Mapping Northeast Florida Ecosystems with Unmanned Aircraft Systems

By Ross Stephenson

Backed by Denny Luan, Rostyslav Sipakov, Tim Riley, Gavin Edwards, Pam Bennett Wodzicki, Jason P Schein, Deborah Lepper, Cindy Wu, Christina Tran, Bo Sprotte Kofod, and 2 other backers

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, Florida

Open Access

$261

Raised of $4,300 Goal

Ended on 1/23/16

Campaign Ended

$261
pledged
7%
funded
Finished
on 1/23/16

?How does this work?

About This Project

Students within the Jacksonville University School of Aviation are working collaboratively with the Marine Science Research Institute and the Department of Geography and the Environment to use unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, to create orthomosaic maps and 3D models of the oyster reefs in the Northern Jacksonville area. The students will begin mapping in January 2016. The maps and findings will be presented to the backers of this project as well as our partners for further analysis.

Ask the Scientists

Join The Discussion

What is the context of this research?

Harvesting of oysters in Northeast Florida was halted when the monitoring stations used to assess the health of the beds were discontinued over 15 years ago. There is growing interest in reopening the beds to commercial and recreational harvesting. Students and professors from the Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI), the School of Aviation, and Geography and the Environment are collaborating to develop a cost-effective method of monitoring the health of oysters reefs in Duval County.

What is the significance of this project?

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for monitoring the health of oyster beds in Duval County is a sustainable, cost effective solution. This allows database information to be collected in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. UAS represent a low carbon footprint solution as compared to manned aircraft; the risk of hazardous waste spill from UAS is low; and the time and resources required to collect the data are significantly reduced. Information gathered through this research will be used to assess changes to the reefs over time and make recommendations to governmental entities about reopening the oyster beds for harvesting.

What are the goals of the project?

The School of Aviation's immediate goal is to engage students operational capabilities utilizing drones to create orthomosaic maps and 3D models with our DJI Inspire 1 drones. Once trained on the mapping and modeling software, the students will begin to map the natural resource area of operation and present findings and reef measurements to our collaborative partners for further analysis. Students will use UAS 3D modeling techniques, which will allow precise measurements to be made of the oyster reefs without creating unwanted damage to the ecosystem. Measurement will be provided to our collaborative partners to assess the rate of growth of the reefs. Students will share their research with our donors periodically and will provide a summary of findings upon project completion.

Budget

Please wait...

The graphics computer will be used primarily for the processing of the imagery taken by the drones to create orthomosaic maps and 3D models. All students engaged in the drone research projects and subsequent applications of 3D modeling techniques at the university will be provided hands on instruction and use of the Pix4D software on this computer.

Endorsed by

Ross Stephenson is the Faculty Advisor and project manager for the JU School of Aviation’s participation in a joint project to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s), or “Drones” to map the St John’s River Oyster beds in support of the JU Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI). The equipment he is funding will enable the photographic data to be processed into 3D models using previously obtained software to better enable analysis of the condition, size and potential of the various reefs being studied. The proper graphics computer will enable the work of the students to be presented in the best possible format/ resolution to be of use by the MSRI.

Matt Tuohy

Director, Jacksonville University School of Aviation

The Marine Science Research Institute is excited to collaborate with Professor Ross Stephenson who is the Faculty Advisor and project manager for the JU School of Aviation’s effort to map oyster beds in northeast Florida using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s), or “Drones”. This is a timely and cost effective method to assess the health of our oyster beds and to explore potential for restoration. This project builds on previous work in the area. Specifically, the equipment funded through this program will enhance the data interpretation over traditional methods. The proposed graphics computer will expand the ability of the students to interpret the photographic images with high resolution graphics.

A. Quinton White, Jr., Ph.D.

Professor of Biology and Marine Science and Executive Director, Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University

The EPIC Program at Jacksonville University facilitates interdisciplinary projects such as Professor Ross Stephenson’s work with the Marine Science Research Institute. This project allows students from aviation to work alongside marine science students in a real world setting to find a cost-effective method of assessing the health of oyster beds in Northeast Florida. This experience allows students from both disciplines to become familiar with each other's fields; refine their communication skills; and learn to creatively solve challenging real world problems. Ultimately, these aviation and marine science students will be better prepared to enter the workforce and become leaders in their fields.

Terri Davlantes

Executive Director, EPIC Initiative at Jacksonville University

Meet the Team

Ross Stephenson

Ross Stephenson is an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics at Jacksonville University where he teaches courses in aviation management. Prior to becoming a professor, Stephenson was a Program Operations Manager for L-3 Communications as well as a pilot with L-3 and Avenge, Inc. His background also includes many positions in the United States Marine Corp where he served as a Master Instructor, Executive Officer, Operations Manager, Director of Flight Operations, and Director of Aviation Safety and Standardization. Ross is currently a student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the PhD in Aviation Program.