SLiDAP: The Satellite-Linked Data Acquisition and Photogrammetry System.
Abstract of Technical Development Project:
The goal of the SLiDAP technical development project is the design and implementation of a local area imaging network for polar regions that is remotely accessible via satellite high-speed data link. The primary purpose of this imaging network is the performance of close-range three-dimensional photogrammetry for the remote determination of accurate spatial dimensions. By incorporating 3D-photogrammetry into the imaging system, we are transforming remote, close-range imaging from a simple observational tool to into a sophisticated quantitative tool for the accurate assessment of biological and physical systems in extreme environments.
Our rationale for developing this system is a critical knowledge deficit of vital life-history data on polar pinnipeds and seabirds. In northern regions, significant marine life management decisions are being made in the absence of adequate data. In the Bering Sea ecosystem in particular, apex predators such as Steller sea lions have declined to about fifteen percent of peak population levels. Despite years of intense research, hypothesized competition between marine apex predators and fisheries industry remains untested, predominantly for lack of viable research approaches for obtaining crucial life history data. Such data include frequent accurate census and age structure information in rookeries, as well as body mass and condition estimates of individual animals prior to, during and after fishing seasons. In a novel approach, we will use remote 3D-photogrammetry to significantly increase temporal resolution and numerical accuracy of remote census operations, to determine the age structure of rookeries through measurements of animals' lengths, and to use photogrammetric volume determinations as estimators of body mass, in a technique recently validated by our laboratories.
The new Satellite-Linked Data collection and Photogrammetric imaging system (SLiDaP system) consists of initially four independent sub-stations, linked via wireless LAN to a fifth core-station. All stations contain ultra-high-resolution digital still cameras and PCs, and are independently powered by solar panels and batteries. The core station is remotely accessible via an VSAT high speed data link. Key system design criteria center around extreme ruggedness, highest reliability with minimal service requirements, low temperature capability, complete independence from any local power and communications infrastructure, rapid system deployment capability, as well as very low environmental impact. To further enhance future usability, we are developing an open standard for a bi-directional radio data link between the remotely accessible system, and mobile data recording units, to ensure compatibility once such devices become available and widely used. This open standard development is being carried out in consultation with Wildlife Computers. Integration of 3D-photogrammetry is accomplished by modifying an existing, commercially available soft-copy photogrammetry system, by EOS Systems, Inc.
Abstract of SLiDAP Research Project:
We will develop and validate the photogrammetric, remote estimation of body mass and condition of Steller sea lions, using wild animals temporarily held at the Alaska Sea Life Center. We will install two remote, Satellite Linked Data Aquisition and Photogrammetry systems (SLIDAP systems), in addition to two systems funded by the original technical development project sponsored by NSF, at locations to be determined, in the Aleutian Islands. We will use these four SLiDAP systems to collect detailed, year-round census data. We will estimate by three-dimensional photogrammetry, body mass and condition trends at monitoring locations, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, and throughout the year.
These two cooperative research and development projects led by Texas A&M University's Laboratory for Applied Biotelemetry & Biotechnolgy, in cooperation with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMFS), and the Alaska Sea Life Center (ASLC) brings together leading academic research and marine resource management laboratories, as well as the industry leaders in photogrammetry and mobile archival tag design. Our development and research efforts are designed to enhance basic biological research as well as marine ecosystem management. The SLiDAP system will have applications far beyond our projected use: geologists, glaciologist and vulcanologist should profit from the availability of accurate remote close-range measurements for monitoring of shore degradation, land movement hazards, or volcano hazards to arctic air traffic routes along the Aleutians.
© M. Horning 1999, 2000.
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