start from an extensive literature review on current SWAT technology and application, spatial and non-spatial data will be collected from federal and state agencies and careful verification will be conducted. For example, land use / land cover data from USGS will be compared with the classification output of Landsat 8 data for the research area. Model calibration and verification will be done with the help of SWAT-CUP. The final outcome is expected to be able to quantify the impact of different development scenarios or surface runoff and peak flow. For the second research objective, different up to date GNSS receivers and mobile units will be selected. With surveyed points or polygon as reference, the accuracy of point location, perimeter and area measurement will be evaluated for different scenarios/setting. The output is expected to give foresters or other field data collectors a good reference for data accuracy.For the third research objective, ground based LiDAR data are already available. A systematic literature review will be conducted on the algorithm of data processing. At this stage, a plan is to develop new methods for individual tree extraction and then derive each tree's DBH (diameter at breast height), height and canopy size from the LiDAR point cloud. There is not such open source software available for reference and the main challenge will be algorithm development. It is expected that the final software would serve the forestry community well, also with its open source nature, further function can be developed in the future.

Progress 11/15/16 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Forestry scientists and researchers andnatural resource managers. Research outputs were presented at Society of American Foresters (SAF) Annual Conferences. Landowners andforestry professional, undergraduate and graduate students: classroom instruction and laboratory practice to apply geospatial technology in the field. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Yes, as identified in the Products section via 10 peer reviewed publiations, 5 abstracts, 2 electronic publications, 3 general interest articles, 61 conference posters,and 32 conference presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Project accomplishments include the investigation of cutting age geospatial technology such as different UAS with different sensors, 3D modeling and printing, UAS image collection, its accuracy analysis, image processing, GNSS data evaluation, and watershed modeling. Specific areas addressed in this project are: Project 1: UAS mission for 3D modeling purpose. Different UAS, different mission control, and different data processing method were used to create 3D terrain models. Campus terrain were created successfully. Project 2: Terrain based LiDAR system was used to scan a statute and 3D model was created. Students were involved in the procedure to study LiDAR technology, point clouds, survey control, and 3D modeling technology. Project 3: Studied different methods to create 3D terrain model creation based on USGS DEM data. These models serve well as terrain demonstration and hydrology modeling. Project 4: Studied the newest 3D printing technology based on FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). Assembled a 3D printer with parts 3D printed. 3D printed wildlife skulls are used in wildlife education and provides an economic and conservative education model creation method. Project 5: Positional accuracy assessment of images collected by UAS. UAS images have to be orthomosaiced to cover the entire study area. Different study sites, flight height, mission control, base station, ground control points, and image processing software all influence the final output image. It is an on-going project and large datasets are still processing for the best options regarding UAS image positional accuracy. Project 6: Through the entire project, undergraduate students are integrated into hands-on mini projects. Students had chance to fly different UAS, use 3D printer, see terrain-based LiDAR scanner demonstration, use different GNSS data collector and total station, and use other cutting age geospatial software and hardware. With first hand experience, students are well prepared for their professional intern and future career. Project 7: Satellite images were used to identify and quantify land cover change within a watershed. Analysis is undertaken to quantify water quality change relative to land cover change within the watershed. Project 8: UAS with multiband sensor was acquired to compare UAS based NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data and satellite data based NDVI. High resolution UAS based NDVI is very useful for forest and agriculture management. Project 9: UAS with thermal sensor was acquired to study the application of this sensor in forest management. Pre, during and after a prescribed forest burning, images and videos were taken at the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in 2021.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 16 Presentations Unger*, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Embedding Drones within an Academic Curriculum to Quantify Natural Resources: Examples from Stephen F. Austin State University. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Portland, Oregon, October 3-7. Kulhavy*, D., Creech, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. University Drone Research ⿿ Working with Land Owners. Texas International Society of Arboriculture Tree Conference, Waco, Texas, September 27. Kulhavy*, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. The Use of UAS in Teaching, Research and Service at Stephen F. Austin State University. Texas International Society of Arboriculture Tree Conference, Waco, Texas, September 27. Kulhavy*, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Forest Pest Management. Southern Forest Insect Work Conference, San Antonio, Texas, July 17-20. Zhang*, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. The Application of UAS and 3D Printing for Land Surface Modeling. Southwest Stream & Wetland Restoration Conference, San Antonio, Texas, May 30. Kulhavy*, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Use of UAS DJI Phantom 4 Pro in Forestry Research: Exploring Use of the 3D Imagery from Pix4DCapture. East Texas Forest Entomology Seminar, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, April 20. Zhang*, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. 3D Printing for Undergraduate Teaching and Research. 12th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources. Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 8-10. Unger*, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Integrating Drones within a Natural Resource Curriculum at Stephen F. Austin State University. 12th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources. Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 8-10. Unger*, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Integrating Drones within a Natural Resource Curriculum. East Texas GIS Users Group Conference, Nacogdoches, Texas, February 2. Kulhavy*, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2017. The Use of UAS in Teaching, Research and Service at Stephen F. Austin State University. LeTourneau University, Longview, Texas, November 30. Unger, D., Kulhavy*, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2017. Use of Drones in Natural Resource Education. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 18. Kulhavy, D., Hung*, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2017. Accuracy Assessment on Drone Measured Heights at Different Height Levels. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 17. Kulhavy*, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2017. The Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Quantifying Forest Resources. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 17. Kulhavy*, D., Unger, D., Zhang, Y., Kidd, R., and Hung, I. 2017. Use of the UAS DJI Phantom 4 to Assess Pine Mortality in a 12-Year Old Plantation. The 58th Annual Southern Forest Insect Work Conference, Melbourne, Florida, August 15. Unger*, D, Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2017. UAV⿿s in Forest Management Applications. Texas Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, June 1. Kulhavy, D., Unger*, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2017. The Use of UAS in Teaching and Research at Stephen F. Austin State University. East Texas GIS Users Group Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, February 17.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: 5 Abstracts Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Use of Drones in Natural Resource Education. Journal of Forestry, 116(1):244. Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. The Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Quantifying Forest Resources. Journal of Forestry, 116(1):184 Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Accuracy Assessment on Drone Measured Heights at Different Height Levels. Journal of Forestry, 116(1):183. Schutt, A., Chica, M., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Increased Accuracy in Quantifying Hardwood Forests Using Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 Data via Onscreen Digitizing. Journal of Forestry, 116(1):56. Zhang, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. Consumer Grade 3D Printing for Digital Surface Modeling. Journal of Forestry, 116(1):54.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 10 peer Reviewed Publications Kulhavy, D., Reynolds, R., Unger, D., McBroom, M., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Use of Altmetrics to Analyze ScholarWorks in Natural Resource Management. Journal of Altmetrics, 3(1):6. https://doi.org/10.29024/joa.33 Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Viegut, R., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Integration of CITYgreen Landscape Ecological Analysis into a Capstone Environmental Science Course. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(6):259-267. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n6p259 Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Zhang, Y., and Stephens-Williams, P. 2019. Integrating Drones into a Natural-Resource Curriculum at Stephen F. Austin State University. Journal of Forestry, 117(4):398-405. Hung, I., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Positional Precision Analysis of Orthomosaics Derived from Drone Captured Aerial Imagery. Drones, 3(46):doi:10.3390/drones3020046 Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Student Led Area Measurement Assessments Using Virtual Globes and Pictometry Web-based Interface within an Undergraduate Spatial Science Curriculum. Journal of Education and Culture Studies, 3(1):53-63. Unger, D., Hung, I., Kulhavy, D., Zhang, Y., and Busch-Petersen, K. 2018. Accuracy of Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Height Measurements. International Journal of Geospatial and Environmental Research, 5(1): https://dc.uwm.edu/ijger/vol5/iss1/6 Unger, D., Hung, I., Zhang, Y., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. Integrating Drone Technology with GPS Data Collection to Enhance Forestry Students Interactive Hands-On Field Experiences. Higher Education Studies, 8(3):49-62. Oswald, B.P., J. Lanham, M.M. Bataineh, J.C. Kroll, Y. Zhang, 2017, reconstruction of Pinon-Juniper forest structure to examine historic wildlife habitat characteristics in the Davis Mountains, USA. Forest Research Open Access, 692), 18, doi: 10.4172/2168-9776.1000206 Unger, D., S. Schwab, R. Jacques, Y. Zhang, I. Hung, and D. Kulhavy, 2016. Evaluating interactive transect area assessments hands-on instruction for natural resource undergraduate students. Higher Education Studies 6(4): 90-99 Hung, I. K., Unger, D., Zhang, Y., Williams, J., Grogan, J., Coble, D., & Yeiser, J. 2016. Forest Landscape Change in East Texas: 1974⿿2009. Southeastern Naturalist, 15(sp9), 1-15.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 2 Electronic Publications Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., Zhang, Y., and Fuller, S. 2019. Drone Videography for Natural Resources Education. YouTube (uploaded March 26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-CHwmYRtrI Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2017. Urban Tree Health Assessment. YouTube (uploaded October 26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AjlmwxYqns&feature=youtu.be
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 16 posters Fenley, A., Viegut, R., Hung, I., Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., and Unger, D. 2020. Comparison of Positional Accuracy on Pecan Tree Locations Attained with Different Geospatial Technologhies. Undergraduate Research Showcase Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Virtual, November. Bouthton, A., Viegut, R., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Zhang, Y., and Hung, I. 2020. Location of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale with Drones, Google Earth Pro and Pictometry to Measure Crapemyrtle Bark Scale and Sooty Mold Infestations. Undergraduate Research Showcase Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Virtual, November. Mlcak, M., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. The Study of Sense of Place at Stephen F. Austin State University. Undergraduate Research Showcase Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Virtual, November. Lindsey, K., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Relational Database for SAF Certified Forest Management Bachelors Programs in the U.S. Undergraduate Research Showcase Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Virtual, November. Elmore, B., Hayes, L., Smith, J., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Using a Drone to Compare the Thermal Efficiency of Dorm Buildings at SFA. Undergraduate Research Showcase Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Virtual, November. Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Unger, D. 2020. Use of 3D Printer for Natural Resource Education. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Reynolds, R., Unger, D., McBroom, M., and Hung, I. 2020. Digital Preservation and Access of Natural Resources Documents. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Zhang, Y., Viegut, R., Kulhavy, D., Schalk, C., Unger, D., and Hung, I. 2020. iNaturalist Project; Drones and Biodiversity. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Driver, S., Schalk, C., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Zhang, Y., and Hung, I. 2020. Species Distribution Modeling for Arid Adapted Species in Zion National Park. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Machado, L., Creech, D., Kulhavy, D., Jerez, S., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Cost Comparisons and Climate Models for Kiwifruit Production in Texas. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Hung, I., Kulhavy, D., Williams, M., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Comparing Mapping Tools in Locating Disc Golf Course Features in a Forested City Park. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Fenley, A., Viegut, R., Hung, I., Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., and Unger, D. 2020. Comparison of Positional Accuracy on Pecan Tree Locations Attained with Different Geospatial Technologies. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Viegut, R., Kulhavy, D., Schalk, C., Hung, I., Zhang, Y., and Unger, D. 2020. Roadkill in Texas Measured in iNaturalist. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Viegut, R., Zhang, Y., and Hung, I. 2020. Student Led Land Cover Change Detection within an Urban/Rural Habitat. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Viegut, R., Zhang, Y., and Hung, I. 2020. CIYYgreen Model for Stephen F. Austin State University. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Boughton, A., Viegut, R., Zhang, Y., and Hung, I. 2020. Location Assessment of Crapemrytle with Drones, Google Earth Pro and Pictometry. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 8 Posters Viegut, R., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Comparison of Pecan Tree Location with DJI Phantom 4 Pro, Pictometry, and Google Earth Pro. Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Undergraduate Research Showcase, Nacogdoches, Texas, December 4. Schiwitz, N., Viegut, R., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Accuracy of Aerial Imagery to Measure Linear and Area Features. Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Undergraduate Research Showcase, Nacogdoches, Texas, December 4. Hamilton, D., Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Unger, D. 2019. SFM for 3D Model Creation. Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Undergraduate Research Showcase, Nacogdoches, Texas, December 4. Driver, S., Hung, I., Unger, D., Zhang, Y., and Kulhavy, D. 2019. Land Cover Classification of Drone Captured Imagery in an Urban Forest Setting. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Viegut, R., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Comparison of Pecan Tree Location with DJI Phantom 4 Pro, Pictometry and Google Earth Pro. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Kulhavy, D., Schalk, C., Viegut, R., Unger, D., Hung, I., Zhang, Y. 2019. iNaturalist Project: Drones and Biodiversity. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Lozano, E., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2019. LaNana Creek Historical Trail Through the Oldest Town in Texas. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Schiwitz, N., Viegut, R., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Accuracy of Aerial Imagery to Measure Linear and Area Features. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 16 Presentations Kulhavy*, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Innovation Zone: Undergraduate Research at SFA: Why it Matters? Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., and Hung, I. 2020. UAS and 3D Printing for Conservation and Modeling Education. Construct3D - Academic 3D Printing and Digital Fabrication Conference for K12, Higher Ed., and Informal Ed. Conference, Houston, Texas, February 15. Hung*, I., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Positional Accuracy Assessment on Drone⿿s ⿿Return to Home⿝ Landing in a Wooded Area. 12th Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management GIS Conference, Athens, Georgia, December 9. Viegut*, R., Kulhavy, D., Schalk, C., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Spatial Analysis of Roadkills of Texas using iNaturalist. GIS Day 2019: East Texas GIS & GPS User Group Annual Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, November 15. Rutledge*, B., Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Unger, D. 2019. Measuring Horizontal Distance Using Geographic Information Science. GIS Day 2019: East Texas GIS & GPS User Group Annual Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, November 15. Hamilton*, D., Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Unger, D. 2019. SFM for 3D Model Creation. GIS Day 2019: East Texas GIS & GPS User Group Annual Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, November 15. Kulhavy*, D., Zhang, Y., Gerland, J., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Williams, J. 2019. 3D Preservation of Koo-Hoot Kiwat, Caddo Mound State Historical Park. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, November 1. Zhang Y., M.W. McBroom, B.P. Oswald, W. Conway, and D. Unger. 2019. Visual Traverse: an open source Python program to assess, post-process and visualize polygon data. 27th Biennial Surveying and Geomatics Educators Society Conference, 8.4-8.2019, Thibodaux, LA Hung*, I., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Positional Precision Analysis of Orthomosaics Derived from Drone Captured Aerial Imagery. 29th Annual SCAUG Conference, Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 22-26. Zhang, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2019. Precision Analysis of an Orthomosaic Map Photogrammetrically Derived from UAS Images. 29th Annual SCAUG Conference, Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 22-26. Unger*, D., Kulhavy, D., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Use of Drones to Create Geo-referenced Map Products. Christ Episcopal School Board Members Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 12. Kulhavy, D., Unger*, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Use of Drone Videography in Natural Resources Management. Nacogdoches Film Festival ⿿ Camera Drone Panel, Nacogdoches, Texas, February 22. Kulhavy*, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Use of Drones in Natural Resources. Campus Seminar, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, February 21. Lozano*, E., Ward, L., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Unger, D. 2018. Mapping LaNana Creek Historical Trail. East Texas GIS & GPS User Group Annual Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, November 16. Unger*, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Integrating Drones within GIS Classes at Stephen F. Austin State University. East Texas GIS & GPS User Group Annual Meeting, Nacogdoches, Texas, November 16. Zhang*, Y., Unger, D., and Hung, I. 2018. UAS Data and 3D Printing for Land Surface Modeling. Texas GIS Forum, Austin, Texas, October 22-26.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 8 Posters Mlcak, M., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. The Study of Sense of Place at Stephen F. Austin State University. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, October 29-31. Shupe, S., Viegut, R., Zhang, Y., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Kulhavy, D. 2020. Analysis of Single Point Accuracy Across four DJI Drone Platforms. Undergraduate Research Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, April 7. Shupe, E., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang. Y. 2020. Comparison of Data Fidelity of Drone Orthomosaic Imagery to Traditional Satellite Imagery. Undergraduate Research Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, April 7. Shupe, E., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Land Cover Change within Philmont Scout Ranch due to the 2018 Ute Park Fire. Undergraduate Research Conference, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, April 7. Rutledge, B., Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Unger, D. 2019. Measuring Horizontal Distance Using Geographical Information Science. Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Undergraduate Research Showcase, Nacogdoches, Texas, December 4. Lindsey, K., Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., and Hung, I. 2019. Population and Associated Economic Change ⿿ Austin, Texas 2000 ⿿ 2010. Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Undergraduate Research Showcase, Nacogdoches, Texas, December 4. Viegut, R., Kulhavy, D., Schalk, C., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Spatial Analysis of Roadkills of Texas Using iNaturalist. Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Undergraduate Research Showcase, Nacogdoches, Texas, December 4. Viegut. R, Kulhavy, D., Schalk, C., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. iNaturalist Project: Drones and Biodiversity. Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Undergraduate Research Showcase, Nacogdoches, Texas, December 4.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 16 Posters Shupe, E., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Land Cover Change within Philmont Scout Ranch after the 2018 Ute Park Fire. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Howard, S., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2019. Comparison of 1939 and 2016 Anderson Land Cover Classification, Nacogdoches, Texas. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Viegut, R., Kulhavy, D., Schalk, C., Unger, D., Hung, I., Zhang, Y. 2019. Spatial Analysis of Roadkill Using iNaturalist. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Zhang, Y., Gerland, J., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Williams, J. 2019. 3D Preservation of Koo-Hoot Kiwat, Caddo Mound State Historical Park. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, October 30-November 3. Zhang, Y., Kulhavy, D., Gerland, J., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Williams, J. 2019. Tornado Damage Assessment of Caddo Mound State Historical Site. 2019 SCGIS 22nd Annual Conference, Monterey, California, July 15. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. How to Use Drone Acquired Images to Create a User-Controlled Urban Forest Mosaic. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Portland, Oregon, October 3-7. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Integrating Drones and GPS Data Collection within an Undergraduate Forestry Student⿿s Field Experience. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Portland, Oregon, October 3-7. Hung, I., Unger, D., Zhang, Y., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. Assessing Drone ⿿Return to Home⿝ Landing Accuracy in a Wooded Area. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Portland, Oregon, October 3-7. Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Service-Learning for Natural Resources. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Portland, Oregon, October 3-7. Zhang, Y., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. UAS Image to 3D Printable Models. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Portland, Oregon, October 3-7. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Creating a User-Controlled Urban Forest Mosaic Using Drone-Acquired Imagery. Texas International Society of Arboriculture Tree Conference, Waco, Texas, September 27. Hung, I., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Repeatability Accuracy Analysis of Drone Captured Aerial Imagery. 2018 ESRI User Conference, San Diego, California, July 1. Zhang, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. What is Needed in the GIS Job Market? American Association of Geographers Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 15. Pruenda, J., Zhang, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. Change Over Time: Seeing the Difference Parks Make. Symposium on Arts & Research, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 27. Scarborough, J., Russel, W., Zhang, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. Tangible Terrain Models Printed with a Consumer-grade 3D Printer. Symposium on Arts & Research, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 27. Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Integrating Drones within a Natural Resource Curriculum at Stephen F. Austin State University. Symposium on Arts & Research, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 27.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: 13 Posters Shockley, S., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Evaluating Optimum Drone Flying Height to Visually Assess Earth Surface Features. Symposium on Arts & Research, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 27. Hung, I., Viegut, R., Murray, R., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Engaging Students through Crowd Sourcing and Public Participatory GIS. Symposium on Arts & Research, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 27. Scarborough, J., Russel, W., Zhang, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2018. Data Processing to Create Tangible Terrain Models. 12th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 8-10. Hung, I., Viegut, R., Murray, R., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Volunteered Geographic Information: Engaging Students through Crowd Sourcing. 12th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 8-10. Scott, C., McBride, B., Unger, D., Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Student Led Accuracy Comparison between Unsupervised Land Cover Classifications: Landsat 8 versus Landsat 7 Imagery. 12th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 8-10. Clontz, E., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2018. Change in Surface Area of Lake Mead from 1985 to Present in Clark County, Nevada: Studying Ecological Change from a Student⿿s Perspective. 12th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, March 8-10. Zhang, Y., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Kulhavy, D. 2017. Consumer Grade 3D Printer for Digital Surface Modeling. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 15-19. Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2017. Accuracy Assessment on Drone Measured Heights at Different Height Levels. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 15-19. Schutt, A., Chica, M., Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2017. Increased Accuracy in Quantifying Hardwood Forests Using Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 Data via On-screen Digitizing. Society of American Foresters National Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 15-19. Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2017. How Accurate is Your Drone Measured Height? Texas GIS Forum, Austin, Texas, October 23-27. Kulhavy, D., Williams, H., Unger, D., Creech, D., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2017. Use of the DJI Phantom 4 in Urban Planning. Texas International Society of Arboriculture Tree Conference, Waco, Texas, September 27-29. Kulhavy, D., Hung, I., Unger, D., and Zhang, Y. 2017. Accuracy Assessment on Drone Measured Heights at Different Height Levels. Symposium on Arts and Research, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, April 19. Brown, M., Zhang, Y., Hung, I., and Unger, D. 2017. D.R.A.S.T.I.C. Analysis for Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination. Symposium on Arts and Research, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, April 19.


Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Forestry professionals, natural resource mangers, environmental scientist and researchers, undergraduate and graduate students: In the past year, I participated two national conferences to present my research. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?National conferneces. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue working on projects such as UAS data collection and analysis, 3D printing, and GIS programming to determine the best way to quantify natural resources with most up to date spatial science technology.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? As the first author and presenter, 4 presentations were delivered to two national conferences. Two peer reviewed papers were published

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Zhang, Y. , Viegut, R. , Kulhavy, D. L. , Schalk, C. M. , Unger, D. R. , Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, "iNaturalist Project; Drones and Biodiversity," Society of American Foresters, Virtual. (October 30, 2020).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Zhang, Y. , Kulhavy, D. L. , Hung, I.-K. , Unger, D. R. , Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, "Use of 3D Printer for Natural Resource Education," Society of American Foresters, Virtual. (October 30, 2020).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kulhavy, D., Reynolds, R., Unger, D., McBroom, M., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Use of Altmetrics to Analyze ScholarWorks in Natural Resource Management. Journal of Altmetrics, 3(1):6. https://doi.org/10.29024/joa.33
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kulhavy, D., Unger, D., Viegut, R., Hung, I., and Zhang, Y. 2020. Integration of CITYgreen Landscape Ecological Analysis into a Capstone Environmental Science Course. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(6):259-267. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n6p259
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Zhang, Y. , Kulhavy, D. L. , Unger, D. R. , Hung, I.-K. , Academic 3D Printing and Digital Fabrication Conference for K12, Higher Ed., and Informal Ed. Conference, "UAS and 3D Printing for Conservation and Modeling Education," K12, Higher Ed., and Informal Ed. Conference, Houston, Texas. (February 15, 2020).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Zhang, Y. , Kulhavy, D. L. , Reynolds, R. P. , Unger, D. R. , McBroom, M. W. , Hung, I.-K. , Society of American Foresters National Convention, Virtual, "Digital Preservation and Access of Natural Resources Documents," Society of American Foresters, Virtual. (October 30, 2020).


Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists and researchers, Texas Caddo Mound State Historic Site Friends Association, Inc., undergraduate and graduate students: In the past year, I went to threenational and state level conferences to present my research. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Yes, through presentations, technical papers and peer-reviewed journal articles. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Focus on UAS data collection and 3D model creation.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Three presentations at national and state level conferences, two technicle papers published at the Forestry Source which is a monthly publication by the SAF (Society of American Foresters), and three peer reviewed papers.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Unger D., D. Kulhavy, I. Hung, Y. Zhang, 2019, Integrating Drones within a Natural Resource Curriculum at Stephen F Austin State University, Journal of Forestry, 117(4), 398  405 doi: 10.1093/jofore/fvz031.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Hung I., D. Unger, D. Kulhavy, Y. Zhang, 2019, positional precision analysis of orthomosaics derived from drone captured aerial imagery, Drones, 3, 46 doi:10:3390/drones3020046.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: 3. Kulhavy D., I. Hung, D. Unger, Y. Zhang, 2019, Student led area measurement assessments using virtual globes and Pictometry web-based interface within an undergraduate spatial science curriculum, Journal of Education and Culture Studies, 3(1): 53-63, doi: 10.22158/jecs.v3n1p53
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zhang Y., J. Grogan, D. Unger, I. Hung, and D. Kulhavy, 2019. The impact of UTM and State Plane projection conversion on area measurement. The Forestry Source, 24(5):16
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Unger, D., D. Kulhavy, I. Hung, and Y. Zhang, 2019. Using a drone to create a user-controlled urban forest orthomosaic, The Forestry Source, 24(5):15
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zhang Y., M.W. McBroom, B.P. Oswald, W. Conway, and D. Unger. 2019. Visual Traverse: an open source Python program to assess, post-process and visualize polygon data. 27th Biennial Surveying and Geomatics Educators Society Conference, 8.4-8.2019, Thibodaux, LA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zhang Y., Kulhavy D., Gerland J., Hung I., Unger D., and Williams J. 2019. Tornado damage assessment of Caddo Mound State Historical Site. The 22nd Annual SCGIS (Society for Conservation GIS) conference, 7.14-7.17, 2019, Monterey, CA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zhang Y., Unger D., I. Hung and Kulhavy D, 2019. Precision analysis of orthomosaic map photogrammetrically derive from UAS images. The 29th Annual SCAUG (South Central Arc User Group) conference, 4.22-4.26. 2019, Tulsa, OK.


Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists and researchers, landowners and forestry professional, undergraduate and graduate students: classroom instruction and laboratory instruction on the project process. In the past year, I went to two national and state level conferences to present my research. Another poster was delivered by co-authors to Society of American Foresters Annual Convention. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?I attended the TSPS (Texas Society of Professional Surveyors) 2018 symposium from 2.16.2018 to 2.18.2018. The main workshop was titled "Everyday use of Texas State Plane Coordinates by Texas Surveyors" which is very useful for my research . How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Presentations and posters were given at national and state level conferences. UAS image processing and 3D model creation were delivered to students in GIS related classes. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Work on more peer reviewed journal articles and hope to develop a course regarding 3D printing.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Co-worked on two published peer reviewed journals articles. As the first author, fourpresentations/poster were presentedat national and state level conferences.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Unger, D. R., Hung, I.-K., Kulhavy, D. L., Zhang, Y., Busch-Petersen, K. 2018. Accuracy of Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Height Measurements. International Journal of Geospatial and Environmental Research, 5(1). dc.uwm.edu/ijger/vol5/iss1/6
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Unger, D. R., Hung, I.-K., Zhang, Y. 2018. Integrating Drone Technology with GPS Data Collection to Enhance Forestry Students Interactive Hands-On Field Experiences. Higher Education Studies, 8(3), 49-62.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2018 Citation: Zhang Y., D. Unger, I. Hung, and D. Kulhavy, 2018, The Application of UAS and 3D Printing for Land Surface Modeling, Southwest stream & wetland restoration conference 2018, 5.30.2018-6.1.2018, San Antonio, TX
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2018 Citation: Zhang, Y., Unger, D. R., Hung, I.-K., Kulhavy, D. L., What is Needed in the GIS Job Market? 2018 Association of Geographers Annual Convention, 4.10.2018 -4.14.2018, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2017 Citation: Zhang Y, D.R. Unger, I-K. Hung, D.L. Kulhavy, 2017, Consumer grade 3D printer for digital surface modeling, Society of American Foresters National Convention, 11.16.2017, Albuquerque, NM
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2018 Citation: Zhang, Y., Unger, D. R., Hung, I.-K., Kulhavy, D. L., 2018, 3D Printing for Undergraduate Teaching and Research, 12th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources, 3.9.2018, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas.


Progress 11/15/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists and researchers, landowners and forestry professional, undergraduate and graduate students: classroom instruction and laboratory instruction on the project process. Changes/Problems:As 3D printting technology becomes available to the public, I will intestigate the current technology and its application in natural resources management. There are few questions to study such as how to accurately develop terrain and landscape models. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Attended the TSPS 2017 symposoium for a workshop titled "Riverine Adventure! A Surveyors Guide to River Boundaries" on February 25th, 2017 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research outputs have been published by journals and the Forestry Source (the Society of American Foresters). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Have more publications and will go to academic/professionalconferences to disseminate research outputs.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Several papers have been published and I will keep work on the the related researches.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Unger, D., S. Schwab, R. Jacques, Y. Zhang, I. Hung, and D. Kulhavy, 2016. Evaluating interactive transect area assessments hands-on instruction for natural resource undergraduate students. Higher Education Studies 6(4): 90-99
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hung, I. K., Unger, D., Zhang, Y., Williams, J., Grogan, J., Coble, D., & Yeiser, J. 2016. Forest Landscape Change in East Texas: 19742009. Southeastern Naturalist, 15(sp9), 1-15.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Oswald, B.P., J. Lanham, M.M. Bataineh, J.C. Kroll, Y. Zhang, 2017, reconstruction of Pinon-Juniper forest structure to examine historic wildlife habitat characteristics in the Davis Mountains, USA. Forest Research Open Access, 692), 18, doi: 10.4172/2168-9776.1000206
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Grogan J. and Y. Zhang, 2017. Build your own iOS/Android App  no programming needed! The Forestry Source, 22(3):1, 8-9