🌍 Cayman Islands' landscape changes captured in updated geospatial imagery

The Cayman Islands Department of Lands and Survey has completed an updated aerial image survey of the three Cayman Islands, revealing the state of the landscape as of February 2023. The survey, which includes topographic data such as buildings and roads, was carried out using state-of-the-art technology to capture orthomosaic imagery. This type of aerial photography has been corrected for lens distortion, camera tilt, perspective, and topographic relief. The government has updated this survey every four years for over two decades, with the last large-scale update conducted in April 2018. 🏞️

The survey serves as a vital tool for various departments, including the Department of Environment, the Department of Planning, and the National Roads Authority. It is widely used for development planning, environmental monitoring, tracking coastline changes, resolving boundary disputes, court cases, and accident reconstruction. UK-based aerial imaging experts Bluesky International Ltd used a Vexcel UltraCam Eagle M3 camera to capture high-resolution imagery from a specialised fixed-wing aircraft. 🛩️

Chief Surveyor Darren Kelly, who oversaw the project, said the Aerial Survey 2023 provides accurate and up-to-date geospatial information for various sectors. It not only documents changes to the landscape over the past four years but also supports informed decision-making for a sustainable future. Lands and Survey Director Uche Obi added that the aerial photography is critical to the Cayman Islands, providing valuable data to emergency services like 911, the RCIPS, and the Cayman Islands Fire Service. It also plays a significant role in government decision-making and contributes as a revenue source to the Lands and Survey's geographical information system. 🚁