Last Updated: 3/30/2015

Mapping and rout planning

A critical component of Tepui Watch  project determining spatial relationships between fauna, flora, and geography. We use georeferencing and GIS techniques to track both our camera traps and overflights to keep a record of where biodiversity hot spots on Auyan Tepui are. Using both satellite maps and overflights of Auyan, we are able to conduct advanced cartography of Auyan which has been previously unavailable. Over time, this will allow us to not only conduct a vegetational and faunal analysis of Auyan, but also monitor the effects of climate change on Tepui ecosystem dynamics.  Currently, we are looking to expand our capacities with mounted camera rigs, and acquire higher resolution satellite images.

2013 Auyan Tepui Overflight.
The overflight of Auyan Tepui for the 2014 expedition was conducted in December 2013 by Vittorio Assandria and Alberto Pomares. The goal of the overflight was to rapidly scout out trails and topographical features along the Laime trail to the Churum Falls. An addendum to the overflight was to survey the center of Auyan Tepui and the western portion of the tepui known as the Valle Encantada. Information gained from this flight includes photographic records to analyze vegetational cover and classify the extent of the galley forests, tepui meadows, and river systems on the summit of Auyan. With the inclusion of GPS coordinates, trails and areas of interest were georeferenced to produce a basic vegetational and faunal map of the 2014 expedition route at a resolution which is currently not feasible with satellite imagery. Access to overflight capabilities and satellite imaging gives Biokryptos a strategic edge in expedition planning and camera trap placement, though we are looking to improve our satellite and overflight infrastructure with the latest in high resolution imaging systems.