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Conservation Data Analysis - Sound Science

Position: Consultant (2017-2020) Organization: Sound Science, LLC, Boise, ID Principal: Bob Unnasch

Overview

Software development for analysis of aerial imagery and ecological data supporting land-management and conservation projects.

Projects

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

California Black Rail Basic Conceptual Ecological Model

Development and updates to ecological models for California Black Rail conservation in the Lower Colorado River region.

Technical Approach

  • Google Earth Engine for aerial imagery analysis
  • Supervised machine learning for vegetation classification
  • Random Forest classifiers for habitat mapping
  • Temporal analysis of habitat changes
  • Geospatial data integration

Methodology

  • Classification of vegetation types from satellite imagery and LiDAR
  • Temporal analysis of habitat availability
  • Integration with species distribution data
  • Automated processing pipelines
  • Quality control and validation

Skills Applied

Remote Sensing

  • Satellite imagery analysis
  • Multi-spectral image processing
  • Flyover LiDAR data processing
  • Temporal change detection
  • Cloud-based geospatial computing (Google Earth Engine)

Machine Learning

  • Random Forest classification
  • Supervised learning workflows
  • Training data development
  • Model validation and accuracy assessment
  • Feature importance analysis

Geographic Information Systems

  • ArcGIS processing
  • QGIS workflows
  • Spatial data management
  • Map production and visualization

Programming

  • Python for automation
  • Google Earth Engine JavaScript API
  • Data processing pipelines
  • Custom analysis tools

The Nature Conservancy, Boise, ID (2016-2018) Volunteer Data Analyst & Python Coder

  • Geographical data analysis using ArcGIS
  • Development of custom image-analysis software with Python
  • Support for conservation projects
  • Data visualization and reporting

Publications

  1. Mehlman DW, Dickinson GD, Unnasch R. (2019) Updates to California Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus Ridgway) (BLRA) Basic Conceptual Ecological Model for the Lower Colorado River. Report for LCR MSCP

View all publications →

Technical Skills Developed

This consulting work developed expertise in: - Large-scale geospatial data processing - Cloud computing for environmental analysis - Machine learning for ecological applications - Collaboration with conservation organizations - Technical reporting for non-technical audiences

Integration with Research

This work complemented research skills by: - Applying computational methods to real-world conservation challenges - Developing scalable analysis workflows - Working with multi-source data integration - Contributing to evidence-based conservation decisions

Additional Conservation Experience

Conservator/Rope-Access Technician (2006-2008) Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, Lower Godney, UK

Member of award-winning team conducting surveys and repairs of historic buildings including: - Church towers - Castles and abbeys - Historic monuments in southwest UK

Combined technical skills with physical work in unique settings.

Page last updated: December 2024