Dear Ecologgers,
I am considering if/how digital cameras (usually with infrared sensors
to detect movements and automatically take photos without human
presence) can be used to monitor some type of human activities, such as
fuelwood collection, illegal mining, and ecotourism? Technically, it
should work based on my experience. But how do we protect privacy, and
convince IRB committee?
I appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks.
[One of my thoughts: Would mounting cameras at very low positions (near
trails with camouflage such as bushes or trees) be OK? Only passers'
legs or feet (below knees; no heads) will be taken and shown on photos,
and nobody can identify who is who. My research only concerns the
density and frequency of such human activities, not caring the identities.]
Happy New Year,
Li
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Li An, Assistant Professor
Department of Geography
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-4493
Office: Storm Hall 315
Phone: (619) 594-5932; Fax: (619) 594-4938
http://geography.sdsu.edu/People/Faculty/an.html
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~lian/index.htm
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