Scientific Article Published - Comparison of UAVs to Ground Survey Methods

Lead by Davey Tree researchers, including Adam M. Baker, Scott Eikenbary, as well as Christie Bahlai from Kent State, an article titled, Comparing Machine Learning Using UAVs to Ground Survey Methods to Quantify Milkweed Stem Density and Habitat Characteristics in ROWs, was recently published.

The POLLi team was instrumental in helping to collect the drone imagery, as well as processing the date through its common milkweed identification models. That information, including time and cost of drone operations and image collection, as well as data processing costs, were used to compare to traditional ground survey methodology. This information is critical in continuing to advance the usage of UAS in environmental surveys, as well as a better understanding of the advantages each methods has in comparison to one another.

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Monarch butterfly populations have declined in recent years, increasing the need for conservation efforts led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, nonprofits, and educational institutions. A key focus of this work is identifying and expanding suitable monarch butterfly habitat, particularly across large landholdings. Utility right-of-way corridors, including electric and gas, solar, and Department of Transportation lands, represent millions of acres of potential habitat for monarchs across North America. This research evaluates five data collection methods that can be used by land managers to identify milkweed, which monarch butterflies need to complete their lifecycle, and habitat features (vegetative and land cover) that support monarchs and other pollinators. Field surveys and drone-based surveys each have clear strengths and limitations. These findings are designed to help land managers determine which approach best fits their operational needs and conservation program goals.

The full paper can be found here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/4/359