AUS approaches for non-tidal high-water delineation

In June, 2015, the TAMU-CC Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program, with the support of the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation, conducted a week-long UAS exercise in the coastal region near Port Mansfield, Texas. The platform used was TAMU-CC's RS-16, a variant of the Arcturus T-16XL, that was equipped with a three-camera imaging system which acquired high-resolution images in the optical range of the electromagnetic spectrum and lower resolution images in the infrared and ultraviolet ranges of the spectrum. The Laguna Madre is non-tidal in this region, making property line determination contentious with state agencies. Elevation of beach locations and ground truth samples for algal pigment content were collected coincidently with overflights and hand-held spectral radiometric profiles. Elevation was significantly (negatively) related to all pigments classes (r= -0.54—0.69). Two clear zones were identified with differing cyanobacteria and diatom contributions. This research has direct economic impact, as well as the identification of an unreported “blue carbon” contribution.