MLMatthew Liss
UAS OPERATIONS / GIS / AVIATION

From flight planning
to geospatial insight.

I’m Matthew Liss, an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems student at Embry-Riddle. I work with flight operations, LiDAR, and GIS to turn aerial data into useful information.

Explore my work
Prescott, ArizonaEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityExpected graduation · May 2027
01 / SELECTED WORK

Projects

Spatial analysis. Mission planning.
Applied aviation.

Project poster by Matthew Liss and Ronny Schroeder showing LiDAR-based rooftop solar radiation maps and the top ten solar candidates in Downtown Pittsburgh
GEO 450 / ACADEMIC PROJECT

Pittsburgh Rooftop Solar Analysis

Evaluating solar exposure at the building level using LiDAR-derived surface data in Downtown Pittsburgh.

ArcGIS ProLiDARSolar radiation
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Problem
Compare rooftop solar exposure while accounting for surrounding buildings, vegetation, and surface geometry.
My work
Used LiDAR data to create a digital surface model, modeled solar radiation, and calculated mean rooftop radiation using building footprints.
Output
Building-level comparisons, map layouts, a presentation, and a project poster. This measures solar exposure; it does not establish engineering feasibility or installed energy output.
02 / UAS MISSION PLANNINGCLASSROOM SCENARIO

Sandhill Crane Census

Planning a wildlife survey for a simulated U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission in a National Wildlife Refuge.

RPICCRMAirspace coordination
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My role
Remote Pilot in Command in a crew coordination exercise.
Focus
Preflight briefing, crew responsibilities, aviation communications, DOI compliance considerations, and response planning for mission hazards.
Scenario assumptions
The exercise assumes approved BVLOS authority and permits. These are classroom assumptions, not approvals held by me.
03 / REMOTE SENSINGACADEMIC PROJECT

Pittsburgh Landsat Analysis

Using multispectral imagery to compare urban development, vegetation, and other land-cover features.

ArcGIS ProLandsatBand composites
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Problem
Show how different spectral band combinations reveal land-cover features in the Pittsburgh area.
My work
Downloaded Landsat bands 1–7, compared band combinations, and prepared matched map frames at the same extent and scale.
Output
Comparative map layouts with explanations of the band choices and the features they emphasize.
04 / UAS MISSION PLANNINGCLASSROOM SCENARIO

Coastal Landslide Survey

Planning a fixed-wing VTOL survey near restricted airspace, with LiDAR as the proposed mapping payload.

GCS operationsLiDARThreat & error management
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My role
GCS Systems and Sensor Operator in a simulated survey crew.
My work
Prepared telemetry monitoring, sensor operation, communications, and lost-link response considerations.
Mission planning
Considered airspace boundaries, coastal weather, launch and recovery space, and aircraft selection. VTOL capability addressed limited takeoff and landing space.
02 / QUALIFICATIONS

Flight experience.
Technical foundation.

62hrs

UAS flight experience

67hrs

Manned flight experience

3.53

Grade point average

Flight hours and GPA as reported October 2026.

AVIATION

Pilot credentials

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Private Pilot Certificate
  • FAA Drone TRUST
EDUCATION

Embry-Riddle · Prescott

B.S. in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
UAS Pilot Track · Expected May 2027

GIS certificate and GIS minor in progress.

APPLIED EXPERIENCE

Mapping & sensing

UAS Club activities include photogrammetry, campus LiDAR mapping, and a mock search-and-rescue thermal exercise.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION

Dean’s List

Fall 2023 · Spring 2025 · Spring 2026

Honor Roll

Spring 2024 · Fall 2024 · Fall 2025

03 / ABOUT ME
Matthew Liss wearing a suit and tie

Flight operations.
Geospatial problem-solving.

I’m Matthew Liss, a UAS student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, with an expected graduation date of May 2027. Originally from the Pittsburgh area, I hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a Private Pilot Certificate, and I’m completing a GIS certificate and minor.

My experience includes UAS mission planning, aerial mapping, LiDAR processing, and analysis in ArcGIS Pro. I enjoy both the flight operations side of a project and turning the data into maps and findings people can use. My career interests include UAS operations, GIS, and remote sensing, particularly in support of defense and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Mission planningAerial mappingLiDAR processingRemote sensing
412 863 1983matthewliss23@gmail.comLinkedIn profile
04 / PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Résumé overview

Download my résumé or browse a summary of my education, credentials, and selected work.

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