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Drone NDVI Pine Forest Survey – Kowen Forest ACT

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Project Overview

Client: ACT Parks and Conservation

Project Location: Kowen Forest, Canberra

Survey Area: 780ha

Project Duration: 1 week

Objective: ACT Parks and Conservation required an aerial survey to assess plant health and growth responses of their pine forest plantations in Canberra. The key goal was to obtain high-resolution aerial imagery of two specific plantation sites within Kowen Forest to determine stocking density following thinning operations.

Scope of Work:

  • Conduct aerial surveys using drones over several pine forest plantation sites.
  • Generate high-resolution orthomosaic and NDVI maps using photogrammetry capture and processing.
  • Utilise AI to analyse the maps for tree counting and assess plant health.
  • Deliver maps in a format compatible with ArcGIS, the client’s in-house GIS package.

 

Project Execution

Equipment and Technology:

  • RTK-enabled drone with multispectral capabilities for precise data capture.
  • Photogrammetry software for high-resolution map processing.
  • Partner AI engine for detailed analysis of tree count, stocking density, and plant health.

Methodology:

  1. Planning and Preparation:
    • Conducted a pre-survey site assessment to define survey parameters and flight paths.
    • Configured the RTK-enabled multispectral drone for accurate geospatial data collection.
  2. Data Capture:
    • Deployed the drone to survey the designated plantation sites within Kowen Forest and Ingledene.
    • Captured high-resolution aerial imagery and multispectral data to assess plant health and growth.
    • Ensured adequate overlap of images as well as consistent altitude to create seamless orthomosaic maps at the appropriate GSD (ground sample distance).
  3. Data Processing:
    • Imported the captured imagery into photogrammetry software to create detailed orthomosaic RGB and NDVI maps.
    • Processed the maps to highlight variations in plant health and growth responses.
  4. Data Analysis:
    • Sent the processed maps to our AI partner for further analysis.
    • The AI engine analysed the maps to count the number of trees, assess stocking density, and evaluate plant health.
  5. Output and Delivery:
    • Exported the final orthomosaic maps in a format compatible with ArcGIS.
    • Delivered the high-resolution maps and AI analysis report to ACT Parks and Conservation.

Results

Deliverables:

  • High-resolution orthomosaic maps of the plantation sites.
  • AI-generated analysis report detailing tree count, stocking density, and plant health assessment.
  • Maps formatted for easy integration into ArcGIS.

Impact:

  • Provided ACT Parks and Conservation with accurate data on tree stocking density and health of the pine plantations.
  • Enabled the client to make informed decisions on forest management and future thinning operations.
  • Enhanced understanding of plant health across the plantation, allowing for targeted interventions and improved forest management.

 

Conclusion

High Exposure Commercial Drone Services successfully completed the environmental aerial survey project for ACT Parks and Conservation, delivering critical insights into the health and density of pine forest plantations in Kowen Forest. By utilising advanced drone technology and AI analysis, we provided precise, actionable data that supported effective forest management and conservation efforts.

This project highlights our capability to execute complex aerial surveys, process high-resolution imagery, and deliver detailed, actionable insights to our clients, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in commercial drone services.