Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Desireé Robinson, Marcus Flesher, Axon Deadrick, Junior Conner Callahan, Jarrett Usui, Josef Kaelin, Douglas Griswold, Raiden Keefer, Harrison Zimmermann, Cole Gresham, Maya Curtis, Ahnika Gee
Lead Presenter's Name
Axon Deadrick
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Stephen Gillam
Abstract
Light pollution is an increasingly urgent environmental and public safety concern that affects energy costs, astronomical research, ecological systems, human health, and aviation. At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), artificial lighting from campus infrastructure and adjacent airport operations contributes to elevated skyglow, limiting the performance of the university’s 1-meter telescope and degrading the nighttime environment. This project seeks to quantitatively map and analyze light pollution across the ERAU Daytona Beach campus using custom-built Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) integrated with environmental sensors and mounted on an unmanned aerial system (UAS). By collecting calibrated sky brightness measurements at multiple altitudes and geospatial coordinates, three-dimensional light intensity maps of campus lighting can be constructed. Bollard light covers were also designed with the goal of reducing upward light trespass while maintaining pedestrian and aviation safety. The effectiveness of redesigned bollard light covers will be evaluated. The project combines engineering, environmental physics, data science, and public policy to produce actionable recommendations for campus lighting improvements. Findings will support both scientific research and sustainability initiatives while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between undergraduate researchers, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Club, and the Campus Safety and Facilities Departments. Ultimately, this work aims to position ERAU as a national leader in aviation-conscious outdoor lighting management.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons
Quantitative Mapping and Mitigation of Light Pollution at ERAU
Light pollution is an increasingly urgent environmental and public safety concern that affects energy costs, astronomical research, ecological systems, human health, and aviation. At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), artificial lighting from campus infrastructure and adjacent airport operations contributes to elevated skyglow, limiting the performance of the university’s 1-meter telescope and degrading the nighttime environment. This project seeks to quantitatively map and analyze light pollution across the ERAU Daytona Beach campus using custom-built Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) integrated with environmental sensors and mounted on an unmanned aerial system (UAS). By collecting calibrated sky brightness measurements at multiple altitudes and geospatial coordinates, three-dimensional light intensity maps of campus lighting can be constructed. Bollard light covers were also designed with the goal of reducing upward light trespass while maintaining pedestrian and aviation safety. The effectiveness of redesigned bollard light covers will be evaluated. The project combines engineering, environmental physics, data science, and public policy to produce actionable recommendations for campus lighting improvements. Findings will support both scientific research and sustainability initiatives while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between undergraduate researchers, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Club, and the Campus Safety and Facilities Departments. Ultimately, this work aims to position ERAU as a national leader in aviation-conscious outdoor lighting management.