Effectiveness of HiDef’s Offshore Wildlife Survey Technology Confirmed

Research & Development

HiDef today informed that its bespoke ultra-high resolution digital video aerial technology had been confirmed as the standard bearer for offshore wildlife surveys by academics from the University of Kiel.

The study, published in May, has highlighted the effectiveness of HiDef’s technology, with a direct comparison to two still camera platforms.

The study reports on the findings of inter-technique calibration surveys, where HiDef’s technology was shown to have recorded high concentrations of both birds and marine mammals, whilst competitor systems only recorded densities which were half as high. The report suggests that there is a 99% probability that this difference was statistically significant, HiDef said.

Mark Robinson, HiDef’s Managing Director welcomed the study: “Having accurate data is essential for ensuring that the environmental effects of offshore development can be properly considered, leading to project consents which are robust and unchallengeable.

“This study is the first scientific comparison where the supply chain was able to deploy their own preferred techniques, the results are confirmation of our long held views on how to deliver scientifically robust results, it also highlights the importance of using video technology.

“The fact that results obtained from our technology were used as the study’s baseline further confirms our place as the industry’s gold standard.  We look forward to discussing the implications of this work with our clients, the statutory nature conservation advisers and our wider industry colleagues.”