Free to Grow Surveys

FG surveying can be dangerous due to dense brush, steep ground, and decaying slash.  Flying over the hazards to examine the trees is not only safer, but cheaper and time efficient.  We are able to capture imagery from various angles and heights to determine if a block has reached free growing status. If there are any issues identified, we backup our aerial observations with ground truthing.

Time Savings

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Using SuavAir as a contractor allows company foresters to focus their time on other job duties and responsibilities.  However, any questionable areas or tough calls can still be reviewed through our high resolution imagery by the company forester.  The imagery can be reviewed from the office, reducing the amount of travel time to the bush.  We understand that our clients have busy work schedules and we work to maximize their productivity.

Cost Reduction

One of the most attractive features of our service is the lower costs due to greater production than traditional silviculture surveying.  Based on financial data from our 2015 to 2018 survey programs, we reduced our client’s costs by 25-50% through our innovative survey techniques.

Improved Safety

Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of injury to foresters in BC.  Injuries can result in lost time, WCB claims, and is detrimental to crew morale.  We greatly reduce the amount of exposure by flying over hazards.  We are proud to have no injuries or first aid incidents since implementing the UAV technology in 2014.

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Better Decision Making

All imagery is high definition and gives a look at the entire cutblock, not just a small sample (plots).  The imagery can be reviewed in the office with our clients or other foresters to determine the best management decision by understanding the whole picture.

RPF / SAS Pilots & Crews

The RPF or Silviculture Accredited Surveyor (SAS) who does the flights will also sign and stamp the declaration report that can be submitted to the MFLNRO.  If an area can not be declared through ocular declaration, we will conduct a traditional ground survey through 1 plot/hectare with our on-site crews.  This ensures a decision is reached for the client.

Quality

  • Density can be estimated using a nadir (straight down) camera angle

  • Crop tree and brush heights can be estimated using an oblique (side view) camera angle

  • RPFs are on site to check for forest health issues and collect data through physical measurements

Safety

  • Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of injuries

  • Our UAVs significantly reduce and/or eliminate the need to walk through slash

  • Less caulk time = Less risk of injury = Improved safety

Cost Efficiency

  • Higher production compared to traditional ground methods and lower cost per hectare

  • Imagery can be used to show due diligence in the event of an audit, reducing the risk of re-surveying

  • Reduces the direct and indirect safety liability compared to traditional ground methods

Our trained pilots are also RPFs and Silviculture Accredited Surveyors (SAS).  We use the UAVs as a tool for assessments, yet we will investigate issues on the ground as we see them. Making the right decisions by having the best data is the foundation for good forest management.