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Longmore, SN, Collins, RP, Pfeifer, S, Fox, SE, Mulero-P azm any, M, Bezombes, F, Goodwin, A, de Juan Ovelar, M, Knapen, JH and Wich, SA (2017) Adapting astronomical source detection software to help detect animals in thermal images obtained by unmanned aerial systems. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 38 (8-10). pp. 2623-2638. ISSN 0143-1161
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Abstract
In this paper we describe an unmanned aerial system equipped with a thermal-infrared camera and software pipeline that we have developed to monitor animal populations for conservation purposes. Taking a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle this problem, we use freely available astronomical source detection software and the associated expertise of astronomers, to efficiently and reliably detect humans and animals in aerial thermal-infrared footage. Combining this astronomical detection software with existing machine learning algorithms into a single, automated, end-to-end pipeline, we test the software using aerial video footage taken in a controlled, field-like environment. We demonstrate that the pipeline works reliably and describe how it can be used to estimate the completeness of different observational datasets to objects of a given type as a function of height, observing conditions etc. - a crucial step in converting video footage to scientifically useful information such as the spatial distribution and density of different animal species. Finally, having demonstrated the potential utility of the system, we describe the steps we are taking to adapt the system for work in the field, in particular systematic monitoring of endangered species at National Parks around the world.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Additional Information: | This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: S. N. Longmore, R. P. Collins, S. Pfeifer, S. E. Fox, M. Mulero-Pázmány, F. Bezombes, A. Goodwin, M. De Juan Ovelar, J. H. Knapen, and S. A. Wich; Adapting astronomical source detection software to help detect animals in thermal images obtained by unmanned aerial systems. International Journal of Remote Sensing Vol. 38 , Iss. 8-10,2017 which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2017.1280639. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 0406 Physical Geography And Environmental Geoscience, 0909 Geomatic Engineering |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QB Astronomy Q Science > QH Natural history |
| Divisions: | Astrophysics Research Institute Natural Sciences & Psychology (closed 31 Aug 19) |
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Jan 2017 12:01 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Sep 2021 12:09 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.1080/01431161.2017.1280639 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/5173 |
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