Drones 101-1000: Applications in Landscape Architecture - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Russell Thomman is the founder of Second Spatial, a geospatial firm specializing in drone mapping, 3D visualization, and land-based data solutions for design and planning professionals. With over 11 years of hands-on experience flying drones, Russell has leveraged UAV technology to enhance everything from site analysis to immersive client presentations. His expertise spans FAA-certified drone operations and the integration of aerial data into GIS, CAD, and visualization platforms. Through Second Spatial, he also advises firms on effective technology implementation, helping teams adopt tools that streamline workflows and improve project outcomes. As both a business owner and practitioner, Russell brings a unique perspective on how drones can transform design processes, support sustainable development, and create new opportunities for communication and clarity in the built environment.

Qing Lana Luo, PLA, MLA, ASLA, is an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Sustainable Design at Oklahoma State University. She brings to academia over seventeen years of professional practice experience in landscape architecture, having held key leadership positions at internationally recognized design firms including EDSA, Carol R. Johnson Associates (CRJA, now Arcadis | IBI Placemaking), and Turenscape. Her portfolio spans a wide range of project types and geographies—from urban parks to large-scale mixed-use developments—and has been widely recognized through both national and international design awards.

Since joining OSU, Professor Luo has taught for over a decade, with a focus on sustainable design, urban landscape, and the integration of technology in landscape architecture. Her research and teaching explore the intersection of design and emerging technologies, including the use of drones for site analysis and visualization, and the potential of artificial intelligence in design thinking and planning processes. She is particularly interested in how these tools can advance sustainability, spatial equity, and innovation in contemporary design practice. A recipient of multiple teaching honors, including the land-grant university association’s innovative teaching award, she is committed to guiding students toward meaningful and forward-thinking design careers.