, , . Measurement of above‐canopy meteorological profiles using unmanned aerial systems. Hydrological Processes. 2020; 34: 865– 867. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.13631.
Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are becoming valuable environmental data collection tools, allowing the user freedom to attach sensors and to launch at a moment’s notice while also collecting spatially precise data all at a relatively low cost (Simic Milas et al., 2018; Nowak, Dziób, & Bogawski, 2019; Dunbabin & Marques, 2012; Manfreda et al., 2018). Atmospheric data, such as air temperature and relative humidity, can be collected by UASs as a vertical profile above forest canopies to study canopy boundary layer processes and associated trace gas fluxes. Traditionally, vertical atmospheric profiles are collected by using drop sondes, tethered blimps, weather balloons, or weather towers (Russell & Uthe, 1978; Seibert et al., 2000). These methods are limited because they are expensive, difficult to control, and/or require detailed logistics and careful planning (Beyrich, 1997; Hill, Konrad, Meyer, & Rowland, 1970).