The University of Vermont (UVM), in collaboration with the Vermont Geological Survey (VGS) and Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), conducted detailed surveys of two major landslide sites: Smuggler’s Notch and Cottonbrook. Utilizing UAS-mounted LiDAR systems, the project aimed to collect high-resolution elevation data for monitoring and analyzing landslide activity.

At Smuggler’s Notch, characterized by steep vertical cliffs, the Surveyor Ultra’s 360-degree field of view captured the terrain’s vertical faces in extraordinary detail. For Cottonbrook, where dense tree canopies obscured the ground, the sensor’s multi-echo capability enabled the detection of subsurface cracks and slip zones.

The project also included photogrammetry flights to complement the LiDAR data, offering detailed surface imagery for cross-referencing. The surveys, spanning 68.5 hectares in total, provided critical insights for volume estimations, ground movement tracking, and risk assessments for potential large-scale landslides.