08
Nov
Nov
Boaters and residents at Lake of the Ozarks are intrigued by unmanned, six-foot-long vessels resembling inflatable catamarans. While some speculate humorously about their purpose, these Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are mapping the Lake’s contours to update nautical charts, as explained by Willis Maxson of SimpleUnmanned, LLC, who built and operates them. Equipped with GPS and sonar, the vessels travel at two mph, logging data continuously. Maxson monitors them remotely, especially in busy areas. He urges the community to avoid tampering with the drones, which have faced issues from curious onlookers in the past.