Isla del Coco, Costa Rica’s remote Pacific jewel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is being rediscovered—this time from above. A groundbreaking scientific initiative is using aerial mapping and laser technology to redraw the island’s contours, unlocking new pathways for conservation, research, and responsible tourism.
A Living Laboratory of Biodiversity
Home to 296 vascular plant species (48 endemic), 163 bird species, and a staggering 60% of Costa Rica’s freshwater fish endemics, Isla del Coco is more than a protected area—it’s a living archive of evolutionary wonder. Yet despite its ecological significance, the island has long lacked updated cartographic data due to its isolation and unpredictable weather.
Science Takes Flight
Led by the University of Costa Rica’s School of Topographic Engineering (EIT) and the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (LanammeUCR), in collaboration with Faico and the Área de Conservación Marina Coco (ACMC), the project titled “Generation of Geospatial Information of Isla del Coco using Photogrammetric and Lidar Technology” is charting the island with unprecedented precision.
Researchers have already flown over 90% of the island using a combination of automated drone flights and manual missions—some launched from boats to reach inaccessible terrain. Strategic sites like Cerro Pelón require two-day expeditions just to gather data.
Nature’s Challenges, Technological Solutions
The island’s rugged topography and shifting climate—alternating between sun and sudden rain—posed major challenges. Native birds, unafraid of drones, often dive-bombed the equipment, forcing the team to adapt their flight protocols.
Despite these hurdles, the team has nearly completed a high-resolution orthophoto—a geometrically corrected aerial image—and lidar scans that reveal the island’s topography, forest cover, hydrological networks, and even landslide-prone zones.
Why Mapping Matters
According to Randy Chinchilla of Faico and ACMC, the data will:
- Support targeted conservation strategies.
- Protect marine ecosystems vital to local fisheries.
- Strengthen SINAC’s decision-making with science-based insights.
- Enhance environmental education and sustainable tourism.
- Foster national pride and citizen engagement in conservation.
What’s Next
The final field mission will complete the aerial coverage. Researchers will then analyze forest types, water networks, and land use to guide reforestation, infrastructure planning, and ecosystem monitoring.
As Paul Vega of LanammeUCR puts it, “This is a natural treasure. As a Costa Rican, I feel compelled to help protect it. That’s what drives me.”
A Map with Meaning
This isn’t just cartography—it’s a bridge between science and stewardship. By redrawing Isla del Coco from the sky, Costa Rica is reaffirming its commitment to protecting one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries.
