July 17, 2025
Alaska DOT's Innovative Use of Drone Technology - Everyday Tools and Emergency Readiness
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July 17, 2025
Jesse Escamilla III, S.E., P.E., Alaska DOT&PF, Design Squad Leader - Bridge Section; Ryan Marlow, CMS, Alaska DOT&PF, UAS Program Coordinator, Statewide Aviation
Presentation begins: 09:55
Q&A begins: 55:35
Featured Presentation: Alaska DOT's Innovative Use of Drone Technology - Everyday Tools and Emergency Readiness
Presentation Documents:
Intro & News Slide PDF: News - Intro Slides July 2025
Presentation Slide PDF: Presentation Slides July 2025
***For more information on the Transportation Pooled Fund mentioned during the webinar, follow this link: https://pooledfund.org/Details/Solicitation/1620. The title is "Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Standardization". 13 states are already involved, check to see if yours is one.***
Description:
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Bridge Section has steadily integrated drone technology into its bridge inspection program to address the challenges of working in remote locations, rugged terrain, and harsh conditions. What began as a tool for supplemental documentation has grown into a critical asset for both routine and special inspections. This presentation highlights the virtual assessment of the Koyukuk River Bridge (#1261), where DOT&PF used drones and Starlink-enabled livestreaming to perform a real-time evaluation of structural damage. DOT&PF’s drone program is built around practical application—simple, field-proven workflows that keep inspections efficient and adaptable without over-complication. The session will also provide an overview of current research efforts aimed at developing standardized protocols to support drone-assisted inspections statewide.
Presenters:
Jesse Escamilla III, S.E., P.E.
Design Squad Leader – Bridge Section
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Jesse Escamilla III, P.E., S.E., is a bridge engineer with 20 years of experience and currently leads a design squad within the Alaska DOT&PF Bridge Section. He oversees the design, rehabilitation, and inspection of bridges across the state and serves as a team leader for routine and fracture critical inspections. Jesse initiated Alaska DOT’s drone-based bridge inspection program and continues to advance its use through research, training, and field deployment. He is a licensed drone pilot, an active member of AASHTO’s Committee on Bridges and Structures, and a champion of integrating practical technology to improve infrastructure outcomes in remote environments.
Ryan Marlow, CMS
UAS Program Coordinator, Statewide Aviation
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Ryan is the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Coordinator for the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. He leads efforts to safely integrate and advance UAS and remote sensing technologies across Alaska. With over a decade of experience, Ryan has been instrumental in streamlining aerial data collection and rapid response solutions for both public and private sectors since 2014. His innovative approach has driven significant advancements in software automation, long-range communications, weather-resistant technology, and the development of essential policies for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and counter-UAS measures. As a Certified Mapping Scientist specializing in UAS, Ryan’s extensive expertise includes unmanned photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, emergency response, and critical infrastructure inspections.
Presentation Photos/Graphics:
1) Drone Takeoff (photo courtesy of Alaska DOT&PF)
2) Drone inside Bridge (photo courtesy of Alaska DOT&PF)
3) Drone Bridge Inspection (photo courtesy of Alaska DOT&PF)