Exploring spatial patterns of overflights at Olympic National Park
Gurung B, Hutchinson JM, Peterson BA, Beeco JA , Anderson SJ, Joyce D. 2024. Exploring spatial patterns of overflights at Olympic National Park. Science Report. NPS/SR—2024/161. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2304991
This study explored spatial patterns of overflights at Olympic National Park (OLYM). Overflights were analyzed from July 27th, 2021 to January 2nd, 2023 using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data with a total of 525 days of data. Data were collected using data loggers that were deployed at Blyn (located outside of OLYM), Hurricane Ridge, and Hoh Rain Forest. The first phase of analysis focused on all overflights and found a high concentration of overflights above the northeastern portion of OLYM, and definitive flight corridors were identified across the park. The second phase of analysis focused on low-level overflights that fly below 10,500 ft mean sea level (MSL) and fly within 10 miles of the OLYM boundary. Phase 2 figures display four figures based on seasons and show a concentration of flights between 6,001–10,500 ft MSL except in and around the Port Angeles area where there is a concentration of flights in the 0–6,000 ft MSL altitudinal range. The third phase of analysis selected all low-level overflights below 2,500 ft above ground level (AGL) and within 0.5-mile of the OLYM boundary. Kernel density analysis was conducted using waypoints segmented into 500 ft above ground level (AGL) altitude intervals from 0–2,500 ft AGL. The altitude interval with the highest density of overflights was ‘0–500 ft AGL’. Kernel density hot spots were observed along the flight corridor and over Port Angeles. Also, overflights flown by known air tour operators and park administration were shown. Overflight patterns of air tour operators mostly follow the recommended air tour route. Lastly, overflights intersecting with Olympic Military Operations Area (MOA) were identified and mapped. This information can be used for planning and management purposes and this study serves as a resource for future research that intends to use more advanced analytics.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Gurung, Bijan; Hutchinson, J.; Peterson, Brian; Beeco, J.; Anderson, Sharolyn; Joyce, Damon
- Date of Issue
- 2024-08
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2304991
- Units
- NRSS , NSNSD , OLYM
- Keywords
- ADS-B, Air tours, Aircraft, spatial analysis
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Landscapes | Soundscape | Soundscape