Over the last three years ‘High Spy' has been working closely with Posford Duvivier Environment (PDE) developing a unique ground survey methodology for Anglian Water Plc. We have completed four surveys to date. The results are now starting to confirm the hard work was worth it. Over conventional methods, we have reduced costs, cut time on site by 75% and provided high quality data suitable for semi-quantitive analysis.

The surveys have been carried out twice a year in July and November. The photographs taken are scanned into a computer and catalogued. Using photo imaging software, developed in-house by PDE, percentage cover is calculated for the subject matter. In this example, Enteromorpha spp. By repeating the process an accurate measurement of annual growth and decline can be calculated.

There are ten surveys planned in all, spanning a total of five years, by which time the data gathered will show any anomalies.