Do Total Station Emit Noise Harmful To Bats?

[Ian Wilson]

I had a conversation with a colleague who is a biologist. He is working on a project that includes some bat restoration. He asked my about optical survey equipment.

The bottom line is that the team was very concerned about the survey equipment emitting high frequency sounds that would disturb the bats. They got that “information” from this YouTube video of a presentation on Effective Bat Mitigation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr9WBpuotZo

Please see the bit around the 32 minute mark.

Has anyone ever heard of an optical total station emitting noise like this?

I’ve contacted Chad Dickey, formerly with Lewis & Lewis; Jason Killpack, formerly with Topcon; and, Jason Paris, with Leica.

Thanks,

Ian

[RCS]

Even if this noise is what disturbed the bats it appears you can operate your total stations or other survey equipment within 30 meters according to the video. Can the biologist mark off areas to stay clear of where these bat colonies are most concentrated? They should probably also test cell phones since I don't think it was considered (I didn't watch the entire video*).

Other reasons to consider for the disturbance could be simply increased human activity over the course of the project or the presence of predators could disrupt the colony. Just trying to be objective but interesting problem for sure.

[hellsangle]

Oh crap! Even more: the deadly fungus is affecting bats. (see article below.) Bats can't seem to catch a break.

Which reminds me . . . I've got to check my bat house!

https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/articl ... 074841.php

Another kewl thing: https://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2019/07/ ... ght-tours/

I'd love to see that - but I bet it is must be as crowed like a Beatles concert (in their prime).

Phil bat-@@it-crazy-Surveyor-to-Recorder!

[pls5528]

I never liked Bats anyway!