New Drone Technology Boosts Environmental Survey Efficiency

Earlier this year, the Board proudly upgraded our drone fleet with a powerful new addition: a larger drone equipped with thermal imaging, LIDAR technology, and AI-based wildlife detection.

This cutting-edge equipment is already transforming how we conduct environmental surveys. For example, during bird nesting season, our teams traditionally had to walk the banks of the drain to check for ground-nesting birds—a time-consuming and delicate process. Now, with the new drone, this task can be completed in just minutes.

Using the thermal camera, the drone quickly scans the area for heat signatures. Once a potential nest or animal is detected, the high-resolution conventional camera zooms in to identify the source. This not only saves time but also reduces disturbance to wildlife.

We're also training the drone’s AI system to recognize different types of creatures, which will further enhance our ability to monitor biodiversity and protect sensitive habitats.