Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) enable the collection of detailed aerial imagery, sometimes over large, remote, and inaccessible areas, allowing us to calculate or track changes with minimal environmental disruption. Our fleet currently operates with RGB-cameras to capture high-resolution images, which can be further processed to create mosaics and point clouds for 2D and 3D analysis.
UAV mapping and surveillance is an effective method to not only enhance data collection efforts, but to support proactive management strategies aimed at preserving resources and habitats. We combine UAV imagery collection with GNSS hardware to ensure the highest possible accuracy and ground-truthing of our modelled outputs. This step is essential for conducting multiple surveys, as the comparative imagery data needs to be georeferenced and overlaid in precisely the same location.
Mudfish Habitat Development and RelocationEnvironment Canterbury
The Canterbury mudfish (kōwaro) is one of four fish species in New Zealand classified as ‘Threatened – Nationally Critical’, which is the highest threat classification for extant freshwater fish in the country. There was growing concern about the future of this species due to its highly fragmented population within an increasingly intensifying agricultural landscape. The Regional Council and other stakeholders committed to creating new habitat suitable for the introduction and protection of mudfish. Along with designing the physical environment and overseeing it’s construction, we used UAV surveys to assess changing habitat conditions to determine when they were sufficiently developed (composition and density) for the introduction of mudfish, providing the greatest chance for successful colonisation and thus contributing to the goal of saving this species from extinction.
Aerial Mapping for Effective Willow ManagementHakataramea Sustainability Collective
Braided rivers in New Zealand are unique ecosystems that support a diverse array of plant and animal species. Their dynamic nature of shifting gravels and meandering channels create a variety of habitats, with shallow waters and exposed gravel beds providing ideal breeding and feeding grounds for native fish, as well as critical nesting sites for native bird species.
Braided river environments are often large, remote, and difficult to access, which leaves them vulnerable to introduced pest species. The use of UAVs has been crucial in our development of a monitoring programme to help a catchment group better manage willow ingress within their braided river, serving as an eye-in-the-sky to monitor aerial spray die-off and help ground teams make informed decisions on how to coordinate and focus their efforts.
