Mapping

ASL Borstad provides nearshore, intertidal and wetland mapping services using satellite or airborne imaging.  Airborne sensors offer configurable spectral bandsets that can be customized to the vegetation and bottom types present in each location.  Also, the flexibility of timing data acquisition to low tide can achieve optimal coverage and characterization.  On-the-ground field surveys are used to provide quantitative accuracy assessments for each class of ground cover.

(Mapping of sensitive areas prior to port expansion
at Prince Rupert, British Columbia, using CASI)

Coral Reefs

Remote sensing is ideal for the mapping of coral reefs and lagoons. The clear water typical of tropical lagoons permits the characterization of bottom substrates, corals and algae in water up to several metres deep.  

(Thematic map of the coral reef and lagoon at Pte
Mapou, Rodrigues From CASI)

Bathymetry

High resolution bathymetry can be determined in shallow marine or freshwater systems using optical remote sensing.  We have used airborne multispectral imaging to map bottom type and depth in clear water down to 10m with 0.5 m accuracy.

(Bathymetric map of coastal Mauritius from airborne remote sensing. Note:  Bathymetry maps are NOT suitable for navigation.)

(3-dimensional visualization)

Water Quality

Satellite imagery shows the temporal and spatial variation of coastal water quality, such as the behaviour of turbidity plumes.

(Turbidity plumes in the Gulf of Mexico)

Sample papers on Coastal Applications