RTK Surveying
The SLWD uses land surveying equipment to collect data, utilizing RTK (Real Time Kinematics) positioning.
RTK is a technique that takes in the normal signals from the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) along with corrections to achieve a highly accurate elevation model with accuracies, such as centimeter-level positioning, up to 1 cm.
This tool, along with data mapping capabilities in house, has helped prioritize Watershed District projects and assist in water management.
The SLWD has also worked very closely with all the local Municipalities in providing such service, along with mapping, that allows them to submit the data collected and mapped for their respective licenses and permits.
Fill out a Survey Request Form below!
RTK is a technique that takes in the normal signals from the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) along with corrections to achieve a highly accurate elevation model with accuracies, such as centimeter-level positioning, up to 1 cm.
This tool, along with data mapping capabilities in house, has helped prioritize Watershed District projects and assist in water management.
The SLWD has also worked very closely with all the local Municipalities in providing such service, along with mapping, that allows them to submit the data collected and mapped for their respective licenses and permits.
Fill out a Survey Request Form below!
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RTK survey of a ditch drainage for a local RM.
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Drone Photography/Videography/Mapping
The SLWD has recently invested in a Phantom 4 drone that has allowed an aerial perspective of all projects that are viewed at the Board table, giving an overall 'bigger picture'. Aerial drones has saved the Watershed District time and money, which in turn has been better spent on other facets of the project(s).
Projects that have been approved and completed, landowners have the opportunity of keeping a copy of photographs and/or videos of their project prior- and post-completion.
On certain projects, the SLWD may also use the Phantom 4 in conjunction with the GNSS surveying unit to gather RTK data for a larger parcel of land that may have flooding issues (on agricultural land). By utilizing the drone, the data collected is more effective, by covering more area in a shorter time.
Projects that have been approved and completed, landowners have the opportunity of keeping a copy of photographs and/or videos of their project prior- and post-completion.
On certain projects, the SLWD may also use the Phantom 4 in conjunction with the GNSS surveying unit to gather RTK data for a larger parcel of land that may have flooding issues (on agricultural land). By utilizing the drone, the data collected is more effective, by covering more area in a shorter time.
Project with a ground view
Same project as above with aerial view
getting a bigger picture of the overall effect
getting a bigger picture of the overall effect
Aerial RTK survey with drone shows the striking differences between an ordinary picture versus an elevation model picture.
The picture on the left shows the waterway running from the bush line (south) to the highway through the field causing flooding.
The imagery picture on the right shows no signs of flooding or issues to the same parcel of land.
The picture on the left shows the waterway running from the bush line (south) to the highway through the field causing flooding.
The imagery picture on the right shows no signs of flooding or issues to the same parcel of land.
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Erosion assessment with drone footage.
Fishway Monitoring
The Swan Lake Watershed works in partnership with Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement (SVSFE) each year in the spring to monitor the Honoway Fishway Northeast of Swan River. Ford crossings are an example of obstructions that impede fish migration patterns and if they cannot get back to the spawning grounds upstream, fish populations dramatically decrease. The fish ladder was designed to assist fish by providing them with an alternative route.
An installment of a gated structure was put into place on the upstream side of the Fishway to allow for the control of water flows. The purpose of being able to move the gated structure is to study the velocities that fish are still able to move upstream. The water running through fish ladders must be controlled in a way that it attracts the attention of fish, but is not too strong for them to swim against!
The Fishway monitoring program consists of trap netting, water velocities, water chemistry, water levels, and water temperature. The net is set for one hour during spawning season where the fish are counted, sexed, identified and released safely back upstream of the Fishway.
An installment of a gated structure was put into place on the upstream side of the Fishway to allow for the control of water flows. The purpose of being able to move the gated structure is to study the velocities that fish are still able to move upstream. The water running through fish ladders must be controlled in a way that it attracts the attention of fish, but is not too strong for them to swim against!
The Fishway monitoring program consists of trap netting, water velocities, water chemistry, water levels, and water temperature. The net is set for one hour during spawning season where the fish are counted, sexed, identified and released safely back upstream of the Fishway.
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Swan Valley Sport Fish staff pulling nets to begin identification of fish species and count!
