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Geospatial / Feed

Geospatial data and analysis is critical for conservation, from planning to implementation and measuring success. The Geospatial group focuses on all aspects of this field, from field surveys to remote sensing and data development/analysis to GIS systems.

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Vance Russell
Over 35 years of experience in biodiversity conservation worldwide, largely focused on forests, rewilding and conservation technology. I run my own business assisting nonprofits and agencies in the conservation community
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discussion

Winged microchip is smallest-ever human-made flying structure

Katherine "KZ" Zacarian

24 September 2021 6:34pm

I am writing to ask the community for their thoughts on the microflier developed by researchers at Northwestern, as discussed in this publication featured as the ...

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Akiba

25 September 2021 2:56am

I think it looks like a really interesting technology, but it's still in the realm of research and academia. They're correct in that it demonstrates device miniaturization and they look like they're pushing the boundaries of printed circuit board sizes. Also the point of these devices seems to be to demonstrate that it's possible to make electronics capable of unpowered flight. 

On the practical side, I'd say the devices are more of a proof of concept. The electronics in a system can usually be made very light, but all your weight and size will come in the batteries and then the enclosure.  You can achieve something very similar by using a technology called flex/rigid PCBs which are already commercially available and can be custom ordered online. These are commercially fabricated circuit boards, typically used in mobile phones, that have a rigid part where the ICs would be mounted and a flexible part for interconnect, wiring, or mounting discrete components like resistors and capacitors. You'd be able to make these very light since they use a very thin polyimide (high temperature plastic) substrate and you can fabricate in the same winged form factor as what the researchers used. It'd be interesting to see if they make the mechanical files available to others. 

Akiba

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Allen Coral Atlas Completes First Global Coral Reef Maps

Allen Coral Atlas

22 September 2021 12:00am

The Allen Coral Atlas have completed the first global coral reef maps.  Visit the Allen Coral Atlas website for more information. Header image: Coral Reef Image of the Ailinginae Atoll, Marshall Islands, Credit: Greg...

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event

Geo for Good Lightning Talks: Nature Conservation

Google Earth Outreach

17 August 2021 12:00am

Join the Google Earth Outreach team on August 19th for the 5th episode of Geo for Good Lightning Talks. You’ll hear from NGOs, scientists, and practitioners on how they use Google mapping tools to address issues in...

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event

WILDLABS Tech Tutors: Season 3

WILDLABS Team

6 July 2021 12:00am

The WILDLABS Tech Tutors are back for all new season of in-depth walkthroughs, deep discussions on effective, impactful, and inclusive conservation technology project strategies, and - of course- even more answers to...

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event

Competition: Hack the Planet 2021

The Commonwealth

23 April 2021 12:00am

The 2021 Hack the Planet Competition is now accepting entries! This competition is looking for ideas on how to solve the challenges of our ocean with concepts that include the power of imagery, connectivity or other...

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discussion

New Maps from Allen Coral Atlas

ZoeLieb

10 February 2021 7:24pm

Hello from the Allen Coral Atlas Team! The Allen Coral Atlas announces two newly mapped regions: Southeast Asian Archipelago (including all of Indonesia) and the Coral Sea....

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Thomas Starnes

6 March 2021 3:33pm

Wow, thanks for sharing, @ZoeLieb ! Great initiative and wonderful opportunity for people to contribute to the atlas. Good luck!

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event

Event: Role of GIS in Ocean Conservation

esri

26 January 2021 12:00am

Join Esri chief scientist Dawn Wright and National Geographic Certified Educator Sandra Turner on February 19th, 2021 at 1:30 PM PST/4:30 PM EST/9:30 PM GMT for a free virtual discussion and live Q&A on the role of...

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discussion

Drone Mapping for Algal Blooms?

Chippie Kislik

14 March 2018 4:24am

Hi everyone! I am new to the drone world, but I am very curious if anyone has come across any work involving the mapping of algal blooms using drones? I can imagine the...

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Chippie Kislik

19 December 2020 12:20am

Hi Ryan,

Great question. I think it depends on the water clarity and illumination of the water (solar angle can have a big impact on this). I was able to fly above the water and see down to about 2-3 meters below the water's surface down to the benthic algae in the Klamath River last summer. I was flying a Phantom 4 Pro. 

Hope this helps!

Chippie

Ryan Ruttan

19 December 2020 1:05am

OK that opens up some doors. The mavic mini is a lot less expensive and can fly for 30 minutes at a time. The only question would be the camera on board and if it's got what you need for your work.

Harold Tay

17 January 2021 2:39pm

Hi,

Not exactly what you were looking for, but Public Lab have used balloons with cameras to map oil spills.  This could be adapted to your purpose.  You could stick one of Ryan's cameras on it and livestream it 24/7.

Here is another old technology that doesn't get talked about.

I have also worked on an AUV, with the ultimate intent of coastal algal bloom detection.  This doesn't map a bloom, rather it would report anomalous chlorophyl-a readings.  This work is stalled due to lack of testing/development facilities.  And money.

Thanks,

-harold

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event

Making the Most of Tech Tutors Season 2!

WILDLABS Team

30 November 2020 12:00am

WILDLABS is celebrating its five year anniversary! Throughout the rest of 2020, we'll be sharing articles, community features, and case studies showcasing the incredible projects, collaborations, and successes that this...

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WILDLABS Tech Tutors: Season Two

WILDLABS Team

24 November 2020 12:00am

The WILDLABS Tech Tutors are back! Starting this December, join us for our second season and get even more answers to your biggest "how do I do that?" questions of conservation tech. Whether you're a #tech4wildlife...

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