Dr. Hupy has 20+ years of utilizing various tools and methods to gather geospatial data for integration into Geographic Information Systems software. This experience with geospatial data collection methods has led towards an innate understanding of best practices for gathering data to solve questions at the landscape level. As an undergraduate, Dr. Hupy majored in Geography with an emphasis in GIS/RS, and has continued to use these technologies over the years in his research endeavors. From Dr. Hupy's masters research studying wind erosion, to his PhD research examining recovery of WWI battlefields, he has embraced a variety of spatial data collection methods and equipment from the traditional to the modern.
In May of 2010, he worked on the Khe Sanh battlefield, examining how that landscape has recovered from explosive munitions, led Dr. Hupy towards looking for a better alternative toward conducting microtopographic surveys in dangerous environments. He soon began experimenting with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and has since devoted himself to this line of work. His research is not on the engineering side, but on the side of integrating various sensors with the UAS platform, working with others on best data collection strategies and methods to answer the spatially related questions. This pursuit of low-altitude, high-resolution spatial data has led him to data collection on a variety of platforms ranging from kites to balloons, to UAS multi-rotor and fixed wing platforms. Since he first began working UAS in 2011, the use of UAS, along with the technology, have exploded. While the learning curve has been steep, he loves the thrill of working with the technology in so many different capacities. Dr. Hupy came to Purdue and the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology because of the great engineering and aviation infrastructure in place to develop a world-class UAS program.
In addition to his appointment at SATT, Dr. Hupy also holds courtesy apopintments in both EAPS and FNR, and in January of 2020, received a grant related to using UAS in disturbances: Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center, Precise quantification of forest disturbances with UAS.