Remote Sensing Teams LiDAR Landslide Mapping Project Continues Despite COVID Related Setbacks

Abstract:

The University of Houston’s USIP (Undergraduate Student Instrument Project) Remote Sensing team is designing and building an airborne LiDAR with the intention of using it to 3D map landslides and for possible mineral exploration. The maps will be used to conduct landslide analyses and failure predictions while the magnetometer feedback will be used to determine the presence of possible metallic minerals in the area. The LiDAR will employ the use of two lasers with different output wavelengths; 1550nm will be used for typical terrain mapping and 532nm will be used for snow depth reading to extrapolate the underlying terrain characteristics. Trade studies are currently underway for the lasers, sensors, IMU’s and magnetometers. It is planned for the LiDAR to collect data near Fairbanks, Alaska, with further research into potential study sites being conducted. The scan pattern is still being decided on with the most likely option being a circular scan for the 532nm laser and a zig zag pattern for the 1550nm laser both set at a maximum scan angle of 20 degrees.

The Remote Sensing team has been facing unforeseen obstacles due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon initial lockdown, weekly scheduled in person meetings and lab work were prohibited. After the first week, though, new mediums of communication were established. The USIP group decided to conduct online meetings through Microsoft Teams and use Slack for text-based communication outside of meetings. Unfortunately, lockdown and COVID chaos brought psychological issues to group members that can be difficult to overcome. This included high stress levels caused by the chaotic events as well as isolation-induced depression. After some deliberation amongst all USIP groups, it was decided to occasionally hold non work-related meetings through Microsoft Teams. This reduced some of the isolation depression by relaxing, talking, and eating pizza.

After lockdown restrictions were lifted, the university had begun preventing the previous number of students from being in the lab at once. On top of that, individuals were understandably hesitant to go to the lab, often opting out. Despite this, small groups of USIP students have been going to the labs to clean, disinfect, and get the lab ready for work. New lab procedures have also been created to adhere to social distancing norms.