1: Course Introduction
Is this class for you?
Are you curious about using photogrammetry for coral reef research and conservation?
Have you never used photogrammetry, but are eager to learn?
Do you work in marine science, conservation, or environmental management and want to expand your skills in cutting-edge technologies?
Are you interested in learning practical applications of large-area imaging (LAI) to monitor and document coral reef ecosystems?
If you answered yes to any of the above, this course is for you!
By the end of this course you will…
Understand terminology, concepts, and application of large-area imaging (LAI) and Structure-from-Motion (SfM).
Have the ability to plan and safely collect imagery for an LAI project.
Be comfortable with 3D model generation using Agisoft Metashape.
Gain knowledge in proper data management (imagery and models).
Have experience with multiple platforms for viewing and sharing 3D models.
Be part of LAI community!
This course would not have been possible without the incredible hard work and collaborative efforts of the instructors from the Sandin Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), the Gleason Lab at the University of Miami, and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). Scroll down to hear more about your instructors and the work they do
The Gleason Lab at the University of Miami
Dr. Arthur Gleason, Research Associate Professor at the University of Miami
Over the last 20 years, the Gleason Lab has supported marine conservation by building systems that let us see the ocean in new ways by pioneering the development and use of imaging technology for coral reefs. Dr. Gleason now looks to future, with the main objective of scaling up this technology through international cooperation to create a global effort in imaging shallow water ecosystems. Will you join him?
NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)
Dr. Courtney Couch, Supervisory Coral Reef Researcher for the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research
Meet Dr. Couch as she introduces the scientists at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) who are conducting Structure-from-Motion (SfM) research. Throughout the Introduction to Large-Area Imaging (LAI) course, you’ll hear from these experts and learn about their work on the Pacific National Coral Reef Monitoring Program, which spans 40 islands and atolls across the U.S. Pacific. Discover how they’re using photogrammetry to advance reef conservation and research.
The Sandin Lab at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Dr. Stuart Sandin, Director of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CMBC) at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Professor within the Marine Biology Research Division.
Discover how the Sandin Lab uses Large-Area Imaging (LAI) to study coral reefs around the world. Through projects like the 100 Islands Challenge, they have been able to track reef changes over time, gaining new ecological insights and creating digital archives of coral communities.
NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)
Dr. Shay Viehman, Research Ecologist at NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)
NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) uses marine ecology and mapping techniques to study underwater habitats. They apply Large-Area Imaging (LAI) to classify marine habitats and assess coral reef restoration efforts, such as the "Mission Iconic Reefs" initiative in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.