Westside watch: drone surveys in action

Photo: Courtesy of Angus Maclean

In August, several members of our Ecology team provided ecological support to professional drone pilots throughout surveys for a project ranging across the Isle of Lewis. The drones carried out several surveys including topographic and magnetometry surveys.

Atlantic58’s role was to support in planning the drone operations to minimise the potential for interactions with birds across the survey area, taking into account known nesting sites and periods of high activity. Additionally, ornithologists from Atlantic58 provided on-the-ground support to the drone pilots to ensure that surveys were carried out safely, and to assess bird behaviour and adjust operations accordingly to avoid disturbance.

Angus Maclean, our Ecological Consultant said: “The drone pilots were highly skilled in their work and were consistently cooperative and adaptable throughout the suite of surveys, making the drone support operations run smoothly! Shockingly enough it was pretty good weather for flying drones!”