Coastal Beach Erosion - Indian Rocks Beach, Florida ~ Hurricane Idalia 3D model of IRB
Channel: Beach Drone Services
Date: 15/09/2023

Hi, I'm Jason Nowell from Beach Drone Services in Largo Florida. In this video, I'll be sharing a test I conducted using a drone (UAV or sUAS) for coastal ecosystem mapping. I am an FAA licensed sUAS pilot and had airspace authorization and visual observers on station during the entire mapping flight. I usually use drones for construction site mapping, providing centimeter level accuracy to foreman and stakeholders on a weekly or monthly basis. After the recent beach erosion event from Hurricane Idalia, I wanted to see what my drones could do from a coastal ecosystem management point of view. They did not disappoint, and I share that with you in this video. I'll show you an accurate orthomosaic map of the area and how you can take measurements to understand the impact of erosion. Additionally, I'll demonstrate a detailed 3D model and how it can help visualize the changes in vegetation and dune lines. Stay tuned for more exciting possibilities with this technology!