Drone Services for Cultural Studies at Boden Ecological Reserve
Project Overview:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) South Coast Region needed to complete a Land Management Plan (LMP) for Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve located in San Diego County, California. Boden Canyon comprises 1,221 acres of natural habitat, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian.
Scope of Work:
PanGIS conducted cultural resource studies for CEQA compliance for inclusion in the LMP. Cultural studies completed by PanGIS staff included archival record search, Sacred Lands File Search with the NAHC, Native American outreach, GIS modeling for archaeological and historic-era sensitivity, a survey of 20% of the reserve, Archaeological Technical Cultural Report, Cultural Resources Treatment and Protection Plan, and a Cultural Resources Research Design and Context Statement. A PanGIS Senior Archaeologist and licensed FAA Part 107 remote pilot used a drone to collect high-resolution images of historic-era structures and rock features. The drone proved extremely useful in recording a rock wall that was difficult to access because of steep slopes, poison oak, and a rattlesnake. The drone images were used to create georeferenced image mosaics and precise 3D models that were utilized for making accurate measurements of the structures and features.
