Development of a Satellite-Linked Remote Data Collection and Photogrammetic Imaging System

该项目的目标是为极地地区开发一个可通过卫星高速数据链路远程访问的局域成像网络。这一成像网络的主要目的是进行近景三维摄影测量，以便远距离确定准确的空间尺寸。通过将三维摄影测量纳入成像系统，PI将把远程、近距离成像从一个简单的观测工具转变为一个复杂的定量工具，用于精确评估极端环境中的生物和物理系统。该系统的基本原理是对极地鳍足类和海鸟的重要生命史数据的关键知识缺乏。在北方区域，重大的海洋生物管理决定是在缺乏充分数据的情况下作出的。特别是在白令海的生态系统中，像斯特勒海狮这样的顶级捕食者已经下降到峰值种群水平的10%左右。尽管多年来进行了深入研究，但海洋顶级捕食者和渔业之间的假设竞争仍未得到验证，主要是因为缺乏获得关键生命史数据的可行研究方法。这些数据包括经常准确的普查和繁殖地的年龄结构信息，以及在捕鱼季节之前、期间和之后对个别动物的体重和状况的估计。在一种新的方法中，我们建议使用远程三维摄影测量显着提高时间分辨率和远程普查操作的数值精度，通过测量动物的长度来确定年龄结构的rookeries，并使用摄影测量体积的测定作为估计体质量，在最近由我们的实验室验证的技术。 拟议的卫星连接数据收集和摄影测量成像系统（SLiDaP系统）最初将包括四个独立的分站，通过无线局域网与第五个核心站连接。所有空间站都将配备超高分辨率数码相机和个人电脑，并将由太阳能电池板和电池独立供电。该核心站将可通过国际海事卫星组织高速数据链路进行远程访问。关键的系统设计标准将围绕着极端的坚固性，最高的可靠性，最低的服务要求，低温能力，完全独立于任何当地的电力和通信基础设施，快速系统部署能力，以及非常低的环境影响。两个SLiDaP原型系统。第一个系统将在阿斯托里亚进行测试，或用于更大的可访问性和早期开发改进。第二个原型系统将在阿留申岛链的Ugamak岛上的实际实地条件下进行测试。德克萨斯州A M大学生物遥测生物技术实验室和国家海洋哺乳动物实验室（NMFS）之间的这一合作提案汇集了领先的学术研究和海洋资源管理实验室，以及摄影测量和移动的档案标签设计的行业领导者。我们的努力旨在加强基础生物研究以及海洋生态系统管理。拟议中的系统将有应用远远超出我们的预期用途：地质学家，冰川学家和火山学家应该受益于精确的远程近距离测量的可用性，用于监测海岸退化，陆地移动的危险，或火山的危险，北极空中交通路线沿着阿留申群岛。

The goal of this project is the development of a local area imaging network for polar regions that is remotely accessible via satellite high-speed data link. The primary purpose of this imaging network will be the performance of close-range three-dimensional photogrammetry for the remote determination of accurate spatial dimensions. By incorporating 3D-photogrammetry into the imaging system, the PIwill transform remote, close-range imaging from a simple observational tool to into a sophisticated quantitative tool for the accurate assessment of biological and physical systems in extreme environments.The rationale for this system is a critical knowledge deficit of vital life-historydata on polar pinnipeds and seabirds. In northern regions, significant marine life management decisions are being made in the absence of adequate data. In the Bering Sea ecosystem in particular, apex predators such as Steller sea lions have declined to about ten percent of peak population levels. Despite years of intense research, hypothesized competition between marine apex predators and fisheries industry remains untested, predominantly for lack of viable research approaches for obtaining crucial life history data. Such data include frequent accurate census and age structure information in rookeries, as well as body mass and condition estimates of individual animals prior to, during and after fishing seasons. In a novel approach, we propose to use remote 3D-photogrammetry to significantly increase temporal resolution and numerical accuracy of remote census operations, to determine the age structure of rookeries through measurements of animals lengths, and to use photogrammetric volume determinations as estimators of body mass, in a technique recently validated by our laboratories. The proposed Satellite-Linked Data collection and Photogrammetric imaging system (SLiDaP system) will consist of initially four independent sub-stations, linked via wireless LAN to a fifth core-station. All stations will contain ultra-high-resolution digital still cameras and PCs, and will be independently powered by solar panels and batteries. The core station will be remotely accessible via an INMARSAT high speed data link. Key system design criteria will center around extreme ruggedness, highest reliability with minimal service requirements, low temperature capability, complete independence from any local power and communications infrastructure, rapid system deployment capability, as well as very low environmental impact. Two prototype SLiDaP systems. The first system will be tested in Astoria, or for greater accessibility and early developmental refinement. The second prototype system will be tested under realistic field conditions on Ugamak Island, in the Aleutian Island chain.This cooperative proposal between Texas A&M University Laboratory for AppliedBiotelemetry & Biotechnolgy and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMFS), brings together leading academic research and marine resource management laboratories, as well as the industry leaders in photogrammetry and mobile archival tag design. Our efforts aredesigned to enhance basic biological research as well as marine ecosystem management. The proposed system will have applications far beyond our projected use: geologists, glaciologist and vulcanologist should profit from the availability of accurate remote close-range measurements for monitoring of shore degradation, land movement hazards, or volcano hazards to arctic air traffic routes along the Aleutians.