EVALUATION OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AS A MEANS OF COLLECTING ENVIRONMENTAL DATA 
The use of aerial photography as a tool in collecting environmental data in Fi 
the coastal zone is well documented. Johnston et al (1980) discuss the role of 
Hu 
remote sensing techniques in preparation of various products for 
characterization studies,and how these products,together with additional | on 
remote sensing data may be used in selected coastal management decisions. | 
Benton et al(1978) examined the use of seasonal aerial photography in Jo 
collecting environmental information of Galveston Island, and Diez (1947). Re 
demonstrated how aerial photographs could be utilized in the geological study En 
of shore features and processes. Le 
The availability of time sequential aerial photography of Barbados has made it Ga 
possible to observe the effects of man's action on the marine environment. It 
has also proved to be a valuable source of information to the resource ^ 
manager. Hunt (1973) utilized aerial photography and remote sensing techniques | 
to acquire information on geological conditions of the sea bed of Barbados. PP 
The information derived was used in the evaluation of conditions on planning, 
design and construction of a sewage system for the city of Bridgetown. The 
project includes a sewer system, treatment plant and ocean outfall in an 
environment of coral reef formation. 
Ge 
Although some underwater features are discernible at all scales of the black 
and white panchromatic photography, the large scale photography was best 
suited to mapping sea bed condition. The availability of colour oblique aerial 
photography provided superior definition of underwater features. It is 
therefore strongly recommended by the authors that the planning authorities in 
Il Barbados should include colour photography in their air survey coverage. 
CONCLUSION 
This project not only seeks to provide environmental documentation on the 
conditions and processes operating in the coastal zone of Barbados but also 
seeks to test the cost effectiveness of remote sensing as a data base in 
developing methods and techniques to monitor changes in the environment. 
Time sequential aerial photography has proved to be of considerable value in 
providing information about the effects of man's action on the environment. It 
does hold great potential for providing the data base on which to develop 
methods and techniques to monitor changes in the Barbadian environment. 
However, this data base would have to be widened to include both colour and 
colour infra-red if maximum benefit were to be derived from remote sensing. 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
The authors wish to thank the University of West Indies for funding this 
project; the University of Aston in Birmingham for providing research 
facilities; the Survey Department, Barbados, and the Directorate of Overseas 
Surveys, U.K., for allowing them the use of aerial photography of Barbados. 
And Dr. Patrick Cotter for taking the oblique colour photography. 
REFERENCES 
Barbados Physical Development Plan.(1970) Barbados Government Printing Office, 
Bridgetown, Barbados. 
Benton,A.R.,Jr.,Snell,W.W and Clark,C.A, (1978). Seasonal Aerial Photography 
Mapping of Galveston Island in Proc.,Sym. on Technical, Environmental, 
Socioeconomic and Regulatory Aspects of Coastal Zone Management, ppl205 - 
1222. 
Diez,R.S, (1947). Aerial Photographs In The Geological Study Of Shore Features 
and Processes in Photogramm. Eng. 13(4);pp 537-545 
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