This means that during the next two weeks the twin engine Cessna 401, which is blue and white and has the identification number 6238Q on its tail, will fly over Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.

The aerial survey is a major aspect of the remapping exercise undertaken by the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) for the Government of Grenada. The ARD has contracted TechMap of Georgia USA to conduct the survey, with Aerial Survey Pilot Matt Boone in the cockpit.

The survey has a ground preparation component, which requires physically marking some 45 control points with white paint or plastic sheeting, so that these points can be recorded by the camera on the aircraft. The TechMap team arrived in Grenada on November 2nd and began the ground preparation work on Saturday, November 4th.

ARD Housing Coordinator Kitwana Folkes and Assistant Surveyors Kester Francis and Roy Rodd from the Lands and Surveys Department of the Ministry of Agriculture are working with TechMap to mark each of the 45 control points. Some of these points were marked by concrete slabs and stakes the last time Grenada was aerial surveyed in the 1970s; however many of the markers have disappeared or are covered with dirt and vegetation.

“We need to ensure that each point is clearly marked,” explained TechMap Global Positioning System (GPS) Technician Dan Burke, in an appeal to the public not to interfere with the markers.

TechMap Senior Camera Operator Jason Ellard is responsible for ensuring the camera on the plane, which has a six-inch lens and runs continuously, records everything. The survey will produce approximately 375 nine-inch square images. These images will be coordinated with the 45 control points when all the information is processed.

“When TechMap does the analysis of the film, they will zoom in on these 45 points so that they can geo-reference the film to the existing map grid,” Mr. Folkes added.