June 11, 2025

NATCHITOCHES – Drones are getting more sophisticated, safer and user friendly for everything from land surveys to crime scene analysis, precision agriculture, forestry, land management, coastal assessment, historic preservation, marketing and many other applications. Learning to use the technology safely, legally and ethically is critical for individuals who operate drones for industry, municipalities and recreation.

To showcase capabilities already in place, Northwestern State University hosted “Flight Forward” June 11 that featured flight demonstrations and practical applications for drone technology in industrial and municipal settings. NSU faculty also discussed how the university can partner with organizations for training, certification and problem-solving.

“We have about 50 people here, from the airport, city and regional law enforcement, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, parish and city officials and public safety administrators, as well as individuals from the public who are interested in the technology,” said Gwen Fontenot, director of Corporate and Community Engagement for NSU’s Office of Economic Development and Advancement, which hosted the event free of charge.

Representatives from NEI (Navigation Electronics, Inc.), a geospatial technology provider whose services include mobile mapping and surveying, demonstrated how data can be collected with aerial drones, terrestrial laser scanners and vehicle-mounted scanners.  That data would otherwise take weeks to collect and analyze and can be used by experts to survey oil and gas fields, enhance building and infrastructure modifications, anticipate and solve problems in refinery settings and study traffic patterns.

Wednesday’s Flight Forward drone showcase drew an audience of law enforcement and public safety officials, forestry and land management professionals and drone hobbyists for flight demonstrations and information on services and training NSU offers through its Advanced Remote & Geospatial Operations Lab.

JD Cox is coordinator of NSU’s ARGO (Advanced Remote & Geospatial Operations) Lab.  He and Dr. Tommy Hailey began developing an undergraduate certificate in Remote Systems Science and Technology (RSST) in 2019, which is housed in the School of Social Science and Applied Programs.

They immediately recognized the cross-disciplinary opportunities the technology would offer. Dr. Mark Melder, director of the School, said the technology is applicable to studies related to law enforcement, tourism, marketing, engineering and other public services.

Flight Forward provided Cox an opportunity to “showcase what NSU is doing and what our partners are doing” in the areas of community development and outreach, he said. The ARGO Lab is already helping area industry and organizations with remote sensing, collecting and storing data and creating interactive maps.  Cox has also developed training programs to help groups and individuals learn to use the high tech tools to maximize efficiency.

Non-invasive technology is also important in documenting historic structures and preserving cultural landscapes because it can collect data in areas that are fragile or unsafe.  Jason Church, chief of technical services for National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, has applied methods to gather visuals of historic buildings slated for demolition throughout Louisiana, then used the data to create 3D models of the structures that viewers can tour virtually.  His work with the 3D Digital Field School will be shared with the public during Lunchtime Lagniappe at 12:15 p.m. Friday, June 13 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and North Louisiana History Museum, 800 Front St.  That event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Fran Lemoine, dean of NSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, said Wednesday’s event was the first of many the university plans to host to highlight innovation and develop partnerships with regional business and industry.

“NSU has heretofore helped produce a workforce,” she said. “We now also want to be a partner who can help train an existing workforce as well as be an intellectual resource. We want you to look to us to help with projects and partner with your company to help you advance. We have the capabilities.  Let us know what challenges you might have.”

NSU President James Genovese found the Flight Forward Showcase enlightening and emphasized the resources NSU has to offer.

“This is the tip of the iceberg of what we at Northwestern can provide for you,” Genovese said.

Information on Northwestern State’s Office of Economic Development and University Advancement is available at  https://www.nsula.edu/edio/.  Information on NSU’s ARGO lab is available at https://www.nsula.edu/argo/.  Information the School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs is available at https://www.nsula.edu/ssap/.