An automated method for basin scale mapping of aquatic habitat using a UAV

This project will use a drone to map aquatic habitat in Carnation Creek. Research better characterizing fish habitat is critical given the declines seen in many coastal fish stocks. Traditional methods of surveying aquatic habitat are often physically demanding and limited to short channel segments. However, advances in fish ecology suggest that better management of fish species require research that links basin scale patterns in channel morphology to aquatic habitat; which is the scale fish complete their life histories. Drones are ideally suited for this challenge due to their affordability and ability to quickly survey areas. A methodology for sub-canopy basin scale mapping of aquatic habitat using drones will be tested and compared to ground surveyed data to determine their accuracy and applicability. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Marwan Hassan

Student:

Carina Helm

Partner:

Fluvial Systems Research Inc.

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

Program: