Image: Getty Images.
As part of research on the megapavuna (which includes large animal species), scientists at the University of Murdoch launched small multirotor drones (made of multiple impulses) from a boat in Bilbara, Western Australia. A breathtaking feat to observe one of two species in the line of Sirens: Dugongs. A specific method based on the horizontal trajectory of classic drones.
“Instead of using a horizontal flight path with long parallel lines above and below the entire survey area, we tested a phase-based system that could study one or more phased cells, at the same time,” explains researcher Christoph Cleguer. At Murdoch University.
This invention helps to overcome some of the obstacles associated with the use of small drones such as low autonomy or strict flight regulations. With this method, researchers find the density of dukong in specific areas. In 2018, 103 dukongs were discovered, up from 47 in June 2019.
A system that can be modified
Since the surgery is cheap, a Dukong resident can re-examine the area. The highly accurate grid system allows for a large number of flights and facilitates the investigation of Australian researchers.
During the study, 240 aircraft, including 17 aircraft, were carried over an area of 11.36 square kilometers per day. The grid system detected 149 thogons, manually analyzed by researchers on 50,482 images.
Amanda Hodgson, a researcher at the University of Murdoch, hopes that this method can be used to study other remote locations and their wildlife: “The method we have developed provides solutions for real-world applications because of its potential, ease of implementation, and achievable surface protection. It can be used to track any sea megabouna visible on the surface. Or observe terrestrial animals in a full-scale environment ”.
This system will become a real achievement for the future of environmental monitoring around the world.
The study was Published In Boundaries in marine science.
Source: ZDNet.com
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