The Delta Coral
Large-area Imaging Hub
Supporting Coral Reef Research, Conservation, and Restoration in Taiwan
Creation of the Hub
The Delta Coral Large-area Imaging Hub was founded in January 2026 through a collaborative academia-industry project between the Delta Electronics Foundation and the McRae Marine Ecology Lab at National Sun Yat-sen University.
The primary goal of the Delta Coral Large-area Imaging Hub is to support and enhance large-area imaging (LAI) applications on coral reefs in Taiwan. Specifically, we strive to advance the capacity for:
1) Monitoring coral reefs across a wide range of locations
2) Quantifying coral reef dynamics under climate change
3) Assessing the effectiveness of restoration and rehabilitation efforts
At the Delta Coral Large-area Imaging Hub, we provide facilities, resources, and bilingual (Mandarin and English) training to support large-area imaging projects and associated skills development
Consultation and training across each stage of the large-area imaging workflow
Image Collection
Our team provides consultation services about in-water LAI image collection. This includes camera, rig, and GCP (ground control point) recommendations as well as underwater workflow 'tips and tricks' to ensure high-quality foundational imagery for each LAI-based project.
Model Building
At the Hub, we provide access and training on software to transform your images into 3D models of coral reefs. We demonstrate step-by-step procedures to build, troubleshoot, and fine-tune your models in preparation for data extraction and analysis stages.
Extraction & Analysis
Our team of bilingual staff will help guide you through your project-specific data extraction and analysis using open-access software. Emphasis is placed on quantifying benthic community composition, coral demographics, and reef structural complexity.
Data Curation
The Hub will be linked to a repository to foster LAI data sharing in Taiwan. This repository is being co-created by the Delta Electronics Foundation and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to strengthen regional capacity, data accessibility, and collaboration.
