z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Integrating Natural Resources Education and Citizen Science Communication through the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones)
Author(s) -
David Kulhavy,
Daniel Unger,
IKuai Hung,
Chris Schalk,
Yanli Zhang,
Reid Viegut
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of higher education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1927-6052
pISSN - 1927-6044
DOI - 10.5430/ijhe.v11n2p143
Subject(s) - drone , citizen science , upload , graduation (instrument) , natural resource , quadcopter , science education , resource (disambiguation) , science communication , computer science , sociology , ecology , engineering , world wide web , biology , pedagogy , mechanical engineering , computer network , genetics , botany , aerospace engineering
Science communication is increasing through the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones. Within the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU), UASs such as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro and Mavic Mini2 drones were used by students and faculty to study mistletoe, crapemyrtle and fire ants and then drone images were uploaded to iNaturalist, the largest repository for flora and fauna specimens to share with the scientific community and general public. The benefits of using a UAS is that nadir (directly above) images of the specimens increase the locational accuracy of each specimen compared to distance images acquired from a smartphone. By incorporating drones into course works at SFASU, faculty are increasing the technological abilities of students to communicate natural resource information to a greater audience as a citizen scientist. With ever increasing capabilities and lower cost, UAS are becoming a viable alternative to smartphones for communication of science, especially for iNaturalist. The ability to communicate science information and display images adds a dimension for the citizen scientist to use a UAS in teaching and information exchange while creating a well-rounded, better informed, and more employable student upon graduation.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here