scholarly journals EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY FOR 3D MODELLING OF HIGH-ALPINE ENVIRONMENTS

Author(s):  
K. Legat ◽  
K. Moe ◽  
D. Poli ◽  
E. Bollmannb

High-alpine areas are subject to rapid topographic changes, mainly caused by natural processes like glacial retreat and other geomorphological processes, and also due to anthropogenic interventions like construction of slopes and infrastructure in skiing resorts. Consequently, the demand for highly accurate digital terrain models (DTMs) in alpine environments has arisen. Public administrations often have dedicated resources for the regular monitoring of glaciers and natural hazard processes. In case of glaciers, traditional monitoring encompasses in-situ measurements of area and length and the estimation of volume and mass changes. Next to field measurements, data for such monitoring programs can be derived from DTMs and digital ortho photos (DOPs). Skiing resorts, on the other hand, require DTMs as input for planning and – more recently – for RTK-GNSS supported ski-slope grooming. Although different in scope, the demand of both user groups is similar: high-quality and up-to-date terrain data for extended areas often characterised by difficult accessibility and large elevation ranges. <br><br>Over the last two decades, airborne laser scanning (ALS) has replaced photogrammetric approaches as state-of-the-art technology for the acquisition of high-resolution DTMs also in alpine environments. Reasons include the higher productivity compared to (manual) stereo-photogrammetric measurements, canopy-penetration capability, and limitations of photo measurements on sparsely textured surfaces like snow or ice. Nevertheless, the last few years have shown strong technological advances in the field of aerial camera technology, image processing and photogrammetric software which led to new possibilities for image-based DTM generation even in alpine terrain. At Vermessung AVT, an Austrian-based surveying company, and its subsidiary Terra Messflug, very promising results have been achieved for various projects in high-alpine environments, using images acquired by large-format digital cameras of Microsoft’s UltraCam series and the in-house processing chain centred on the Dense-Image-Matching (DIM) software SURE by nFrames. <br><br> This paper reports the work carried out at AVT for the surface- and terrain modelling of several high-alpine areas using DIM- and ALS-based approaches. A special focus is dedicated to the influence of terrain morphology, flight planning, GNSS/IMU measurements, and ground-control distribution in the georeferencing process on the data quality. Based on the very promising results, some general recommendations for aerial photogrammetry processing in high-alpine areas are made to achieve best possible accuracy of the final 3D-, 2.5D- and 2D products.

Author(s):  
K. Legat ◽  
K. Moe ◽  
D. Poli ◽  
E. Bollmannb

High-alpine areas are subject to rapid topographic changes, mainly caused by natural processes like glacial retreat and other geomorphological processes, and also due to anthropogenic interventions like construction of slopes and infrastructure in skiing resorts. Consequently, the demand for highly accurate digital terrain models (DTMs) in alpine environments has arisen. Public administrations often have dedicated resources for the regular monitoring of glaciers and natural hazard processes. In case of glaciers, traditional monitoring encompasses in-situ measurements of area and length and the estimation of volume and mass changes. Next to field measurements, data for such monitoring programs can be derived from DTMs and digital ortho photos (DOPs). Skiing resorts, on the other hand, require DTMs as input for planning and – more recently – for RTK-GNSS supported ski-slope grooming. Although different in scope, the demand of both user groups is similar: high-quality and up-to-date terrain data for extended areas often characterised by difficult accessibility and large elevation ranges. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Over the last two decades, airborne laser scanning (ALS) has replaced photogrammetric approaches as state-of-the-art technology for the acquisition of high-resolution DTMs also in alpine environments. Reasons include the higher productivity compared to (manual) stereo-photogrammetric measurements, canopy-penetration capability, and limitations of photo measurements on sparsely textured surfaces like snow or ice. Nevertheless, the last few years have shown strong technological advances in the field of aerial camera technology, image processing and photogrammetric software which led to new possibilities for image-based DTM generation even in alpine terrain. At Vermessung AVT, an Austrian-based surveying company, and its subsidiary Terra Messflug, very promising results have been achieved for various projects in high-alpine environments, using images acquired by large-format digital cameras of Microsoft’s UltraCam series and the in-house processing chain centred on the Dense-Image-Matching (DIM) software SURE by nFrames. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; This paper reports the work carried out at AVT for the surface- and terrain modelling of several high-alpine areas using DIM- and ALS-based approaches. A special focus is dedicated to the influence of terrain morphology, flight planning, GNSS/IMU measurements, and ground-control distribution in the georeferencing process on the data quality. Based on the very promising results, some general recommendations for aerial photogrammetry processing in high-alpine areas are made to achieve best possible accuracy of the final 3D-, 2.5D- and 2D products.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 507
Author(s):  
Tasiyiwa Priscilla Muumbe ◽  
Jussi Baade ◽  
Jenia Singh ◽  
Christiane Schmullius ◽  
Christian Thau

Savannas are heterogeneous ecosystems, composed of varied spatial combinations and proportions of woody and herbaceous vegetation. Most field-based inventory and remote sensing methods fail to account for the lower stratum vegetation (i.e., shrubs and grasses), and are thus underrepresenting the carbon storage potential of savanna ecosystems. For detailed analyses at the local scale, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) has proven to be a promising remote sensing technology over the past decade. Accordingly, several review articles already exist on the use of TLS for characterizing 3D vegetation structure. However, a gap exists on the spatial concentrations of TLS studies according to biome for accurate vegetation structure estimation. A comprehensive review was conducted through a meta-analysis of 113 relevant research articles using 18 attributes. The review covered a range of aspects, including the global distribution of TLS studies, parameters retrieved from TLS point clouds and retrieval methods. The review also examined the relationship between the TLS retrieval method and the overall accuracy in parameter extraction. To date, TLS has mainly been used to characterize vegetation in temperate, boreal/taiga and tropical forests, with only little emphasis on savannas. TLS studies in the savanna focused on the extraction of very few vegetation parameters (e.g., DBH and height) and did not consider the shrub contribution to the overall Above Ground Biomass (AGB). Future work should therefore focus on developing new and adjusting existing algorithms for vegetation parameter extraction in the savanna biome, improving predictive AGB models through 3D reconstructions of savanna trees and shrubs as well as quantifying AGB change through the application of multi-temporal TLS. The integration of data from various sources and platforms e.g., TLS with airborne LiDAR is recommended for improved vegetation parameter extraction (including AGB) at larger spatial scales. The review highlights the huge potential of TLS for accurate savanna vegetation extraction by discussing TLS opportunities, challenges and potential future research in the savanna biome.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 261
Author(s):  
Francisco Mauro ◽  
Andrew T. Hudak ◽  
Patrick A. Fekety ◽  
Bryce Frank ◽  
Hailemariam Temesgen ◽  
...  

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) acquisitions provide piecemeal coverage across the western US, as collections are organized by local managers of individual project areas. In this study, we analyze different factors that can contribute to developing a regional strategy to use information from completed ALS data acquisitions and develop maps of multiple forest attributes in new ALS project areas in a rapid manner. This study is located in Oregon, USA, and analyzes six forest structural attributes for differences between: (1) synthetic (i.e., not-calibrated), and calibrated predictions, (2) parametric linear and semiparametric models, and (3) models developed with predictors computed for point clouds enclosed in the areas where field measurements were taken, i.e., “point-cloud predictors”, and models developed using predictors extracted from pre-rasterized layers, i.e., “rasterized predictors”. Forest structural attributes under consideration are aboveground biomass, downed woody biomass, canopy bulk density, canopy height, canopy base height, and canopy fuel load. Results from our study indicate that semiparametric models perform better than parametric models if no calibration is performed. However, the effect of the calibration is substantial in reducing the bias of parametric models but minimal for the semiparametric models and, once calibrations are performed, differences between parametric and semiparametric models become negligible for all responses. In addition, minimal differences between models using point-cloud predictors and models using rasterized predictors were found. We conclude that the approach that applies semiparametric models and rasterized predictors, which represents the easiest workflow and leads to the most rapid results, is justified with little loss in accuracy or precision even if no calibration is performed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiuxiang Hu ◽  
Anshuman Razdan ◽  
Joseph A. Zehnder

Abstract A technique for calibrating digital cameras for stereo photogrammetry of cumulus clouds is presented. It has been applied to characterize the formation of summer thunderstorms observed during the Cumulus Photogrammetric, In Situ, and Doppler Observations (CuPIDO) project. Starting from gross measurements of locations, orientations of cameras, and landmark surveys, accurate locations and orientations of the cameras are obtained by minimizing a geometric error (GE). Once accurate camera parameters are obtained, 3D positions of cloud-feature points are computed by triangulation. The main contributions of this paper are as follows. First, it is proven that the GE has only one minimum in the neighborhood of the real parameters of a camera. In other words, searching the minimum of the GE enables the authors to find the right camera parameters even if there are significant differences between the initial measurements and their true values. Second, a new coarse-to-fine iterative algorithm is developed that minimizes the GE and finds the camera parameters. Numerical experiments show that the coarse-to-fine algorithm is efficient and effective. Third, a new landmark survey based on a geographic information system (GIS) rather than field measurements is presented. The GIS landmark survey is an effective and efficient way to obtain landmark world coordinates for camera calibrations in these experiments. Validation of this technique is achieved by the data collected by a NASA/Earth Observing System satellite and an instrumented aircraft. This paper builds on previous research and details the calibration and 3D reconstructions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (s1) ◽  
pp. 174-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zygmunt Paszotta ◽  
Malgorzata Szumilo ◽  
Jakub Szulwic

Abstract This paper intends to point out the possibility of using Internet photogrammetry to construct 3D models from the images obtained by means of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The solutions may be useful for the inspection of ports as to the content of cargo, transport safety or the assessment of the technical infrastructure of port and quays. The solution can be a complement to measurements made by using laser scanning and traditional surveying methods. In this paper the authors recommend a solution useful for creating 3D models from images acquired by the UAV using non-metric images from digital cameras. The developed algorithms, created and presented software allows to generate 3D models through the Internet in two modes: anaglyph and display in shutter systems. The problem of 3D image generation in photogrammetry is solved by using epipolar images. The appropriate method was presented by Kreiling in 1976. However, it applies to photogrammetric images for which the internal orientation is known. In the case of digital images obtained with non-metric cameras it is required to use another solution based on the fundamental matrix concept, introduced by Luong in 1992. In order to determine the matrix which defines the relationship between left and right digital image it is required to have at least eight homologous points. To determine the solution it is necessary to use the SVD (singular value decomposition). By using the fundamental matrix the epipolar lines are determined, which makes the correct orientation of images making stereo pairs, possible. The appropriate mathematical bases and illustrations are included in the publication.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Takashi Oguchi

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Geomorphology is a scientific discipline dealing with the characteristics, origin, and evolution of landforms. It utilizes topographic data such as spot height information, contour lines on topographic maps, and DEMs (Digital Elevation Models). Topographic data were traditionally obtained by ground surveying, but introduction of aerial photogrammetry in the early 20th century enabled more efficient data acquisition based on remote sensing. In recent years, active remote sensing methods including airborne and terrestrial laser scanning and applications of satellite radar have also been employed, and aerial photogrammetry has become easier and popular thanks to drones and a new photogrammetric method, SfM (Structure from Motion). The resultant topographic data especially raster DEMs are combined with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to obtain derivatives such as slope and aspect as well as to conduct efficient geomorphological mapping. Resultant maps can depict various topographic characteristics based on surface height and DEM derivatives, and applications of advanced algorithms and some heuristic reasoning permit semi-automated landform classification. This quantitative approach differs from traditional and more qualitative methods to produce landform classification maps using visual interpretation of analogue aerial photographs and topographic maps as well as field observations.</p><p>For scientific purposes, landforms need to be classified based on not only shape characteristics but also formation processes and ages. Among them, DEMs only represent shape characteristics, and understanding formation processes and ages usually require other data such as properties of surficial deposits observed in the field. However, numerous geomorphological studies indicate relationships between shapes and forming-processes of landforms, and even ages of landforms affect shapes such as a wider distribution of dissected elements within older landforms. Recent introduction of artificial intelligence in geomorphology including machine learning and deep learning may permit us to better understand the relationships of shapes with processes and ages. Establishing such relationships, however, is still highly challenging, and at this moment most geomorphologists think landform classification maps based on the traditional methods are more usable than those from the DEM-based methods. Nevertheless, researchers of some other fields such as civil engineering more appreciate the DEM-based methods because they can be conducted without deep geomorphological knowledge. Therefore, the methods should be developed for interdisciplinary understanding. This paper reviews and discusses such complex situations of geomorphological mapping today in relation to historical development of methodology.</p>


Author(s):  
Ryuji Nakada ◽  
Masanori Takigawa ◽  
Tomowo Ohga ◽  
Noritsuna Fujii

Digital oblique aerial camera (hereinafter called “oblique cameras”) is an assembly of medium format digital cameras capable of shooting digital aerial photographs in five directions i.e. nadir view and oblique views (forward and backward, left and right views) simultaneously and it is used for shooting digital aerial photographs efficiently for generating 3D models in a wide area. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; For aerial photogrammetry of public survey in Japan, it is required to use large format cameras, like DMC and UltraCam series, to ensure aerial photogrammetric accuracy. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; Although oblique cameras are intended to generate 3D models, digital aerial photographs in 5 directions taken with them should not be limited to 3D model production but they may also be allowed for digital mapping and photomaps of required public survey accuracy in Japan. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; In order to verify the potency of using oblique cameras for aerial photogrammetry (simultaneous adjustment, digital mapping and photomaps), (1) a viewer was developed to interpret digital aerial photographs taken with oblique cameras, (2) digital aerial photographs were shot with an oblique camera owned by us, a Penta DigiCAM of IGI mbH, and (3) accuracy of 3D measurements was verified.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Diego Francisco García-Molina ◽  
Ramón González-Merino ◽  
Jesús Rodero-Pérez ◽  
Bartolomé Carrasco-Hurtado

<p class="VARKeywords">One of the main objectives of heritage management policies is to promote measures aimed at the maintenance, restoration and enhancement of cultural and archaeological assets. To guarantee this, the responsible institutions must promote actions for the dissemination and transference of cultural heritage, as well as promoting actions with the greatest possible rigour, developing scientific and technical studies that support and improve intervention methods. Recent technological advances in fields such as photogrammetry, digital terrestrial scanning and 3D modelling have made a significant contribution to the digital preservation and dissemination of architectural heritage.</p><p class="VARKeywords">European administrations, in their desire of regional development, as well as the central or local governments have notably boosted the recovery of their rich and diverse heritage. A particular case is Priego de Cordoba’s Castle, a stronghold which was one of the most important monumental icons of the Andalusian period.</p><p class="VARKeywords">Currently, this site is the main target of many architectural interventions and a model due to the implementation of last generation techniques in digital preservation. The local archaeological department promotes a large number of interventions and archaeological excavations. This has made a priority to get a qualitative geometrical 3D documentation, and therefore a constantly updated the point cloud (xyzRGB).</p><p class="VARKeywords">This paper is focussed on presenting the results of the digital preservation process through 2D planimetry obtained from photogrammetric technics, 3D models, and geospatial data. These techniques are a previous step to large architectonical intervention planned in Priego de Cordoba’s Castle, in particular, the identified structures as Wall 1 and Tower 1.</p><p class="VARKeywords">Two out of the three studied structures can be found in Wall 1. They correspond to a cobblestone pavement located in the rampart of the Wall 1, which is a post-medieval period; a double-stepped semi-underground path, excavated in the infill of the wall. The third structure studied in this paper consists of a well, which drills vertically the infill of the wall of the Tower 1. This feature is interpreted in the last research as a vertical well to place the weights of the clock sited in this tower until the 19th century.</p><p class="VARKeywords">This work combines two techniques of geometric documentation to obtain a more complete point cloud. The terrestrial laser scanning, and the photogrammetry due to the higher colour performance, along with the completion of the point cloud obtained with the laser scanner. Along with this study, we will analyse the features which will better define the best technique to fit the documentation of the different structures. Their geometric characteristics, the incidence of sunlight or the accessibility will condition the use and choice of the technique.</p><p class="VARKeywords">We have stated that there is software nowadays which makes it easier to access and consult the information through new computing hardware. Besides, we have highlighted the importance of knowledge and synergy from the different stakeholders implied (city council, technological centre and private companies). The final goal consists of making the society aware of the capital importance of digital preservation as well as dissemination of science.</p>


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Schütte ◽  
Sophie-Hélène Goulet-Ebongue ◽  
Khamsa Habouchi

Abstract Technological advances during the last decade have provided novel opportunities for development of health and medical education. Education of health care professionals by massive open online courses (MOOCs) has been suggested in order to improve care and treatment of patients and the health literacy of the public. This article discusses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of MOOCs in health and medical education by taking a special focus on low and middle-income countries.


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