The NPS is increasingly using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for research, monitoring, and visitor & resource protection. These small and nimble vehicles provide visual perspectives that assist the NPS in ways that once were not cost-effective and/or safe. The aerial imagery that UAS can provide is invaluable for many branches of the NPS, especially natural resources research and monitoring. Read about the importance of restricting private UAS operations in/on national park lands and the benefits of UAS to the NPS divisions that are now able to utilize them.
Last updated: September 18, 2017