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Technique: MELP/CORO-EML
Project I.D. No. 1
| Survey Data | Objective: Biophysical
shore-zone mapping Location: Vancouver Is; Gwaii Haanas/South Moresby Period of Surveys: 1991-1994 Altitude (m): 100-200 Other: obliques imagery collected from helicopter, bio & geo commentaries |
| Equipment | Camera: Sony, H18
consumer Tape Format: H18 Audio Record: 2 channel audio; bio and geo Positioning: 30 sec fixes, manual recording on maps 35mm Photos: slide; located on basemaps, audio Aircraft: Bell 206; rear door removed |
| Reporting | Tape Archive System: yes Location Maps: yes; hard copy w 30 sec fix marks Tape Location: MELP-Victoria Reference: Harper, J.R., M. Morris, P.D. Reimer 1994. Flightline log, aerial video survey of West Coast Vancouver Island, 23-26 June 1994. Technical Report by Coastal & Ocean Resources Inc for Land Use Coordination Office, MELP, Victoria, B.C., 13p. w appendices. |
| Post-Survey Editing |
Edits: yes, 1995 Copies: VHS Edit Format: ¾" |
| Contact | Howes, Don Phone: (250)356-7721 Land-Use Coordination Office Fax: (250)953-3481 Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks E-Mail: dhowes@luco.env.gov.bc.ca |
| Description | This aerial video imaging technique relies on obliquely collected imagery from low altitude aircraft. Most surveys have been conducted from helicopters, with the door removed, shooting an oblique image of the shoreline. With typical imaging altitudes of 100-200m, features of the size of cobbles can be resolved in the imagery. Synchronous audio commentary on shoreline biota and shorelines morphology substrate are recorded on separate audio tracks. Cost of imagery collection and production of draft flightline maps has averaged about $30/km of shoreline imaged over the past three years. |
Technique: MELP/Waberski-Darrow
Project I.D. No. 3
| Survey Data | Objective: River habitat
surveys and classification Location: Fort St. John District, MELP Period of Surveys: Altitude (m): 50-100 |
| Equipment | Camera: remote pan-tilt
mount external pod Tape Format: SVHS Audio Record: Yes, 1 audio channel; 2 possible Positioning: DGPS; GPS burned to video image 35mm Photos: not usually; vertical mount possible Aircraft: helicopter, Bell 206 |
| Reporting | Tape Archive System: no
formal system Location Maps: yes; hardcopy; digital files; attribute database Tape Location: MELP-Fort St. John Reference: Downs, T., J. Robertson 1995.Aerial Video Survey Techniques for Stream Habitat Classification. Technical Report by District Office, MELP, Fort St. John, BC, (in prep). |
| Post-Survey Editing |
Edits: yes; cleanup tapes to
remove overlap, add labels Copies: Edit Format: SVHS |
| Contact | Down, Ted Phone: (250) 787-3289 Fish & Wildlife Branch, MELP Fax: (250) 787-3507 10003 110th Ave E Mail: Fort St. John BC V1S 6M7 |
| Description | This system has been used for
mapping stream morphology in support of MELP fisheries programs from the Fort St. John
district office. Habitat ;types are characterized at mapping scales of 1:10,000, are
georeferenced to DGPS standards, are plotted on hard-copy maps and are logged in digital
databases. The system has been used on about 9 surveys in the northeastern area of BC.
Approximately 800km of surveys have been flown using this system. Imagery is acquired
using a variable orientation camera system mounted on a helicopter. Typical flying
altitudes are 100-300' and flight speeds are 20-30 knots. The stream channel and riparian
zones are framed in the image; imagery is usually collected obliquely, although vertical
shots are possible. A habitat ecologist describes the river habitats in terms of a
regionally standardized MELP classification during the overflight. This audio commentary
is logged on the audio channel of the videotape. The habitat ecologist also indicates
break points between habitats which are digitally logged by the navigator using an event
marker on the on-board laptop computer. GPS positions (latitude and longitude) are
"burned" on the video image during the overflight, along with date, time,
aircraft heading and utm coordinates while simultaneously being logged to the computer
with the event information. (Continued...) SVHS recording decks are used to record the imagery and audio channel data. Post survey processing includes: differential correction of the GPS positional data, "cleaning" of the trackline data (e.g., removing turns, or overlaps), plotting the flightline, river channels and associated habitat data onto 24x36" plots, developing a DXF-file format of the map data and spreadsheet files of the habitat data. Video imagery is edited to remove overlaps and turns and to insert labels. Acquisition and processing (as described above) costs are estimated at about $70/km. |
Technique: Range & Bearing
Project I.D. No. 4
| Survey Data | Objective: various -
river and coastal habitat; shellfish habitats Location: arctic; many BC rivers; coastal areas of Queen Charlotte Islands Period of Surveys: Altitude (m): 150-200 Other: use permanently mounted fixed-nose camera and operator-tilt cameras in tail pod. |
| Equipment | Camera: 2; fixed in nose
and tilt-mounted in tail pad; gyro stabilized Tape Format: SVHS; Hi8 Audio Record: yes; one standard, two possible Positioning: GPS and DGPS 35mm Photos: yes, oblique Aircraft: twin-engine, low-wing; Piper Navajo or Hughes 500 |
| Reporting | Tape Archive system: tapes
provided to clients Location Maps: yes; hard-copy; digital files Tape Location: various Reference: Nass, Bryan, 1994. Fisheries habitat assessment of the Ishkeemickh River, B.C. using aerial video imagery, 1993. Technical Report by LGL Ltd for Nisga'a Tribal Council, New Aiyansh, B.C., 12p. w appendices. |
| Post-Survey Editing | Edits: yes Copies: VHS, SVHS, Hi8, 8 Edit Format: |
| Contact | Campbell, Doug Phone: (604)
541-2634; Range & Bearing Environmental (800) 670-3880 Resource Mapping Corporation Fax: (604) 541-2828 200-1678 128th St E Mail dcampbel@direct.ca South Surrey BC V4A 3V3 |
| Description | This technique has been used in
a variety of applications ranging from coastal resource surveys, shellfish habitat
inventories to river channel surveys. Applications of the imagery include: shellfish
habitat characterization (Environment Canada) and river morphology (Environment Canada)
characterization. Two camera systems are used: (1) a fixed, forward-looking, wide-angle, nose-mounted camera and (2) an operator-controlled, gyro-stabilized tilt camera which can shoot in either an oblique or vertical mode. The tilt-camera is permanently mounted in a Plexiglas pod on the tail of a twin-engine, fixed-wing aircraft. Typical flight altitudes are 300 to 750' at 100 knots. Imagery and audio signals are recorded onto Super VHS (SVHS) recording decks (Hi8 optional). Two on-board GPS systems are typically used: (1) an aircraft Trimble Navigation System that supplies uncorrected GPS positions and (2) a Trimble Pathfinder System with a time stamp that can be post-survey processed to provide DGPS. (Continued...) Navigation data is logged on a laptop computer and recorded on an audio track of the videotape. The navigation system has the capability of using digitized maps through a QuikMap GIS System to provide real-time, inflight map data and to pre-plot flightlines. The minimum flying configuration is with a pilot and a camera-operator/navigator. The aircraft can accommodate four, including the pilot, although the low-wing configuration limits visibility of the observers. Post-survey processing varies depending on client needs. The simplest processing would involve supplying the videotapes with a hard-copy flightline map. Plotting of the flightline tracks on digital maps is routinely conducted. Image processing to map habitats or other map features is possible, especially using vertical-mode imagery Typical data acquisition costs are $6-17/km. In the Ishkeenickh River survey, video acquisition costs were $66/km (2 passes over the 37 km survey area; costs with interpretation were $193/km; Nass 1993). Prices vary depending on the amount of pre and post-survey processing. Mobilization of the aircraft to the survey base is an additional cost. |
Technique: MOF-Queen Charlotte Island Coastal Landscape Inventory
Project I.D. No. 5
| Survey Data | Objective: provide
inventory data for mapping landscape and recreational features and designing cutbacks to
minimize visual impacts Location: coastal
areas of Queen Charlotte Islands |
| Equipment | Camera: Sony Hi8
camcorder, high-end consumer, Sony CDDXX3 Tape Format: Hi8 Audio Record: yes; one standard; 2 possible Positioning: GPS burned on image 35mm Photos: yes; selected locations Aircraft: helicopter, Bell a206 on floats; rear door removed |
| Reporting | Tape Archive System:
no formal system Location Maps: yes; hard-copy 1:150,000 hand plotted Tape Location: MOF Queen Charlotte (Recreation Section) Reference: |
| Post-Survey Editing |
Edits: no Copies: VHS Edit Format: n/a |
| Contact | Eccles, Brian Phone: (250)
559-6223 Ministry of Forests Fax: 250) 559-8342 Box 39 E Mail: Queen Charlotte BC V0T 1S0 |
| Description | This system was developed to
inventory coastal forest areas for use in landscape inventories, recreational inventories
and cut-block planning by the Ministry of Forests (MOF). Oblique aerial video imagery is
reviewed to inventory various landscape and recreational features, which are summarized on
base maps. Selected video frames are digitally captured and processed to review cut-block
alternatives and to view landscapes from different view points. The entire coastal area of the QCI Forest District has been surveyed using this technique since 1993. Oblique video imagery is acquired from a helicopter
equipped with floats; the camera is hand-held with the cameraman located in the rear seat
with the door removed. The cameraman and navigator provide a continuous narrative
commentary, which is recorded on one audio channel; this channel also records intercom
audio from the aircraft. Consumer grade Hi8 camcorder systems are used to collect the
imagery (SONY D5000). GPS from the aircraft is burned onto the video image for selected locations; GPS data is not recorded with the tape. The navigator also keeps a flightline track on 1:150,000 scale maps; annotations are added to these maps. Tapes are re-dubbed following the survey with original commentary is over-written. No additional editing is usually conducted. Tapes are copied to long-play (6 hr) VHS tapes for general use. No formal reports have been prepared and there is no formal archiving system. Imagery acquisition costs are estimated at about $30/km to produce the above described products. |
Technique: MELP-Victoria Stream Survey
Project I.D. No. 6
| Survey Data | Objective:Stream
morphology surveys for fisheries habitat monitoring Location: All areas Period of Surveys: Altitude (m): 100-200 Other: oblique aerial video imagery with synchronous morphology classification |
| Equipment | Camera: Sony TR-101
Camcorder Tape Format: Hi8 Audio Record: yes; 1 channel; two possible Positioning: 1:50,000 topo maps tied to index 35mm Photos: not usually Aircraft: helicopter; Bell 206 |
| Reporting | Tape Archive System
nothing formal; in file cabinet Location Maps: none Tape Location: MELP-Victoria Reference: |
| Post-Survey Editing |
Edits: yes; labeling,
remove overlap Copies: VHS Edit Format: Hi8 masters; VHS copies |
| Contact | Norris, Gary Phone: (250)
387-9560 Fisheries Branch, MELP Fax: (250) 3879750 2nd Floor, 780 Blanshard St E Mail: Victoria BC V8V 1X4 |
| Description | This survey program collects
imagery for stream habitat classification. Oblique aerial imagery is collected, along with
an audio narration, of the streams and riparian zones on each side of the stream.
Following collection the imagery with audio is used to classify various reaches of the
rivers and stream in terms of a standard classification system of the branch.
Approximately 12 separate surveys have been conducted covering an estimated 1,000 km of
river. Oblique aerial imagery is collected from a helicopter using hand-held camera. The cameraman sits in the rear seat with the door removed; an observer sits in front of the cameraman and provides a running commentary on the stream morphology; this commentary is recorded on one of the audio soundtracks. A Sony TR 101 Hi8 camcorder is used. Flight altitudes are typically 100-200m with flight speeds of 50-80 knots. No flightline data is recorded during the overflight; positions are reconstructed following the survey by recording time from various confluences. A backup Sony Video Walkman is used to display the imagery for the forward observer and to provide a backup tape copy (8mm tape format). (Continued...) The tapes are edited by MELP to remove overlaps and turns, and to add labels on the tapes. The tapes are edited in a Hi8 format to produce Hi8 masters. Working copies on VHS are provided to client departments. The original imagery and edited masters are maintained in the MELP-Victoria office. The surveys tapes are interpreted following the survey to map habitat characteristics. 1:50,000 Aquatic Biophysical maps are produced associated data files (morphology/FIS summary). |
Technique: MELP Cranbrook Pilot Comparative Survey
Project I.D. No. 7
| Survey Data | Objective: pilot project
of detailed stream havitat mapping Location: Cranbrook District Period of Surveys: 1994 Altitude: 30-50 Other: The pilot project compared aerial video habitat data to GPS-fixed ground surveys in 1 of 7 assessments |
| Equipment | Camera: fixed mount,
remote pan, tilt Tape Format: SVHS Audio Record: Yes, 1 audio channel Positioning: DGPS, GPS burned on image 35mm Photos: no Aircraft: helicopter, Bell 206 |
| Reporting | Tape Archive System: no
formal system; single survey Location Maps: yes; hardcopy; digital files Tape Location: MELP, Cranbrook District Reference: Downs, T., J. Robertson 1995. Aerial Video Survey Techniques for Stream Habitat Classification. Technical Report by District Office, MELP, Fort St. John, BC, (in prep). |
| Post-Survey Editing |
Edits: no Copies: Edit Format: n/a |
| Contact | Oliver, Gerry Phone: (250)
489-8556 MELP - Kootenay Region Fax: (250) 489-8506 205 Industrial Road G E Mail: Goliver@cranbrook.env.gov.bc.ca Cranbrook BC V1C 6H3 |
| Description | This pilot project was conducted
to test the use of aerial video imagery and GPS of stream attributes as a prerequisite of
fish habitat assessment under Watershed Restoration Program. It was intended to reduce the
amount of time normally required in a ground survey. A reconnaissance overflight was
conducted using the technique developed by the Fort St. John MELP office, then detailed
habitat characterization was conducted from the helicopter during a slow, low-altitude
over pass of the watershed. On one stream, a ground survey using GPS-positioned personnel
was conducted to map habitat. Oblique aerial video imagery was collected using a fixed-mount camera with pan and tilt (see Project Description No. 3). Flight altitudes were about 75m. Positioning was by GPS, which was burned on to the image of the video. SVHS recording decks were used.
Imagery and follow-up overflight GPS data were compared to ground survey GPS data. Comparison of the data indicate that the video imagery/audio is of sufficient resolution to resolve 50-100m habitat units for 4th and 5th order streams; GPS-positioned ground surveys resolve features in the order of 1-5m and are more appropriate to categorizing 1st, 2nd and 3rd order streams. The video imagery was useful in classifying reach-breaks at the watershed scale as well as providing a record of riparian habitat (vegetation type, distribution and density). |
Technique: Terra Survey LIDAR/Coastal Charting Surveys
Project I.D. No. 8
| Survey Data | Objective: mapping high
and low tide lines for coastal hydrographic charting Location: Strait of Georgia; arctic Period of Surveys: 1990-1995 Altitude (m): 500 Other: vertical imagery with DGPS and inertial navigation can be used to plot feature 1m accuracy |
| Equipment | Camera: fixed mount;
fixed oblique possible Tape Format: SVHS Audio Record: no; two channels possible Positioning: DGPS; millisecond time code burned on image 35mm Photos: no Aircraft: fixed wing (Cessna 182 & up); helicopter |
| Reporting | Tape Archive System: no
formal system Location Maps: yes Tape Location: Terra Surveys Reference: |
| Post-Survey Editing |
Edits: no Copies: Edit Format: n/a |
| Contact | Onyschtshuk, Peter Phone: (250)
656-0931 Terra Survey Ltd. Fax: (250) d;d656-4604 1962 Mills Rd E Mail: Sidney BC V3L 3R9 |
| Description | Vertical aerial imagery is
collected during LIDAR bathymetric surveys (water depth is measured using a laser) in
coastal waters to delineate shore features, in particular, the high water line, the low
water lines and other intertidal. The information is used as base data for the development
of hydrographic charts. The imagery is collected
from fixed-wing aircraft, usually a Twin Otter or Beaver, at the same time LIDAR data is
collected. The instrument package incorporates an inertial navigation system and DGPS
positioning equipment. The camera system is mounted vertically, such that imagery very
similar to a vertical aerial photo is obtained. The scale of the image varies depending on
the altitude but is typically in the order of a 1:10,000 when displayed on a monitor,
features the size of a few metres can usually be resolved in the imagery. A time code is
burned onto the video image and simultaneously recorded on the on-board computer.
Flightline paths can be reconstructed following the survey using the inertial navigation
data (removes pitch, roll, and heave aircraft motion) and survey-quality DGPS, resulting
in track line positions with 1-2m accuracy. Features on the imagery are digitized on the screen (e.g., high water line) and navigational data used to correct the positions; the digitized features are then plotted to a base file for eventual reconstruction into chart. No post-survey editing of the imagery is normally conducted. |
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