Issue/Background

Introduced rats and possums play havoc on native birds and ecology, as well as carrying diseases such as TB, which are major threat to farming systems. Left unchecked, much of New Zealands native forests would eventually disappear due to lack of regeneration, and throughout the world rats are slowly wiping out bird populations on many offshore islands.

The only effective solution is aerial poison baiting.  The probem is to ensure this is done with a high degree of precision to avoid detrimental side effects.

Solution

TracMap have developed a specialist guidance system specifically for helicopters undertaking this type of work.  There are many unique requirements, including the ability to generate buffer zones and exclusion areas, and have multiple aircraft working togther with no misses, overlaps, or confusion.

Outcome

TracMap systems are now being used succesfully around the world for this highly demanding work. In the past three years they have been used succesfully for major control operations in such diverse locations as the Aelutian Islands, South Georgia in the South Atlantic, Macquarie island off the southern coast of Australia, the Galapagos Islands in the pacific, and the rugged bush of the west coast of the South Island of NZ