Hello, my name is Tony Sidor, and I’m completing my capstone project and degree in Environmental Geology this month! I am focusing on post-wildfire erosion risk mapping in Southern California. My project uses drone-captured imagery and GIS-based analysis to assess erosion potential in areas impacted by the 2024 Line Fire. This burn scar posed significant threats to nearby waterways and infrastructure during the following rainy season, making them ideal case studies for evaluating slope stability, vegetation loss, and runoff behavior.
I used drone-based photogrammetry to create high-resolution orthomosaics and digital elevation models (DEMs). Although I initially considered using LiDAR, I opted for photogrammetry due to data accessibility and project constraints, which taught me a lot about adapting research methods to real-world limitations. This hands-on project helped reinforce how remote sensing, terrain modeling, and BMP planning all come together in environmental consulting.
What I’ve valued most is the opportunity to combine my professional fieldwork experience with academic research. As someone who works in stormwater compliance and erosion control, this project helped deepen my understanding of post-fire hydrology and provided tools I can apply directly in the field. I’m especially thankful to my professors and colleagues who supported the drone flights and data processing, it truly was a collaborative effort. I’m excited to share my research project with others and showcase what’s possible in the Environmental Geology program!
If you are interested in learning more about the University of Illinois Environmental Geology certificate or M.S. programs please visit https://igeology.illinois.edu/
