Rekon Solutions

Your Challenges

Challenge 10: Environmental & Hydrological Studies

Post-wildfire erosion poses serious threats to ecosystems—especially along vulnerable riverbanks. Rekon delivered a comprehensive topographic and bathymetric model of the Lower Adams River after the 2023 fires, helping engineers assess erosion risks, restore salmon channels, and protect critical habitat.

The Problem

Wildfires in 2023 devastated the forests around the Lower Adams River, leaving slopes vulnerable to erosion and flash floods. This posed a major threat to one of BC’s largest salmon spawning grounds—with 4.5 million sockeye returning annually. Tetra Tech, funded by the Skwlāx te Secwepemcu’lecw (Little Shuswap Lake Band), needed an accurate topographic and bathymetric model to assess erosion risk, protect spawning areas, and potentially re-open old side channels to improve fish habitat.

The Rekon Solution

To support the hydrological study, we deployed a multi-layered mapping solution:

  • LiDAR: Captured ground surface under dense tree cover
  • Photogrammetry: Delivered ultra-high-resolution orthoimagery
  • Bathymetry: Surveyed the riverbed to “fill in” elevation data that LiDAR can’t reach underwater

We used a Bathycat USV (Unmanned Survey Vehicle) equipped with a high-precision echo sounder and RTK GPS. The swift current and submerged hazards made the mission difficult—but manual piloting, safety coordination with local experts, and river-running experience kept the mission on track.

Understanding the Site First

  • 2023 wildfires caused vegetation loss, leading to erosion risks
  • Steep terrain and a fast-moving river with submerged debris
  • Home to critical salmon spawning areas needing protection

Smart Execution on Water & Land

  • Mapped 170 hectares with drone-based LiDAR and photogrammetry
  • Manually piloted USV down 3.5 km of swift, debris-laden river
  • Partnered with local spotters and river experts for safety
  • Used Hydromagic to process bathymetry + GNSS into accurate depth models
  • Integrated data into one comprehensive Bare Earth Model (including riverbed)

What We Delivered

  • LAZ, DEM, DSM, contours, ortho imagery
  • Propeller online viewer for 3D interpretation
  • Full bathymetric point cloud integrated with terrain model
  • Zoom walk-throughs with engineering teams

The Long-Term Impact

  • [✓] Enabled erosion risk modeling and mitigation planning
  • [✓] Supported spawning channel restoration planning
  • [✓] Improved floodplain modeling accuracy
  • [✓] Received a wonderful compliment: “I can measure the length of a salmon on this!”

Rekon Let’s You Map Smarter

From forests to highways, our drone and LiDAR solutions deliver accuracy, speed, and peace of mind. Let’s talk about your project Now.