A technologically-led approach to river restoration using UAVs (drones)

Fluvial systems offer a challenging and varied environment for topographic survey, displaying a rapidly varying morphology, vegetation assemblage and degree of submergence. Channelisation, land drainage and the creation of flood banks have led to a loss of natural habitats, such as wetlands and woodlands. This has reduced the ecological quality of river systems, and, together with climate change, increased the risk of flooding downstream. River restoration principally aims to reduce the risk of flooding through the creation of natural habitats at a range of spatial scales, to bring about a variety of social, economic and environmental benefits. This project will make use of different UAV acquisition sensors and photogrammetry software, to test the sensor data capabilities and to provide valuable, quantifiable evidence for habitat improvement.

Further details:
The PhD is linked to several Environment Agency river restoration projects in the North West and North East of England.