Image gathering fundamentals

Introduction:
On Wednesday September 9th our UAS class went out to the soccer fields across from Bollinger fields to learn more about how to gather imagery from a UAS platform. We had literally no winds with decent cloud cover which made for a comfortable flight. Both Professor Hupy and Pierson were present and due to the lack of wind, they decided to use a large balloon instead of a kite. Attached to the balloon was a pair of cameras and once the balloon was launched it was up to the class to survey the soccer field. At the same time, Professor Hupy brought out his Phantom to take some images of the balloon rig and to gather more information about how this lab was working. Towards the end of the lab it started to rain and we ceased all further flight after learning more about what helium does to your vocal pitch.

Study Area:
Our study consisted of 10.3 acres of soccer fields located south of Hamilton Avenue in Eau Claire, WI. We were kitty corner to the University's "Bollinger Fields". Like I said earlier, there was virtually no winds with decent cloud cover and rain towards the end of the lab. We set up base in the parking lot on the southwest corner of the complex where set everything up before flying.

Map depicting the study area in regards to the University and Bollinger Fields.

Map showing the study area outlined in yellow, along with our base as shown by the star.

Although the balloon survey took quite a while, 67 degrees is fair flight weather which allowed for no students to become fatigued.

Methods:
Once the entire class was present we started the lab. We first had to fill the balloon up with helium which took some time. Professor Hupy brought a large helium tank that was strapped to the tailgate of his truck.

Professor Hupy and Dakota Dorn filling the balloon with helium.

Once the balloon was inflated enough we set up the picavet rig. A picavet rig is a suspension system designed to keep the cameras we attached relatively level to the ground no matter what the balloon is doing. This rig is commonly used for aerial kite photography as well. In the picture below you will see the picavet rig being held and then attached on the guideline of the balloon. It was attached approximately 20-25 feet below the balloon.

From left to right: Professor Pierson, Michael Bomber, and Professor Hupy begin attaching the rig.

 During the entire process of setting up the balloon and cameras for departure, we had a safety line attached to the balloon in case the guide line snapped. This would allow us to continue working instead of watching the balloon rise into the tropopause.

Removing the safety line while also attaching the picavet rig.

 Once the rig was set up, we then had to turn on the cameras that were equipped with CHDK, which stands for Canon Hack Development Kit. This allowed us to manipulate the camera any way that we wanted and Professor Hupy was able to change one of the cameras to shoot infrared. So with two separate cameras that are completely identical, one shoots infrared while the other shoots in RGB.