Advanced analysis of drifter experiments using drones to optimize data collection methods and refine flow-field assessment software

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Luna Ocean Consulting Ltd. (LOCL) has been researching cost-effective, environmentally friendly methods for mapping tidal and river flow. Traditional methods for hydrokinetic power assessments can be expensive, time consuming, and require advanced training. LOCL's methods are designed to provide accurate measurements while overcoming these challenges in order to assist with moving Canada's energy demands away from fossil fuels and towards clean hydrokinetic power from river and tidal currents. One of LOCL's flow field assessment methods uses aerial images of biodegradable ocean drifters observed by consumer-grade drones to measure current speeds. Proof-of-concept testing was successful, leading to a requirement to advance the accuracy and efficiency of this method through further experimentation and software development. The Nova Scotia Community College's Applied Geomatics Research Group (NSCC-AGRG) is very experienced with aerial imagery and drones in a geomatics environment, and is partnering with LOCL to evaluate and improve drone and drifter data collection methods, and to refine, simplify, and improve the accuracy of LOCL's software. LOCL's program, once improved for accuracy and efficiency, can also be used for other applications such as oil spill preparedness, pollution prevention, and search and rescue. These improvements and expansions will allow LOCL to license their software and expand the services they offer as part of their consulting operations.