The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has some of the Middle East’s most significant coastal and marine environments, including coral reef coasts and the islands that flank it.
Despite facing multiple threats, such as urban and industrial expansion and climate change, these reefs have the world’s lowest bleaching and mortality rates.
Intricate monitoring and evaluation are essential to keep this 1,190 km2 coral reef safe from future hazards. Unfortunately, conventional coral reef inspection, evaluation, and mapping methods for this 38th largest coral habitat will not be feasible.
So, it will need the use of advanced technology-drones.
Habitat Mapping to Identify Potential Coral Regeneration Sites
High-resolution images, thermal, and multispectral data from drone sensors and the camera will help to develop a thorough analysis of the coral reef’s condition. The zoomed-in focus data and the nationwide overview map will make the complete picture.
High-resolution images, thermal, and multispectral data from drone sensors and the camera will help to develop a thorough analysis of the coral reef’s condition. The zoomed-in focus data and the nationwide overview map will make the complete picture.
A cloud base server will keep the data for easy access by all the stakeholders. The georeferenced images will also include thermal data to pinpoint coral health status. The status will be the backbone of a map with a “traffic light” like zonation.
Benefits of Aerial Inspection and Mapping of Coral Reef Habitat
Drone Data for Surveying Habitats
High-resolution images, thermal, and multispectral data from drone sensors and the camera will help to develop a thorough analysis of the coral reef’s condition. The zoomed-in focus data and the nationwide overview map will make the complete picture.
A cloud base server will keep the data for easy access by all the stakeholders. The georeferenced images will also include thermal data to pinpoint coral health status. The status will be the backbone of a map with a “traffic light” like zonation.
Drones Outsmart Mapping & Inspection Methods
The drone survey data will offer an overall view of the location in multi- and RGB-spectral detail. A sophisticated modern drone can cover a 5-10 km2 site daily. However, it will depend on the types of drones. For example, fixed-wing drones cover more than any quadcopter.
It will be easier to find the site’s location, size, volume, etc., in full-site digital ortho and multispectral imagery, GPS coordinates, and 3D models. Reports and analysis tools will add additional perspective on the coral reef growth and potential hazards.
Aerial habitat mapping and inspection maximize area coverage, decrease elapsed time, increase security, and enhance data collection and reporting.
Drone Solution for Mapping and Inspection
| Drone | Diver | |
| Coverage (in an hour) | 5 km2 | 0.16 km2 |
| Working capacity per day | 16 hours | 2 hours |
