In a previous post, we introduced the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) initiative with NV5 to combat climate change through aerial lidar and orthoimagery surveys. The first order of business has been to get all the data collected, then process and classify it to deliver surface models for all the countries involved. As Sven Cowan, NV5 Program Manager, reflects on the challenges and successes of surveying the Caribbean region, NV5’s extensive experience in collecting, processing, and classifying data from around the world shines through. With a proven track record of handling complex projects in diverse environments, NV5 has developed a robust system for data collection and processing that ensures accuracy and efficiency. As Sven puts it, ‘Our experience has taught us the importance of adaptability and precision in data collection, especially in challenging environments like the Caribbean.'”
For many countries involved in this project, the high-resolution aerial imagery and lidar data represent a first step towards a better understanding of the effects of climate change via remote sensing. It provides an unprecedented level of detail about their landscapes, which can be transformative. It is supplying a baseline for monitoring change, enhancing disaster preparedness, informing environmental management, and aiding in urban planning.
Countries that have previously conducted surveys like this can build on their existing knowledge and use the new data to understand changes that have occurred, perform long-term monitoring, and improve accuracy. The information they have been provided supports informed land-use decision-making and climate adaptation strategies.
NV5 has completed advanced deliverables for the island nations of Barbados and Tobago, two of the largest stakeholders in the region with significant land area and population. These countries were prioritized for the delivery of advanced deliverables due to their size and population, as well as their previous surveys, extensive requirements, and clear plans for data utilization. The deliverables included vegetation heights, building heights, roads, bridges, coastal resources, and land use classification. These comprehensive spatial datasets are crucial for evidence-based decision-making in urban development, environmental conservation, and disaster risk reduction. As Sven notes, ‘Our focus on delivering advanced deliverables to Barbados and Tobago reflects our commitment to supporting these countries with the data they need to address the impacts of climate change.’
The detailed geospatial data collected through this project has a wide range of applications:
- Urban Planning and Development: Understanding vegetation and building heights aids in planning for urban green spaces and assessing urban heat island effects.
- Disaster Management: Coastal resource classifications and watercourses information are critical for coastal management and flood risk assessment.
- Environmental Protection: Data on vegetation heights and land cover are essential for biodiversity conservation and habitat protection.
- Infrastructure and Utility Management: Information on building heights and street utilities assists in planning utilities and services, ensuring adequate infrastructure capacity.
The 5Cs project’s use of advanced geospatial technologies to survey the Caribbean region is a crucial step in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The detailed imagery and data collected provide valuable insights into the changing landscape, helping to inform effective strategies for protecting the region’s communities and natural resources.
This initiative is not only a beacon of hope for the Caribbean but also serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. By leveraging advanced geospatial technologies, countries can better understand their vulnerabilities to climate change and take proactive steps to mitigate its impacts. The project underscores the importance of international collaboration and the use of innovative science in the global fight against climate change. NV5’s expertise and commitment to delivering advanced geospatial solutions have been instrumental in the success of this project, setting a standard for future endeavors in the region and beyond.