Abstract
Unmanned aerial systems (UASs), frequently referred to as 'drones', have become more common and affordable and are a promising tool for collecting data on free-ranging wild animals. We used a Phantom-2 UAS equipped with a gimbal-mounted camera to estimate position, velocity and acceleration of a subject on the ground moving through a grid of GPS surveyed ground control points (area ∼1200 m(2)). We validated the accuracy of the system against a dual frequency survey grade GPS system attached to the subject. When compared with GPS survey data, the estimations of position, velocity and acceleration had a root mean square error of 0.13 m, 0.11 m s(-1) and 2.31 m s(-2), respectively. The system can be used to collect locomotion and localisation data on multiple free-ranging animals simultaneously. It does not require specialist skills to operate, is easily transported to field locations, and is rapidly and easily deployed. It is therefore a useful addition to the range of methods available for field data collection on free-ranging animal locomotion.
Highlights
Many studies require data on the location of individual or groups of animals, including habitat use, animal biomechanics and intra- and inter-species interaction
We evaluate the accuracy of these methods in position, velocity and acceleration extraction using video from a typical Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in a simulated tracking scenario
This study has demonstrated that a UAS using GPS-surveyed ground control point (GCP) can deliver position measurements and derived velocity and acceleration with an accuracy better than that specified for commercial GPS units
Summary
Many studies require data on the location of individual or groups of animals, including habitat use, animal biomechanics and intra- and inter-species interaction. A number of methods are available for studying locomotion and localisation, ranging from fixed camera methods to wildlife tracking collars. Optical measurements are used for localisation in a number of fields, and include particle image velocimetry methods (Bomphrey, 2012; Hubel et al, 2009), passive marker stereophotogrammetric systems such as Qualisys, and multi-camera stereoscopic reconstruction techniques (Theriault et al, 2014; Hedrick, 2008). The volume within which the measurements are made must be carefully calibrated and cameras must remain in fixed positions (Hedrick, 2008). Optical methods are increasingly used in a laboratory setting using video equipment and multi-camera stereoscopic reconstruction techniques, enabled by a new generation of small, low-cost, high frame rate cameras. Precise camera positioning and calibration of the experimental volume is feasible for Structure & Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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