Historically, bird and marine mammal surveys have been dependent upon visual survey methods, however as technology and the needs of developers and regulators have evolved over the last ten years, the move towards digital aerial survey methods has increased.
For years, and until camera technology was refined and tested, boat-based surveys were the go-to solution when it came to the collation and analysis of ornithology data.
Highly experienced field scientists often braved every type of weather to visually identify birds from viewing towers on vessels, recording numbers, and estimating flight heights before returning to shore to collate their findings. The benefits of this approach include the ability of the expert to identify the nuances between similar-looking species and record other environmental factors ‘in the flesh’.
However, often many of the vessels used were decommissioned fishing boats which the birds instinctively flocked towards with the hope of food, giving unreliable data. It is also now well known that other species actively avoid vessels of any kind, either by moving away or by diving, again introducing unquantifiable bias into the data.
This method provides no audit trail, the results were recorded based on expert (time served) observers, and data needed to be “corrected” post-survey for analysis.
From low altitude bird spotter planes fitted with viewing bubbles so that experts could see species, the industry has now evolved to digital aerial still images. The benefits of a digital aerial solution are many and include:
The specialist APEM team capture ultra-high resolution (1.5cm resolution) stills for wildlife survey projects, using state-of-the-art cameras. These are mounted inside the aircraft using stabilized camera mounts, mitigating any vibration issues, and provides industry-leading image quality, essential for species-level identification.
Each survey flown has an onboard camera technician, who constantly monitors the images captured, making immediate adjustments as required.
APEM deliver digital stills aerial surveys and work with clients to ensure that they understand their needs, getting the design of a survey right first time.
Our technical experience is second to none and over the years we have fine-tuned our methodologies to ensure that we can provide the best possible advice that will deliver exactly what a client requires. Our experience in providing data suitable for the consent / permitting process is unrivaled.
To find out more visit our marine wildlife and ornithology survey page or if you have a specific question or requirement, please contact us.
Getting it right – the importance of wildlife aerial survey de...
Every wildlife survey is different, and at APEM we pride ourselves on understanding our clients’ needs and getting the design of a survey right first time.
