Rapid Survey Technique Research Articles

Digital Strategies to Enhance Cultural Heritage Routes: From Integrated Survey to Digital Twins of Different European Architectural Scenarios

This paper focuses on a research project for the acquisition and post-production of digital data to create informative virtual representations and digital twins of different European Cultural Heritage sites. The goal was to establish a reliable database for a multi-scalar web platform, also accessible through extended reality (XR) tools. This initiative aims to support the promotion and management of cultural and historical monuments within the context of European Cultural Routes supported by the Council of Europe. The project involves different case studies spanning European geographic regions, such as the Upper Kama in Russia, the Valencian Routes of Jaime I in Spain, and the Gdańsk fortresses in Poland. The methodology employed in this effort primarily relies on integrated rapid survey techniques. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technologies were used for data collection. These methods contribute to the creation of accurate 3D databases and models that transform the cultural routes into a digital format accessible via an informative platform. The actions presented in this paper are part of the European project “PROMETHEUS”, which is funded by the Horizon 2020 program of the European Union. The project involves collaboration between universities and enterprises, fostering inter-sectoral cooperation. Various techniques such as photographic archives, census analysis, and scan-to-BIM (building information modeling) processes are employed to develop this method further. In fact, the ultimate goal of the project is to establish a framework that can be replicated in other cultural contexts, enhancing the digital documentation and valorization of heritage sites.

칠갑산도립공원 탐방로의 물리적 특성 및 훼손유형 분석

Abstract: The physical characteristics, degree, and type of damage of the trail were investigated on 27.28km of 8 major trails in Chilgapsan provincial park. In order to analyze the physical characteristics of the trail, a total of 138points were selected using rapid survey techniques that investigate the routes at regular intervals, and 67points were selected using census techniques that investigate the whole point of damage for the analysis of the degree and type of damage. As a result, the physical characteristics of trails were investigated as follows; 1) 11.0° average slope, 2) 1.6m average trail width, and 3) average bared width of 0.1m. And the degree of damage was found to be 24.51km (89.8%) for “healthy”, 2.04km (7.5%) for “weak”, and 0.73km (2.7%) for “medium”, Therefore, it was determined that the related facilities including trails were relatively stable. Also, the types of damage to trails were investigated the point of root exposure is 59 (39.3%), the trail widens is 39 (26.0%), trail surface erosion is 22 (14.7%), rock exposure is 22 (14.7%), of slope failure is 5 (3.3%), and trail diverged is 3 (2.0%).

A mixed-mode data collection approach for building inventory development: Application to school buildings in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Urban disaster risk management and reduction requires the development and periodic updating of regional building inventories. However, the development of such inventories can be very cost-intensive and time-consuming, making this a challenging task, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. This article discusses a mixed-mode building inventory data collection framework using a rapid and cost-effective remote survey technique that can be deployed in various geographic contexts. A key component of the proposed approach is an inter-rater reliability analysis of data collected from traditional sidewalk surveys and remote surveys for a small subset of buildings in the considered building portfolio, which is used to assess the suitability of the remote survey for the location(s) considered. The framework is demonstrated by developing a regional database of school buildings in the Central Sulawesi region of Indonesia. The database consists of 2536 school buildings from 454 elementary and high schools in the Palu, Sigi, and Donggala regions, susceptible to earthquake-induced ground shaking, tsunami, liquefaction, and landslides. The developed database can be used in pre-event/long-term risk analysis and management, post-event/near-real-time loss estimation, and regional-level decision-making on school assets and related policies. The database has been made available for public use and can be readily harmonized with similar databases for other regions.

A rapid assessment technique for coastal plastic debris sampling: Applications for remote regions and community science

Marine debris is an environmental issue of increasing importance worldwide, with 80% of marine plastics estimated to originate from land-based sources. While much work has been conducted to quantify plastics in coastal environments, many of these approaches are site-specific and not amenable to rapid surveys. We surveyed beaches around Nova Scotia, Canada for plastic and other anthropogenic debris to: 1) quantify debris density on the high tide line; and 2) test a rapid survey technique using digital photos, with applications for community science and remote regions. Most (72%) beaches in Nova Scotia contained debris, but plastic densities along the daily high tide line were relatively low (mean 0.2 debris/m2) with little interannual variation. Despite small differences in plastic densities between observers, this rapid assessment technique appears viable for relative quantification and monitoring of plastic debris on beaches across large geographic scales to assess trends and sources.

The techniques and challenges of GPS surveying for vertical alignments in high-rise buildings

PurposeVertical alignment in high-rise building is a very important aspect. The architects are nowadays interested in improvising untypical complicated morphology in building designs which increase the difficulty in surveying for vertical alignments. Although the GNSS survey techniques are widely applied in constructions, there is a lack of data sources to explicitly expose their applicability in high-rise buildings and the challenges to be considered. This study has been oriented to find out the best suitable GPS survey technique for the vertical alignment in high-rise buildings and the practical challenges to be considered.Design/methodology/approachThe findings have been attained by analyzing the reliable data gained through experts' comments through structured questionnaire survey, case studies and experiments on different GPS survey techniques.FindingsThe findings express that the GPS techniques can be used for vertical alignments in high-rise buildings except for direct setting out for which only RTK GPS can be used. There are some practical challenges to be considered in such GPS applications.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings encourage the research community to further focus on the GNSS survey applications in the constructions of high-rise buildings.Practical implicationsThe research expresses applicability of easier and less time-consumed modern GNSS survey techniques instead of traditional survey methods for expediting building constructions.Social implicationsThe knowledge on such modern rapid survey techniques with accuracy, efficiency and reliability highly affects the process of infrastructure development.Originality/valueThe research presents a useful new knowledge on applying GNSS survey techniques for precise survey requirements in the construction industry and exposes the gateways for further researches and development.

Assessment of Squalor in Migrant Colonies of Thiruvalla Province of Kerala, India using Rapid Survey Technique.

Background:Domestic squalor refers to households that are extremely cluttered, in a filthy condition, and where the accumulation of items such as personal possessions, rubbish, excrement and decomposing food creates an environment that jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of the occupant(s). In India, an estimated 258 million are migrants. They are more likely to live in squalor due to inferior socio-economic status and no permanent residence. This poses a threat to the health of the migrants and the neighbors.Objective:To assess the squalor and morbidity pattern among the migrants of Migrant colonies in Thiruvalla using Rapid survey technique.Methodology:The state of squalor in migrant colonies was assessed by Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Methodology using the Environment Cleanliness and Clutter Scale (ECCS). The sample size for each lot/colony was '14' dwellings according to LQAS table. The details were collected from 14 inhabitants of different dwellings of the same colony. The inhabitants were selected randomly and were excluded if he belonged to the same dwelling. Fifteen colonies were randomly selected to achieve the sample size of 210 (15*14). The study was done in Tiruvalla municipality.Results and Conclusion:Only two colonies (n = 15) were squalor free. Majority of the dwellings (n = 210) were having an ECCS score between 13 and 15. Common ailments affecting migrants include Common cold, Skin disorders, and dental caries and gastritis. Squalor was found in most of the migrant colonies as they are living in inhuman conditions.

Recreation Resource Impacts of Pantai Kerachut Trail in Penang National Park

Recreation resources often referred to as the combination of natural resources essential to carry on a variety of recreational activities for humankind. Being one of the most-visited destinations among visitors who are seeking outdoor experience, Penang National Park (PNP) faces a substantial impact on its recreation resources. Among the common issue arises are the impacts on the quality of the routing system, particularly on sites like Pantai Kerachut Trail. The impacts cause undesirable change and degrade the components of recreation resources such as soil, vegetation, wildlife and water resources of the natural area. This issue threatens its integrity to maintain the benefits of recreation function and raises conflict between the visitors and the management of this area to reach its sustainability. Thus, an assessment has been conducted to evaluate the current status of recreation resource impacts in Pantai Kerachut Trail. A total of 75 sampling points were collected along Pantai Kerachut Trail. The methods of Rapid Survey Technique, Census Sampling Technique, and Cross-sectional measurement were used to determine the major factors influencing the impact. This investigation also identifies the relationship between impact and inventory parameters caused by recreational activities on the trail. Findings reveal that the current status of soil (soil erosion and soil drainage); and vegetation (root exposure, loss of vegetation, decrease in the percentage of canopy cover and vegetation density) along Pantai Kerachut Trail are at the moderate level of impact. Meanwhile, water and wildlife are confirmed at a minimal level of impact. The outcomes as such could be advantageous for the management to ensure the sustainability of the trail system in accommodating visitation while enhancing protection towards recreation resources along Pantai Kerachut Trail.

Managing feral cats through an adaptive framework in an arid landscape

Adaptive management is the systematic acquisition and application of reliable information to improve natural resource management over time. We have employed an adaptive management framework in the control and monitoring of feral cats (Felis catus) on the Matuwa Indigenous Protected Area over the past 16 years. We used 120 Reconyx PC900 camera-traps and a rapid survey technique called the cat track activity index (TAI) to determine if aerial baiting with Eradicat® was more efficient and/or cost-effective than track baiting plus leg-hold trapping. We found that aerial baiting at $0.54 per percent decrease in cat detections is more cost-effective than track-baiting alone at $0.56 per percent decrease in cat detections. Track baiting plus leg-hold trapping, however, is more cost-effective than aerial baiting alone at reducing the number of feral cats detections at $0.39 per percent decrease in cat detections. Aerial baiting plus trapping was the most effective method of suppressing feral cats in an arid landscape with 97.7% reduction in cat detections. Trapping reduced the proportion of the population made up of adult cats from 51.5% to 38.7%, which may influence the efficacy of Eradicat®. Additionally, we found that cats were twice as likely to be detected on spinifex sandplain habitats than stony or hardpan habitats. We make several recommendations for refining feral cat management programs and future research.

Use of a rapid roadside survey to detect potentially invasive plant species along the Garden Route, South Africa

Early detection of emerging or sleeper weeds and monitoring of alien plant invasions forms the foundation of effective invasive alien plant management. Using a rapid roadside survey technique, we aimed to (1) establish a baseline of alien plant distribution and abundance along roads in the Garden Route, South Africa, and (2) identify priority species (particularly sleeper weeds) and priority areas to inform appropriate management action. We surveyed along 530 km of roads and recorded 109 alien and/or extralimital species across 1942 point locations. Of these, 35 species were considered to be sleeper weeds on account of displaying estimated dispersal distances distinctive of invasive plants and not being listed by the South African Plant Invaders Atlas (SAPIA) or regulated by South African legislation. Roads along natural forest and fynbos vegetation (often within the Garden Route National Park) displayed lower incidences of alien plants than those associated with degraded or transformed land, with roads along farmland associated with the highest incidences of alien plants. Roads in the Southern Cape region had more species and higher densities of alien plants than roads in the Tsitsikamma region, and a few species were exclusive to either.Conservation implications: Our inventory contributed significant new records and range extensions to SAPIA, while the identified sleeper weeds offered suggestions for species that may be considered for regulation under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of South Africa. We furthermore provided information to facilitate (1) timely management of emerging invasive alien plants, (2) prioritisation of species and areas for management action, and (3) future monitoring of alien plants in the Garden Route National Park and surrounds.

Sub-Audio Magnetics (SAM) – Ground-based and HeliSAM FLEM Trials at the Forrestania EM Test Range

Sub-Audio Magnetics (SAM) is a rapid sampling survey technique capable of simultaneous acquisition of data related to the magnetic and electrical properties of the earth. SAM surveys have historically been used for the acquisition of high resolution magnetometric resistivity (MMR) and total magnetic intensity (TMI) data. Recent developments in SAM receiver instrumentation and signal processing have now made the extraction of electromagnetic (EM) data possible due to the exceptionally high data quality now being achieved. SAM data are acquired from a moving platform which makes the technique amenable to applications ranging from ultra-detailed, man-carried or vehicle-towed ground surveys to helicopter-borne acquisition. This paper describes ground-based and helicopter-borne SAM Fixed Loop EM (FLEM) trials conducted over the Forrestania EM Test Range in Western Australia and compares the results with conventionally-acquired (stationary) SAMSON surveys. The trials have demonstrated that SAM FLEM surveys are able to detect high conductance ore bodies at significant depth from a moving survey platform. In either ground or airborne acquisition mode, the SAM technique is shown to be a significant advance toward reducing the cost of deep exploration for high conductance orebodies.

Early and efficient detection of an endangered flying squirrel by arboreal camera trapping

Abstract Endangered species management is typically informed by an ecological knowledge of a species. Currently, little is known about the distribution and ecology of the Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys momonga). To provide an effective rapid survey technique for flying squirrels, we used camera trap surveys and determined what methodology (i.e. camera placement, survey length) was most efficient. We placed 154 cameras in trees for 30 days. We detected flying squirrels at 12% of the camera points. The average suitable distance between camera and targeted tree (DCT) was 130 cm (SE: 15.4, range: 90–220). Moreover, flying squirrels were frequently detected on the trunks of taller trees. We found camera trap surveys were an efficient technique for detecting flying squirrels. Approximately 11% of camera points detected flying squirrels within one survey night. Initial detection of flying squirrels at a site occurred within 10 days at 58% of the points. To efficiently detect flying squirrels, we suggest that it is better to aim the camera towards taller trees at a suitable DCT and to conduct surveys for a minimum of 10 days at each site.

Mapping coral reefs using consumer-grade drones and structure from motion photogrammetry techniques

We propose a novel technique to measure the small-scale three-dimensional features of a shallow-water coral reef using a small drone equipped with a consumer-grade camera, a handheld GPS and structure from motion (SfM) algorithms. We used a GoPro HERO4 with a modified lens mounted on a DJI Phantom 2 drone (maximum total take-off weight <2 kg) to perform a 10 min flight and collect 306 aerial images with an overlap equal or greater than 90%. We mapped an area of 8380 m2, obtaining as output an ortho-rectified aerial photomosaic and a bathymetric digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution of 0.78 and 1.56 cm pixel−1, respectively. Through comparison with airborne LiDAR data for the same area, we verified that the location of the ortho-rectified aerial photomosaic is accurate within ~1.4 m. The bathymetric difference between our DEM and the LiDAR dataset is −0.016 ± 0.45 m (1σ). Our results show that it is possible, in conditions of calm waters, low winds and minimal sun glint, to deploy consumer-grade drones as a relatively low-cost and rapid survey technique to produce multispectral and bathymetric data on shallow-water coral reefs. We discuss the utility of such data to monitor temporal changes in topographic complexity of reefs and associated biological processes.

Investigation of suspected gulls in the Jurassic limestone strata of the Cotswold Hills, Gloucestershire, England using electrical resistivity tomography

An electrical resistivity tomography survey has clearly indicated the presence of substantial vertical zones of contrasting material beneath a set of conspicuous linear surface hollows that cut across a spur forming part of the Cotswold Hills escarpment in Gloucestershire. These zones are compared with nearby quarry exposures and are inferred to be gulls – graben-like structures at least 80m deep filled with collapsed blocks of bedrock with intervening air-filled spaces, lying within areas of relatively undisrupted gently dipping strata, and which under some circumstances would present a significant geohazard. Our results confirm the great potential of this non-invasive and rapid survey technique for investigating such phenomena, and provide an exemplar for comparison with surveys elsewhere, to assist identification of similar features.

Mothers’ Hand washing Practice and Diarrhea Cases in Children under Five in Baleendah, Bandung

Background : Diarrhea is a disease, especially in children, with high mortality and morbidity rate in developing countries, including Indonesia. Diarrhea can be prevented if people can apply clean and healthy behaviors, especially hand washing. Hand washing is the cheapest, simplest, and the most effective methods for prevention of diarrhea. The objective of this study is to identify the knowledge, attitude, and practice of mothers’ hand washing and diarrhea cases in children under five in Baleendah District, Bandung. Methods : A descriptive study was conducted during September−November 2012 to 210 mothers who had children (ages 12−59 months) in Baleendah using rapid survey technique. The time allocated for each village was adjusted to the population proportion for each region. The data were analyzed using computer and was represented using frequency distribution. Results : This study showed that the respondents had good level of knowledge and attitude of hand washing (83.8% and 61%, respectively), but only 21% of the respondents’ practices of hand washing was in good level. Most of the respondents did not wash their hands according to the 7 steps of correct hand washing. Moreover the percentage of children with diarrhea in Baleendah was 43.8% (92 cases) during the study. Conclusions : There should be dissemination of information about the benefit of washing hands with 7 steps of correct hands washing so that families can practice it and can prevent diarrhea in children under five. [AMJ.2015;2(1):191–8]

Overcoming the challenges of measuring the abundance of a cryptic macropod: is a qualitative approach good enough?

Context An understanding of population size and status is necessary for the implementation of appropriate conservation measures to recover threatened taxa. Mark–recapture studies at large spatial scales are impractical and expensive and a rapid survey technique is an attractive option to provide a measure of relative abundance for cryptic species, using indicators of activity. Aims The aim of our study was to use conventional methods for population estimation to calibrate a rapid survey technique for the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) in the southern forests of Western Australia, with a view to providing quantitative outcomes from this widely adopted monitoring approach. Methods We evaluated the accuracy of relative abundances obtained from the rapid survey technique by comparing them with abundance estimates obtained through established methods for the estimation of populations, including web-based mark–recapture and transect-based counts of activity indicators and sightings. Key results The rapid survey technique was effective at determining presence of quokkas but resulted in an over-estimation of population size because of inaccurate assumptions about occupancy and relative abundance of animals. An alternative survey method based on counts of fresh faecal-pellet groups was found to provide a more reliable and practical estimation of population abundance (R2 = 0.97). Conclusions Activity indices can be used to quantify population abundance, but only for indicators of activity that can be detected readily and for which freshness of activity can be determined. Implications Our findings suggest that a rapid survey based on activity indices can be used to evaluate quantitatively the population size of a species that is rare and potentially mobile at a landscape scale. The attraction of these techniques is that they provide a rapid and inexpensive survey option that is potentially applicable to any cryptic and/or threatened species and is practical for resource-constrained land managers.

Hydrological Aspects of Electromagnetic Surveys

Interpreting Electromagnetic (EM) surveys - Electromagnetic induction techniques have now largely replaced previous descriptive, and largely subjective, techniques used for soil salinity surveys. The question then is a matter of how to interpret the EM data. A very clear linkage exists between Apparent Electrical Conductivity (ECa) and the total soluble salts in the upper soil profile. This, in turn, can be interpreted as reflecting the degree of vertical/ lateral leaching of soluble salts, or of salt accumulation in the profile. Topography, depth to groundwater and groundwater salinity also appear to affect ECa, although they are not suited to rapid survey techniques and do not necessarily have a direct relationship with either the total salt content of the upper soil profile or the ECa values. The interpretation of isoconductivity maps in terms of the degree of leaching of the soil profile from point to point provides an added hydrological management perspective to EM soil salinity surveys.

Intensive local surveys can complement rapid survey techniques to provide insights into the population size and ecology of lichenised fungi

Abstract We propose that insights to population ecology of lichenised fungi can be efficiently obtained by combining rapid biodiversity surveys, which representatively sample large areas, with intensive studies in selected populations discovered. To illustrate this approach, we compared results from an Estonian rapid survey scheme with an intensive local population survey of the poorly known epiphytic crustose lichen, Lecanora thysanophora . In contrast to what the data from rapid surveys suggested, the intensive survey revealed that this typically sterile species can occur in remarkably dense populations obviously limited by host tree availability; we also recorded emerging sexual reproduction in the population centre. Our results imply that the detection of even poorly identifiable species may mostly depend on total field effort.

Rapid assessment of feed and manure nutrient management on confinement dairy farms

A basic function of dairy farming is to transform feed nutrients into milk to generate an economic return. As the price of feed grain escalates, and environmental concerns associated with animal agriculture heighten, many dairy producers seek new ways to track nutrient use on their farms. Relatively little information is available on feed and manure management under producer conditions. The present study provides an overview of an iterative process used to develop and apply techniques for rapid assessment of feed and manure management on confinement-based dairy farms in very different geographic settings. Information was collected on cow diets, milk production and manure management using rapid (2–3 h) survey techniques first on 41 dairy farms in Wisconsin, USA and then on two dairy farms in Shandong Province, China. In both locations, Holstein dairy cows (Bos taurus) transformed on average 22–30% of feed nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) into milk. These calculated feed N use (FNUE) and feed P use (FPUE) efficiencies corresponded well to published values, but were lower than FNUE and FPUE determined under experimental conditions. Average apparent feed N intake (range of 438–635 g cow−1 d−1) were slightly higher than the calculated sum of N outputs in milk (98–145 g cow−1 d−1) and manure (328–457 g cow−1 d−1). Calculated manure N excretions corresponded well to literature estimates. Average manure collection efficiencies ranged from 56% to 100% in Wisconsin and 55 to 90% in Shandong. Relatively short, face-to-face interviews can provide accurate ‘snap-shots’ of overall feed and manure management practices on an array of confinement-based dairy farms in diverse geographic locations.

On-site characterisation of loessic deposits in Kent, UK

A detailed site characterisation was undertaken in order to assess methods that could be used to determine the depth and lateral extent of a potentially collapsible loessic brickearth deposit at a site in Kent. The investigation presented in this paper covers both geotechnical and geophysical evaluations, correlated to detailed lithological logs of trial pits at the site. This enabled cone penetrometer profiles to be compared directly with a suite of rapid geophysical survey techniques, which included electromagnetic (EM31 and EM34), electrical resistivity surveys and shear wave profiles, calibrated against the same soil profile. From this it was possible to determine the variability and extent of a collapsible loessic soil across the entire test site, thus demonstrating that appropriately calibrated geophysical techniques can provide a rapid indication of the presence at depth of a potentially unstable soil.

Rapid Survey Technique Using Socio-Economic Indicators to Assess the Suitability of Pacific Island Rural Communities for Kappaphycus Seaweed Farming Development

The literature on economic feasibility of farming seaweeds like Kappaphycus alvarezii in tropical locations is mainly based upon Asian case studies, and often does not take into account social factors in seaweed farming success. Pacific island countries are culturally and economically distinct from Asia, and efforts are now being made to establish seaweed industries here. Past experiences have showed that social factors often outweigh technical factors in determining the success of rural development projects. In addition, Pacific island communities are very diverse in their socio-economic make-up. The particular community chosen for location of a development project is therefore critical to success. Project managers need to recognize in advance the best type of community for seaweed farming development. The objective of this study was to identify socio economic factors that can be used as predictors of project success or failure. Using results of social survey techniques carried out in eight communities within the Fiji Group, a rapid survey technique has been developed which can enable decisions about whether a community is suitable for farming seaweed or not. Though developed from Fiji case studies, the technique can be applied in other rural Asia/Pacific situations.