RUAS has partnered with Bangor University to work on a new project to map artificial and natural substrates at coastal locations in Wales.
Bangor University is a partner in the Ecostructure project, a consortium led by Aberystwyth University. The project aims to create awareness of eco-engineering solutions for the challenge of coastal adaptation to climate change.
Under the partnership, RUAS will help Bangor conduct a range of aerial mapping surveys at coastal locations in Wales where there is an artificial hard substrate present, such as sea defences or coastal structures. Using both fixed-wing and multirotor UAS, the project will be timed to make the most of near-Spring low-tides and to ensure maximum visibility of all coastal structures.
Andrew Davies from the School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University said: 'Hard coastal defence structures are becoming commonplace on our coastlines due to rising seas and increasing storminess. The Ecostructure project is focused on raising awareness of eco-engineering solutions, and a first step is developing comprehensive maps and models of structures throughout the Irish Sea.'