Techniques in Large-Area Imaging for Coral Reef Science and Monitoring

Techniques in Large-Area Imaging for Coral Reef Science and Monitoring

The first in a two-part series, this course will teach students to apply underwater 3D imaging techniques to coral reef science and monitoring. 

This course will introduce students to Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Large-area imaging (LAI) through the following topics: technical background and applications of LAI and SfM, how to plan and execute an LAI project, as well as the basics of 3D model generation. The second course in the series will introduce students to advanced concepts of 3D model generation and other derived products, and ecological data extraction. 

Previous coral reef monitoring, research, and/or restoration experience is preferred but not required.

Course Goals:

• Introduce basic LAI and SfM concepts for coral reef monitoring, research, and restoration projects.
• Demonstrate how to successfully collect imagery for a coral reef monitoring, research, and restoration projects.
• Provide training on how to create a basic 3D model in Agisoft Metashape and how to share that model with others.