Hi everyone, We are excited to offer the following workshop in Perth at SMM24 from 8:30 to 17:30 on Sunday November 10: Stepping through a workflow of open-source tools for drone-based photogrammetry of cetaceans, from collection to analysis https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1718154438036-06ab7c55-1474 Over the past decade, the advancement of drones has revolutionized researchers’ ability to obtain important morphological measurements (e.g., body length, body condition) on marine mammals, particularly cetaceans. In this workshop, we will present a workflow of several open-source tools to assist with obtaining and processing morphological measurements of cetaceans collected using drones. We will provide an overview of drone-based photogrammetry and the different phases of 1) Data collection (before takeoff and during flight), 2) Post-processing of imagery (image selection, measuring, linking metadata with measurements, and quantifying uncertainty), and 3) Morphometric analysis (incorporating measurement uncertainty from different drones into analyses). Participants will learn field techniques for enhancing accuracy in data collection, including how to use LidarBoX, an open-source 3D printed LiDAR altimeter system that can be easily installed and swapped between several commercial drones (e.g., DJI Inspire, Mavic, Phantom). We will also work through examples on how to use a suite of several open-source, user-friendly software, including 1) DeteX, for automated detection of cetaceans in drone-based videos to capture snapshots, 2) MorphoMetriX v2, a photogrammetry software for manual, customizable measurements, 3) XtraX, for automated measurements of body length and body condition, 4) CollatriX v2, to link important metadata with measurements and automated calculation of different body condition metrics, and 4) Xcertainty, an R package for quantifying and incorporating uncertainty based on a Bayesian statistical model. Participants are welcomed to bring their own datasets or can use ones provided. Our goal is for participants to leave this workshop with the skillset to use these hardware and software tools to enhance the quality, speed, and accuracy of obtaining important morphological measurements to monitor cetacean populations. We also hope this workshop will build a global network of drone users studying morphometry of cetaceans under similar protocols to help facilitate new collaborations. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Hope to see you there! Cheers, KC Bierlich & Clara Bird Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/centers-excellence/codex>) Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University KC (Kevin) Bierlich, PhD, MEM Assistant Professor Senior Research Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/centers-excellence/codex>) Marine Mammal Institute, Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University Pronouns: he, him, his kevin.bierlich@oregonstate.edu<mailto:kevin.bierlich@oregonstate.edu>