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UAS Info Request UAS Info Request

September 26, 2025 September 26, 2025 | Josh UAS Info Request | 0 Comment | 10:06 pm

High above the forest canopy, our UAS team brings unmatched eyes in the sky to every mission, day or night, rugged or remote.

La Plata County Search and Rescue’s UAS Team strengthens the regional SAR community by sharing knowledge, tools, and best practices. This page helps us learn which topics interest your team so we can tailor workshops, training sessions, and information-sharing opportunities to your needs.

We provide instruction, demonstrations, and discussions on a wide range of SAR and UAS subjects. These include thermal drone use, assignment planning, and advanced detection tools such as Eagle Eyes and Loc8. Use the checkboxes below to select the topics most relevant to your team.

You can request either a high-level overview or detailed technical instruction. Our goal is to deliver practical, field-ready information that your team can put into action immediately. Complete the form below, and our UAS Team leadership will follow up with you to discuss scheduling, collaboration, or resources.

Visit our SAR Info page to read our most recent posts.

    An overview of how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) enhance SAR operations, from rapid aerial scouting to real-time decision support, and how to develop a functional team.

    Breaking down team positions such as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), Visual Observer, Payload Operator, and Detection Operator.

    Best practices for aligning UAS operations with ICS principles for seamless mission coordination.

    How to deploy thermal cameras effectively for night searches, wide-area scans, and victim detection, including training on false positives, environmental heat sources, and best practices for reading thermal imagery.

    How to deploy thermal cameras effectively for night searches, wide-area scans, and victim detection.

    Methods for transmitting real-time UAS feeds to IC, EOC, and remote subject-matter experts.

    How to employ detection software to identify potential subjects in live UAS video feeds. Additionally, step-by-step workflow for analyzing recorded drone footage to increase detection success.

    Tactics for deploying drones in mountains, forests, canyons, deserts, and urban environments.

    How to pre-plan flight grids, waypoints, and altitudes for maximum coverage with minimal battery use.

    Key considerations for flying UAS safely at night under Part 107 and SAR-specific needs.

    Assessing wind, temperature, altitude, and visibility impacts on drone performance in SAR.

    Adapting UAS tactics and flight planning for thin air, rugged terrain, and limited landing zones.

    Coordinating multiple drone teams during large-scale SAR incidents while maintaining airspace safety.

    Protocols for safely integrating drones with manned aviation such as Flight for Life or air support.

    Creating current arial view search maps and georeferenced imagery for planning, documentation, and terrain review. Including importing current footage into Caltopo and providing three-dimensional visualizations while in the field.

    How to pin detections, add overlays, and share UAS information in CalTopo for SAR operations.

    How to use portable Starlink systems to extend live video and data streaming capabilities in remote terrain.

    Exploring payloads such as loudspeakers, drop kits, and lighting for subject communication and support.

    Building training tracks at Awareness, Operations, Technician, and Specialist levels for consistency.