Hakai RPAS (Drone) Operations and Methods

The Hakai Institute uses Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as drones for mapping, surveying, and videography in remote coastal areas. Here we provide information on the locations flown and methods used.

Here we describe RPAS data workflows, collection methods, as well as data processing to generate orthomosaics, digital surface models, and other deliverables. We also discuss standard procedures and an overview of the analyses conducted on RPAS data at the Hakai Institute.

Imagery and elevation models range in spatial resolution from 10 mm to 13 cm.

Topics covered in the associated reports: • RPAS Imagery Collection Methods • RPAS Models • Additional Sensors • General RPAS Planning Specifications • Ground Control & Field Methodologies • Elevations and Datum • Accuracy and Error • Operational & Flight Parameters • Allowable Weather Conditions • Altitude and distance • RPAS Imagery Processing • Example Products • Imagery • 3D Point Clouds and Elevation Models • 3D Animation • Near Infrared Sensor • North Beach transect data • Advanced GIS Products and Analysis • Vantage Photos and Video

See the links below for full details and metadata related to the RPAS program.

Please contact data@hakai.org for further information.

Access and Use

Licence: CC-BY-4.0

Data and Resources

Citation

Keywords

Dataset extent

Metadata Reference Date(s) October 23, 2025 (Creation)
October 23, 2025 (Revision)
Frequency of Update As Needed

Responsible Party 1
Affiliation
Hakai Institute ROR logo
Email
data@hakai.org
Role
Distributor
Responsible Party 2
Name
Technology Team, Geospatial
Affiliation
Hakai Institute ROR logo
Email
data@hakai.org
Role
Distributor

Field Value
Ocean Variables Other
Scope Dataset
Status Completed
Topic Category oceans
Maintenance Note Generated from https://hakaiinstitute.github.io/hakai-metadata-entry-form#/en/hakai/qbqh6DF00XZq8MOpQ3kKkI9GUv43/-MTRJWUxCNm94ZkpxNkk
Spatial Extent { "coordinates": [ [ [ -134.00388587, 47.7919011 ], [ -122.24851478, 47.7919011 ], [ -122.24851478, 54.90895582 ], [ -134.00388587, 54.90895582 ], [ -134.00388587, 47.7919011 ] ] ], "type": "Polygon" }
North Bounding Latitude 54.90895582
South Bounding Latitude 47.7919011
East Bounding Longitude -122.24851478
West Bounding Longitude -134.00388587
Default Locale English
Included in Data Catalogue
Included in Data Catalogue 1
Name
Hakai Data Catalogue
Description
Science on the Coastal Margin
URL
https://catalogue.hakai.org