We use aerial drones to deliver the following ecological services around New Zealand. We are certified by the Civil Aviation Authority.
- Aerial mapping and 3D imaging
- Weed and vegetation analysis
- Precise aerial spraying
- Aerial project monitoring
Read on to learn more about our drone services, or contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
See a printable pdf of our current services.
1. Aerial mapping and 3D imaging
Using professional grade aerial drones, we produce up-to-date aerial maps and 3D point cloud models of your project area.
Learn more about weed mapping on our blog.
High resolution, ortho-rectified imagery
The imagery from our drone is of much higher resolution than alternatives like satellite imagery. Aerial photo maps are created by stitching together a mosaic of geo-referenced images into a single seamless aerial image (this is called photogrammetry).
Immediate information
Don’t wait for satellite imagery to become available. Get current information to make accurate decisions for your project.
3D point clouds
Point clouds are created from the photogrammetric process, providing accurate 3D models of the features of your project area. 3D modelling enables visual representation for presentation or accurate analysis of your project.
(See an interactive 3D model of the Karangaumu Pa further down this page.)
2. Weed and vegetation analysis
Our background as consultant ecologists means we’re experienced in identifying plants and ecosystems of interest for your project. Using our specialist skills and software, we can identify and map plants of interest within your project area.
Otakairangi Wetland, Wildlife Management Reserve. Vegetation Type mapping.
Department of Conservation.
‘The Flightworks team provided a great service for the project in Otakairangi including a comprehensive vegetation type analysis and interactive point cloud of the wetland reserve. Flightworks were extremely professional in executing the required work through their extensive ecological knowledge and aerial photograph/mapping skills backed up by a strong emphasis on Health & Safety. The team were flexible and happy to devote time to understand the scope of the project thus producing a comprehensive report and associated aerial photography meeting the contract requirements’
— Ben Herbert (Ranger, Operations – Biodiversity), Department of Conservation
Plant detection and multi-spectral analysis
Individual plant species can be separated by their unique spectral signatures in aerial imagery. The analysis of imagery by individual spectral bandwidths is a powerful method of detecting weeds amongst other vegetation, even in the shadows. We have done some work with this technique in collaboration with remote sensing specialists at Auckland University of Technology.
Accurate measurements
Measure distances and areas to help plan and monitor your projects. Measure volumes from 3D point clouds.
3. Precise aerial spraying
Using an aerial drone, we safely spray for plant and animal control (e.g. weeds and insects) in hard-to-reach and hazardous situations.
Learn more about drone spraying on our blog or watch the video below.
Targeted control
We can map and locate pests in the project area first. This allows us to fly directly to these sites for precise spot-spraying. Generally, we encourage you to do as much as you can with ground or helicopter pest control first, and we will follow up with the spray drone for the tricky bits.
Safe
Using an aerial spray drone eliminates the hazards of people being in the air or traversing dangerous ground. Our experienced drone pilots have strict operational procedures to follow under the CAA certification to ensure that our operation is safe for everyone.
Learn more about our approach to safety.
Discreet
Drone spraying is less intrusive than using helicopters. This may be important for your project.
4. Aerial project monitoring
An aerial perspective enables your project area to be efficiently tracked over time. Aerial maps, 3D models, photo-points and video are accurate and repeatable as monitoring tools.
Aerial maps
Aerial photo maps are geographically accurate and therefore reliable measurements can be made from the image in GIS mapping software.
3D models
These can be used for analysis of volumes, contours, transects (e.g. dunes) and heights (e.g. potential flooding); and can also provide a fantastic interactive 3D display for your project.
Karangaumu pa, Papamoa Hills
“The ability to generate 3D point cloud data for pa sites provides a new opportunity for understanding these enigmatic and culturally significant places. There will always be a major role for traditional archaeological mapping and plan-making methods in landscape archaeology, but the ability to combine these methods with point cloud data provides access to new levels of analytical insight.”
— Professor Richard Walter, (Director Southern Pacific Archaeological Research) Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Otago.
Photo-points
The aerial drone can return to specific waypoints in the sky to repeat photos over time.
3D flythrough showing drone path (yellow), photopoint locations and directions (red arrows) and example photopoint view (photo-point 4).
Video
A set path of waypoints can be flown, to repeat a video perspective over a project area for monitoring purposes.
Aerial videos of project areas provide reconnaissance information, close inspection data, and visual media for showcasing special features.
Kopuatai wetland is a peat dome on the Hauraki plains, Waikato. It is a vast wetland area with a variety of special biodiversity values managed by the Department of Conservation. We flew some areas of the wetland to help DOC showcase the wilderness interior of the wetland. (Music: Lee Rosevere – Autumn Fields).
“Flightworks was great to work with to get aerial video of Kopuatai wetland. The staff listened to what we wanted, explained clearly what they could achieve, gave us options to choose from and delivered what we asked for. The best thing about Flightworks is the professional way they finish their products and their continued support. The pilot was also very accommodating and didn’t even mind being waste deep in mud at times!”
Mailee Stanbury
Ranger Supervisor, Biodiversity
Department of Conservation—Te Papa Atawhai
Every job is different so please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Note: Our Terms and Conditions apply to any work undertaken by us for you. View Flightworks Terms and Conditions.