Objective 3 is to develop a hazard map of Île à Vache that would include elevation data, the location of critical infrastructure, water sources, storm surge zones, and evacuation movement.

Existing topographic maps of Ile a Vache were created in the 1960’s by the U.S. Department of Defense, and the accuracy of this data was questionable. Many locations on the island in 2013 and 2014 did not reflect the topography represented on existing charts.

To accomplish this objective, new elevation data and maps would be required, particularly of the more populated areas of Ile a Vache. Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) were utilized to capture high resolution aerial photos of the island, from which terrain models and orthographic photos could be constructed.

Aerial data only provided part of the needed information. Student teams walked the more densely populated parts of the island, gathering information on critical infrastructure, water sources, and public buildings. This data was carefully coded using handheld GPS systems so it could be combined with aerial images to create a map.

The final deliverable for this objective took several forms. First, digital orthophotos were created and published online (see Appendix E). Aerial data and ground survey data were combined to create printed maps to support outreach efforts for Objective 4. All images taken, as well as maps, orthophotos and elevation models are available online.