Research and Education for Optimizing the Development and Implementation of an Unmanned Aircraft Program at the Nebraska Department of Transportation

Authors

Wayne Woldt, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Jon Starr, Nebraska Department of Transportation
Christopher M. U. Neale, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

5-19-2021

Document Type

Article

Citation

Woldt, W., Starr, J., and Neale, C. (2021). Research and Education for Optimizing the Development and Implementation of an Unmanned Aircraft Program at the Nebraska Department of Transportation. NDOT Research Report SPR-P1(20) M117.

Abstract

This report describes the development and implementation of an Unmanned Aircraft System Program at the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). The project involved the selection and purchase of appropriate UAS and imaging systems for NDOT, education and training for NDOT personnel with classroom and hands-on operation of UAS with the goal of obtaining proficiency and pilot licenses. In addition, the development of policy for the use of UAS within NDOT was accomplished as well as standard operating procedures (SOP) documentation and the development of example case studies of interest to NDOT using the purchased systems and technology.