Nairobi river – Aerial Mapping and Survey Project
Project Overview
The Nairobi River is a vital waterway flowing through the heart of Kenya’s capital, playing a significant role in the city’s ecosystem, biodiversity, and urban planning. However, over the years, the river has suffered from pollution, encroachment, and unregulated development.
As part of the Nairobi River Regeneration Initiative, Gledaki Services Limited was commissioned to carry out a high-resolution aerial mapping and survey project to assist with river rehabilitation, environmental planning, and urban development strategies.
Scope of Work
The aerial survey project covered a wide stretch of the Nairobi River Basin, including its tributaries, riparian zones, and surrounding urban infrastructure. Our services included:
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Drone-based aerial imagery collection
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Orthophoto generation for urban and environmental planning
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Topographical and contour mapping
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Identification of encroachments and illegal structures
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Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and flow path analysis
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Integration with GIS platforms for planning and monitoring
Technology & Methodology
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UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras and RTK GPS
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Ground Control Points (GCPs) for geo-accuracy
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Photogrammetric processing using Agisoft Metashape
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GIS tools for mapping pollution hotspots and land use patterns
Project Impact
The aerial mapping of the Nairobi River provided up-to-date, accurate geospatial data to guide:
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Environmental clean-up and restoration efforts
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Infrastructure planning and riparian land management
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Encroachment control and policy enforcement
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Water flow monitoring and flood risk mitigation
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Stakeholder coordination and public awareness initiatives
By delivering a clear picture from above, Gledaki Services Limited empowered planners, conservationists, and government agencies with the insights needed to restore the Nairobi River and its ecosystem for future generations.
