Creating a classification map of periphyton and moss using aerial images captured using an unmanned aerial vehicle in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture

Abstract

 Evacuation orders have not been lifted in the northwestern part of Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, following the 2011 nuclear power plant accident. To show the time and safety required to lift the evacuation order, observation data based on scientific knowledge is required. The terrain in the northwestern part of Namie Town is particularly steep making the investigation of mountain streams difficult. Currently, discussions the ecosystem of mountain streams is discussed by assessing the radioactive compounds accumulating in the bodies of mountain stream fish. Periphyton and moss were gaining interest from biological researchers as adsorbents at the time. Therefore, in this study, we developed a method for assessing periphyton and moss using aerial photos recorded with a drone