Foreshore Survey Work

Climate & Environment - Past Projects

September 2017 Update

This project is now complete. Thank you for your patience.

Background

The District partnered with Simon Fraser University to conduct coastal survey work in a study area that included John Lawson, Ambleside and Whytecliff parks using several methods of data collection.

The study included the use of a drone, which took aerial photos and video of the shoreline and tidal area. The Simon Fraser University study team received permission from the District and the approval of Transport Canada to use a drone for this purpose.

The work, which has now been completed, is part of a data collection project that will provide new, innovative tools to track the impact of recently completed shoreline protection projects in the Ambleside area and to project impacts of climate change on West Vancouver's waterfront area.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR is a surveying method that measures the distance to a target using laser technology. The process of conducting LiDAR surveys looks very similar to other survey work—a couple of people and a tripod—and are not expected to impact area residents or visitors.

What is a Drone?

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by a ground-based controller.

For this study, the Simon Fraser University team flew the drone low above the study area to collect images of the coastal environment and tidal area in the park, not people or private property. They worked in sections and used signage to discourage people from entering the target area.

Each flight took less than an hour, and residents were not unaffected.

A safety plan was put in place in the event any issues should arise, as was required for Transport Canada clearance to fly.