Abstract: Systems and methods for sensor emplacement using unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). In some examples, a UAS includes a propulsion system and a sensor emplacement system including an auger and one or more motors. The UAS includes a control system configuring for controlling the propulsion system to land the UAS at a sensor emplacement site and controlling the one or more motors of the sensor emplacement system to drive the auger into soil at the sensor emplacement site. The control system is configured for measuring one or more augering parameters from the sensor emplacement system; and determining, using an autonomous system trained on soil data and augering data, one or more soil classification values for the soil based on the one or more augering parameters.

Abstract: An environmental control system for a space including at least one window adapted for admitting light into the space. The system comprises an environmental controller (such as a fan, a light, an HVAC system, a window, a window covering, or any combination of the foregoing) for regulating an environmental condition, and at least one first sensor, such as a radiant heat flux sensor, for sensing an amount of radiant energy associated with the space and generating an output. A controller is provided for controlling the operation of the environmental controller based on the sensor output. Related methods are also disclosed.