Ecological drone surveys utilize UAVs equipped with advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras to gather data on wildlife, habitats, and environmental conditions in an efficient, non-intrusive way. These surveys map landscapes, monitor vegetation changes, monitor and identify invasive species, assess habitat suitability and track animal movements without disturbing ecosystems. Drones provide cost-effective, high-level perspectives, 3D Models, and detailed imagery that informs conservation strategies, biodiversity net gain plans, and the management of construction sites. 

Key Applications

• Wildlife Monitoring: Drones can fly at high altitudes, using zoom and thermal cameras to locate, identify, and count wildlife, even elusive species in dense vegetation, without disturbing them. 
• Habitat Mapping & Assessment: Imagery from drones creates detailed maps of vegetation structure, identifies wildlife corridors, and maps the extent of habitats, providing valuable data for conservation and site management. 
• Environmental Change Monitoring: High-resolution imagery and orthomosaics allow for rapid visual assessments of a site, enabling ecologists to track changes over time, monitor erosion, loss of habitat, sea level change and check compliance with plans like biodiversity net gain. 
• Infrastructure & Building Surveys: Drones can inspect otherwise inaccessible structures like roofs to check for nesting birds or bat roosts, which is crucial before demolition or construction work begins. 
• Geological Mapping: In addition to ecological applications, drones can be used to create 3D models of geological features, assisting with erosion monitoring and mapping sensitive areas like eroding cliffs