Walailak University and GIZ-ECOSWat followed up the project kick-off meeting in June 2015 by launching the first two workshops on “Integration of Drones into the Thai Water Management Sector”. Representatives from the Department of Water Resources Bangkok, the Royal Irrigation Department, Khon Kaen University, Tungsong Municipality and the private sector participated in the workshops, which focused on why and how this innovative technology (drone) can be integrated into Thai Water Management. They also demonstrated the collection of data by drone and GPS coordinates as a survey tool to generate a realistic 3D model that can simulate flood and drought situations as well as create detailed maps using accurate and precise data.
The integration of drone technology into the water management sector combines technology with the science of socio-economics. Aerial photography and data collected by drones, together with terrestrial pictures, have proved to be reliable sources for the generation of 3D models of floods, which then allow further simulation of the effects from flood and droughts. Not only is the quality of the data high, but the cost of flying drones at a low level is not expensive when compared to other data collection methods. Data collection from different heights with multiple flights during diverse weather conditions can be conducted by drones, while data collection by satellite is costly and can proceed only at certain times.
During the first workshop, in July 2015, the experts from Germany introduced the theoretical background of drone technology and continued with field work at Walailak Univeristy and Tha Di River. Drone operation, terrestrial and river data collection using the GPS coordinates survey tools were demonstrated to the participants.
During the second Workshop in September 2015, participants learnก to generate a 3D model from the data collected from the first workshop. Geographical coordinates are mandatory in developing an accurate 3D model with precise data and without distortion. Some of the participants have direct experience with the model development and shared their knowledge and experience. Both workshops were successful and the knowledge will be transferred to a wider audience once Walailak University starts conducting drone workshops in the Thai language in the near future.