Grant Award View - GA356420

This project aims to advance biodiversity monitoring in Australia by leveraging low-cost drone technology, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), and expertise in field ecology. The project is designed to address the critical need for rapid, cost-effective and accurate biodiversity monitoring. Recognising the limitations of traditional field surveys and the coarse resolution of satellite data, our solution bridges this gap, delivering high-resolution, scalable and repeatable biodiversity assessments at paddock to regional scales and providing information to inform regional to national scale assessment.

Our approach leverages the power of consumer-grade drone equipment, removing the need for specialist equipment or extensive training. We will develop standardised protocols for data collection and processing, and harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to derive Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs). The accuracy of our solution will be ensured through calibration and validation processes with field observations. An automated data processing pipeline will facilitate the seamless transformation of raw drone data into actionable EBV spatial data products, simplifying the process for users to obtain actionable monitoring information. This project not only addresses the immediate need for quantifying environmental change for rapid decision-making but also builds capacity for long-term, sustainable ecosystem management, leading to healthier and more resilient landscapes.