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Frontline Resources testifies to the reliability and versatility of the DynaNav system.

Clay Govett is the Operations Manager for Frontline Resources a BC based forestry consulting firm, specializing in supplying skilled labor crews for a variety of clients. In the following he describes his companies fight against the invasive Mountain Pine Beetle infestation in the province of British Columbia , Canada .   

Frontline has been involved in the fight against the mountain pine beetle since 2004 and started with a modest size traditional fall and burn contract, within a very remote area of the Rockie Mountains . We were contracted to conduct aerial thermal imaging to ensure extinguishment of close to 5000 individual burn locations from the previous years Mountain Pine Beetle treatment programs were out and would not start any wildfires.  Since our first contract fighting the Mountain Pine Beetle spread within British Columbia  we have continued to conduct ground surveys, traditional fall and burn programs and  helicopter assist fall and burn contracts.

With the large amount of flying we were chartering out for support.  Early 2007 we decided to purchase our own support machine, a Bell 206. We currently employ a full time Pilot and are looking to acquire another 206 or equivalent and an intermediate machine for this upcoming season.

In the coming year we are anticipating and are preparing to supply upwards of 80 surveyors, and two simultaneous treatment teams both with there own aircraft. To add to the efficiency of these teams and to expand the services offered to our clients we decided to purchase a DynaNav system for aerial overview surveys. 

We are currently finishing the second aerial reconnaissance contract for detection and inventory of Mountain Pine Beetle utilizing the DynaNav and it has certainly lived up to its reputation. Installation of the system was a breeze being small, simple and lightweight.

The immediate benefits to the company with the selection of the DynaNav are, ease and speed of data entry which comfortably allowed us to use one individual for spotting as well as data entry. With the shortage of skilled qualified help we will be able to provide just two flight crew per aircraft. With experience we strongly feel that the Pilot could conduct a solo operation eventually.

The system easily handled both navigation and data entry within the one system; many other companies require two GPS systems. Accuracy of the data is of utmost importance.  With the DynaNav system we were able to mark over 1000 sites per day, at an average air speed of 60mph all well within the parameters of our contractual obligations.

The system is extremely easy to use. We have found that experienced aerial surveyors and Pilots require on average 30 minutes of training time to be proficient with the unit.

DynaNav fine tuned the software for our specific application and it was available within 3 days of notice of when we were to start.  As I used the system and found additional operational needs, DynaNav provided them before the next operational shift. Software support has been top notch, second to none. Over the 150 hours of flying completed we lost only.6 of an hour in the original calibration.

The efficiency of the unit allows us to place our pilot in a Bell 206 for less money than the competition can supply a two man crew and pilot. The operating simplicity of the unit including its navigation, data gathering and mapping processes allows the pilot to safely assist with data recording.

Production of deliverables for a client is as easy as a push of a button, as the software is all windows based.  Final training took place at the job site using a high speed internet connection and the trainer actually taught me how to use the software on my own computer.  With the DynaNav system, streamed with either digital stills or video we can supply an electronic file ready for integration with any formats a client may require for their projects.

The DynaNav system has proven to be beneficial asset to our company as well as the fight against the Mountain Pine Beetle.