Technology driven ecology is a way of working here at E2M. Whether its undertaking ecological impact assessments, biodiversity offset monitoring, or long-term compliance monitoring, technology is the solution which saves time, improves efficiency and increases the accuracy of outcomes for our clients. We’re known for delivering high quality deliverables with accuracy and diligence.
Our innovation group at E2M includes industry thought leaders, tackling the big issues and opportunities for technology to help us on our mission – to be great people delivering balanced environmental outcomes.
We’re continually investigating new ways we can use technology to help us gain better insights into the environment, whilst giving our customers the answers they need quickly and efficiently.
Camera trap image analysis
We’ve introduced camera trap analysis software to drive time efficiency in the detection of animals using AI. This means monitoring work can be carried out quickly and efficiently, enabling accurate comparisons of species richness across impact and control sites. Without software, this can take days, with people manually eyeballing camera trap data to analyse for animals. We are also actively developing camera trap models for specific species, to further enhance our ability to quickly and efficiently determine presence.
Bioacoustics
You may have heard about the machine learning techniques we have created to track and monitor the black-throated finch. Watch the video here if you’d like to know more.
We’re in the process of building bioacoustics call recognisers for additional species, again using machine learning to identify new species including koala and squatter pigeon.
Biomass calculation
The methods behind biomass calculation have often been manual (cutting, drying and weighing), calculated using photo reference standards or the use of a pasture ruler. E2M are investigating the potential use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), LiDAR and high-resolution imagery to develop a method of biomass capture that is repeatable and reliable.
Segmentation
In addition, we’re using segmentation models to automate the analysis of projected foliage cover surveys, with the plan to utilise segmentation models on more of our photo analysis.
We are fast becoming known for our approach to technology driven ecology while our clients benefit from extraordinary levels of accuracy and efficiency as a result.
Want to know more about Technology driven ecology? Watch our video here or get in touch and we’d be happy to share our insights to work out how we can add value to your next project.