Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF) Uncrewed Aircraft System Operations in Antarctica

This is a parent record. See the child records for access to the data.Recent research in the field of drones revealed that hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing can provides an efficient, non-invasive and sufficiently accurate method for quantitative spatial assessment of the distribution and abundance of Antarctic vegetation. The main aim of this project is to quantify and model the spatial distribution, regional differences, and temporal dynamics of Antarctic vegetation using novel remote sensing techniques. The project will assess and model the topography-driven microclimate of coastal maritime and/or continental Antarctic vegetation, using field and remote sensing spectroscopy and active chlorophyll fluorescence indicators on plant distribution, health and relationship to local hydrology dynamics. The project will develop statistical modelling, AI and/or novel machine learning methods for vegetation classification at different scales (high-res satellite sub 50cm, manned aircraft, UAV). The project will also explore and develop other smart remote sensing platforms (e.g., UGV) in Antarctic extreme environments (e.g., high winds, extreme cold, etc.) that are low impact, cost effective and repeatable with high precision.