Water Hyacynth Mapping - WingtraOne - Benin

Описание: Our team set out on a mission to conduct an acquisition flight over a lake in BENIN

This time we had the opportunity to assist a fair trade company, Green Keeper Africa (GKA), by mapping the Water Hyacinth invasion of The Ganvier Lagoon in Benin with our @Wingtra One. By deploying the SonyRx1 and @MicaSense Multi spectral sensors, utilizing this technology gives us the opportunity to collect the relevant topographic and multispectral data needed to calculate the extent of this invasive plant species and the impact it has made on the environment and population. From this first test, managed with @PIX4DFields, we plan to fine tune the methodology from acquisition (material and settings) and accurately process the 5 multi spectral channels from the Micasense.

Our Target is to deeply analyze the data using PIX4D and other remote sensing tools to find a quick solutions to spot water Hyacinth evolution and identify when and where they are perfectly mature for collection. We plan to map annually at a macro level, all known areas invaded in order to spot at macro level (better than satellite imaging) where the sensitive areas for GKA and after set a method for micro flights using light drone solution to identify the proper maturation stage and volume before collection. With this lagoon being a main source of income and food for many communities living along its banks, it is important to protect this vital water source and the ecosystems living within.

An awe inspiring adventure and massive learning experience for our team that were personally involved as volunteers during their free time with the technical support of NETIS Group.

About GKA: This company founded a few year ago in Benin and is supported by MIT. Their business model is to collect water Hyacinth from the lake and incoming rivers (employing hundreds of local women). They then dry and transform it into an Echo-friendly powder that is able to absorb petroleum (petrol, oil, diesel, ...), up to 17 time the initial volume of powder. The perfect solution for dirty industries to clean and prevent environmental disaster using a fare and sustainable solution.
Find out more here:http://greenkeeperafrica.com/

NETIS Group is already using this products in GHANA on our maintenance operation.

Mapping for good in Africa...

Filmed and edited by: Rory Alborough