USGS Initiated Low-Level Flights Over California and Nevada

The geological survey aims to modernize mapping and evaluate seismic hazards in the Great Basin region.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Geography

A research survey airplane flies over rugged high-desert mountain ridges and vast basins in the western United States. — The U.S. Geological Survey has initiated low-level flights over eastern California and western Nevada to modernize mapping and evaluate regional seismic hazards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Geological Survey has launched a series of low-level airplane flights across eastern California and western Nevada. This initiative uses airborne geophysical technology to collect data for modernizing geological mapping.

Why it matters

The project aims to improve the identification of natural hazards, groundwater resources, and energy potential. By providing detailed regional data, the study supports future mineral exploration and seismic hazard assessments.

Helicopters equipped with passive stinger sensors fly at an altitude of 330 feet along lines spaced 660 feet apart. The project focuses on gathering magnetic and radiometric data without the use of photography or video.

The players

U.S. Geological Survey

This scientific agency provides impartial information on the health of ecosystems and the environment and manages natural hazards.

California Geological Survey

This state agency identifies and maps the state's geologic hazards and resources to support public safety and economic development.

The details

The survey is a collaborative effort between the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the California Geological Survey, utilizing aircraft operated by NRG Exploration USA Inc. and Woolpert. Operations are staged from airports in Bishop and Lone Pine to cover portions of the Great Basin.

Survey flights commenced in October 2026.

Deeper Dive

This project follows the systematic data collection goals established by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. It represents a regional extension of the agency's broader mandate to modernize geological frameworks using high-resolution aerial technology.

Residents in the survey area may notice low-flying helicopters during daylight hours throughout the duration of the project. The resulting data will eventually contribute to more accurate assessments of geothermal energy and regional seismic risks.

The takeaway

Geophysical surveys provide essential data that informs long-term infrastructure and resource management strategies. Residents can expect these flight operations to continue strictly during daylight hours to maintain safety and efficiency.