aerial photography to map coral reefs

[Alfredo Crisostomo]

Hi,

We have a submarine cable project that will pass through some nearshore reefs.The reef distribution is patchy so we are planning to map these reef areas so we can orient the cable route to avoid the reefs. Since we have no budget for aerial photography and no satellite images are available, the best we can do is to use a helicopter to take the aerial photos in order to map the reef areas. 

Can anyone suggest the ideal altitude and lens to be used (we have a 28-70 mm lens)  for taking the picture? We are planning to map the reefs in a 1:25,000 map.

Thanks.



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Alfredo P. Crisostomo
Chief Biologist
Environmental Impact Assessment Division
Environmental Management Department
National Power Corporation
Quezon Avenue cor. Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel no. (+63-2)-9245-224;  9213-541 local  5734
Fax no (+63-2)-9212-793
Mobile Phone (+63)-919-802-3900
E-mail:  apcrisos at napocor.com.ph or edong_crisostomo at lycos.com

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