Rota Environmental Survey of Closed Golf Resort | US EPA

Capture aerial data to support EPA's environmental assessment

Client

US EPA Region IX & Broadbent

Project Type

Environmental Survey

Location

Rota, CNMI

Project Overview

To support environmental assessments and site condition analysis of a closed-down golf resort in Rota, US EPA and Broadbent partnered with 2cofly to conduct a comprehensive drone-based survey. This project aimed to evaluate terrain changes, environmental risks, and overall site conditions to aid in potential remediation, redevelopment, or conservation efforts.

Using LiDAR, orthomosaic mapping, thermal imaging, and 360-degree photography, 2cofly provided a complete aerial dataset, enabling stakeholders to assess the site remotely with unparalleled detail and accuracy. Remarkably, the entire project was completed in just four days, a fraction of the time required for traditional ground surveys.

The Challenge

The abandoned golf resort site posed several environmental and logistical challenges:

Terrain Overgrowth & Accessibility Issues – Years of neglect had resulted in dense vegetation and uneven terrain, making ground surveys difficult.
Need for Multi-Layered Data – Standard imagery wasn’t enough; the survey required topographic data, thermal imaging for environmental monitoring, and 360-degree site visualization.
Efficiency & Speed – The project had to be completed quickly to facilitate timely decision-making without compromising accuracy.

2cofly’s drone technology provided a comprehensive solution, capturing multiple datasets in a rapid and non-intrusive manner.

Approach & Methodology

Multi-Sensor Drone Survey

✔ LiDAR Scanning for Topographic Analysis – Penetrated vegetation to create a detailed Digital Elevation Model (DEM), essential for understanding the site’s terrain.

✔ High-Resolution Orthomosaic Mapping – Provided a detailed, georeferenced aerial map, offering a clear, up-to-date view of the site.

✔ Thermal Orthomosaic Mapping – Captured temperature variations across the landscape, identifying potential environmental concerns such as water pooling, erosion zones, or heat anomalies.

✔ 360-Degree Photography – Delivered immersive visual documentation, allowing stakeholders to virtually explore the site without needing to visit in person.

Rapid & Efficient Execution

✔ Full Data Collection in Just 4 Days – The project was completed quickly and efficiently, drastically reducing the time and labor costs associated with traditional surveys.

✔ Non-Intrusive Surveying Method – Drone technology allowed for data collection with minimal environmental impact, an essential factor for EPA assessments.

Deliverables Provided

✔ 3D LiDAR Point Cloud – A dense, high-accuracy model for terrain analysis and elevation studies.

✔ Digital Elevation Model (DEM) – A critical dataset for flood risk assessment and land stability analysis.

✔ Orthomosaic Map – A high-resolution geospatial reference layer for GIS applications.

✔ Thermal Orthomosaic Map – Identified temperature variations that may indicate contamination, structural issues, or hydrological changes.

✔ 360-Degree Site Photos – Allowed for remote visual inspection and historical documentation.

Results & Project Impact

✔ Comprehensive Environmental Analysis

The combination of LiDAR, thermal imaging, and orthomosaic mapping provided US EPA and Broadbent with a holistic view of the site’s condition, enabling them to:

Assess environmental risks (e.g., erosion, flooding, heat anomalies).
Plan remediation or redevelopment strategies based on accurate, up-to-date data.
Improve decision-making without requiring extensive on-site visits.

✔ Faster & More Cost-Effective Surveying

By completing the project in just four days, 2cofly significantly reduced costs and expedited the assessment timeline, allowing stakeholders to move forward with their evaluation without delays.

✔ Versatile Data for Multiple Applications

The multi-layered aerial data can be used by environmental consultants, urban planners, and land developers for future monitoring, permitting, and restoration projects.

Conclusion

This environmental survey of a closed golf resort demonstrates the value of drone-based aerial mapping in environmental monitoring and site assessments. By utilizing LiDAR, thermal imaging, and high-resolution orthomosaics, 2cofly delivered a rapid, non-intrusive, and highly accurate dataset to support US EPA and Broadbent’s decision-making process.

For organizations needing environmental surveys, site assessments, or aerial mapping solutions, 2cofly provides cutting-edge drone technology to deliver faster, more detailed, and cost-effective results.

2cofly (pronounced Ecofly) is Micronesia's leading drone service and education provider. Our core competency lies in remote sensing via various sensing technologies such as photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal and more.

Few key deliverables we can output with our drones & sensors: