36
R. Madhavan et al.
Fig. 3.2 A false color-composite image obtained by ECHAR 20A. Land use and cover mapping
can be done with precision based on these images
The cataclysmic landslide in Rio de Janeiro provided some valuable lessons:
Communication and field assessment are crucial. UAVs can replicate signals and
enable communication when telecommunication towers collapse. UAVs can also be
instrumental in planning alternative routes when roads and bridges are destroyed,
and to (remotely) find people in need.
3.3 Ecological Conservation: Mapping and Target
Detection
Land use and cover changes lead to soil impermeabilization. But we need land
for agriculture, urban settlements, etc. Human disrupted ecosystems cannot replace
these vital areas. They simply cannot play the same roles. Conservation units normally consist of vital areas. That means, ecosystems that play a vital role for the
environmental functioning. Some of them are totally untouched; others have human
uses more heavily regulated. It is not an easy task to monitor a conservation unit.
It commonly means thousands of hectares of land and water to monitor and patrol.
UAVs can provide the necessary information to better observe nature and to detect
and prevent illegal activities, such as hunting and fishing.
Taim Ecological Station in Southern Brazil is an integral conservation unit.
This unit spans a very wide wetland, internationally recognized by the RAMSAR
R. Madhavan et al.
Fig. 3.2 A false color-composite image obtained by ECHAR 20A. Land use and cover mapping
can be done with precision based on these images
The cataclysmic landslide in Rio de Janeiro provided some valuable lessons:
Communication and field assessment are crucial. UAVs can replicate signals and
enable communication when telecommunication towers collapse. UAVs can also be
instrumental in planning alternative routes when roads and bridges are destroyed,
and to (remotely) find people in need.
3.3 Ecological Conservation: Mapping and Target
Detection
Land use and cover changes lead to soil impermeabilization. But we need land
for agriculture, urban settlements, etc. Human disrupted ecosystems cannot replace
these vital areas. They simply cannot play the same roles. Conservation units normally consist of vital areas. That means, ecosystems that play a vital role for the
environmental functioning. Some of them are totally untouched; others have human
uses more heavily regulated. It is not an easy task to monitor a conservation unit.
It commonly means thousands of hectares of land and water to monitor and patrol.
UAVs can provide the necessary information to better observe nature and to detect
and prevent illegal activities, such as hunting and fishing.
Taim Ecological Station in Southern Brazil is an integral conservation unit.
This unit spans a very wide wetland, internationally recognized by the RAMSAR