GUEST PRESENTER – Anne Adams had the pleasure of introducing Blake Allan – researcher at Deakin University, PhD in Environmental Science.
MAPPING WITH DRONES
Blake teaches mapping (marine) at Deakin, a model drone was presented (when operating offers great accuracy ~ 3cm per picsel)
Drones; we are talking about the type of drones you can buy at Harvey Norman.
My role is mapping, via satellite or aircraft mapping can be expensive.
The route is plotted and executed via a built-in autopilot.
Drones offer photographic assessments for measurements. Identify whales, monitoring size etc 500 meters away from the pod.
Google maps is an alternative type of mapping, stitching maps to give an accurate image. 700 maps stitched together to complete a single image.
Count animals, penguins, bird colonies, the applications are endless.
Build 3D models using photographs stitched together. Time series photographs to work out for example the amount in cubic metres of sand which may be washed away during storms.
Spotting koalas with drones, thermal imaging cameras. Takes the OH&S risk out of photography.
Agriculture – NDVI normalised difference vegetation index, colour is used to determine the health and condition of crops, then farmers can regulate the amount of fertilizer / water etc. to apply.
Aero bugs – drones drop bugs onto crops to eat the pests i.e. caterpillars.
Gorse spraying with drones, mapping coordinates to target areas with the drones.
Mustering cattle, the cattle don’t like the noise and shy away from the drones.
A farmer will check the levels of water catchments on his farm by sending out the drone each morning.
Drones build temporary bridges, emergency service situations.
Drones can be flown in many conditions, cut off 15knots or 30kph.
Currently setting up community groups along the coast to complete mapping. Blake is undertaking a lot of training with groups.
