scholarly journals QUICK 3D WITH UAV AND TOF CAMERA FOR GEOMORPHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT

2020 ◽  
Vol XLIII-B1-2020 ◽  
pp. 259-264
Author(s):  
A. Masiero ◽  
G. Sofia ◽  
P. Tarolli
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
3D Reconstructions ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Close Range ◽  
Tof Camera ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

Abstract. Most of the high resolution topographic models are currently obtained either by means of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) or photogrammetry: the former is usually preferred for producing very accurate models, whereas the latter is much more frequently used in low cost applications. In particular, the availability of more affordable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high resolution cameras led to a dramatic worldwide increase of UAV photogrammetry-based 3D reconstructions. Nevertheless, accurate high resolution photogrammetric reconstructions typically require quite long data processing procedures, which make them less suitable for real-time applications.This work aims at investigating the use of a low cost Time of Flight (ToF) camera, combined with an Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) positioning system, mounted on a drone, in order to enable quasi real time 3D reconstructions of small to mid-size areas, even in locations where Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) are not available.The proposed system, tested on a small area on the Italian Alps, provided high resolution mapping results, with an error of few centimeters with respect to a terrestrial close-range photogrammetry survey conducted on the same day.

scholarly journals A Test on the Potential of a Low Cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle RTK/PPK Solution for Precision Positioning

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3882
Author(s):  
Nicola Angelo Famiglietti ◽  
Gianpaolo Cecere ◽  
Carmine Grasso ◽  
Antonino Memmolo ◽  
Annamaria Vicari
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Precision Positioning ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Real Time Kinematic ◽  
Alloy Base ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

This paper investigated the achievable accuracy from a low-cost RTK (Real Time Kinematic)/PPK (Post Processing Kinematic) GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) system installed on board a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), employing three different types of GNSS Bases (Alloy, RS2 and RING) working in PPK mode. To evaluate the quality of the results, a set of seven GCPs (Ground Control Points) measured by means of the NRTK (Network Real Time Kinematic) technique was used. The outcomes show a RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) of 0.0189 m for an ALLOY Base, 0.0194 m for an RS2 Base and 0.0511 m for RING Base, respectively, on the vertical value of DEMs (Digital Elevation Models) obtained by a photogrammetric process. This indicates that, when changing the Base for the PPK, the solutions are different, but they can still be considered adequate for precision positioning with UAVs, especially when GCPs could be used with some difficulty. Therefore, the integration of a RTK/PPK GNSS module on a UAV allows the reconstruction of a highly detailed and precise DEM without using GCPs and provides the possibility to carry out surveys in inaccessible areas.

scholarly journals A Surface KInematics Buoy (SKIB) for wave-current interactions studies

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Veras Guimarães ◽  
Fabrice Ardhuin ◽  
Peter Sutherland ◽  
Mickael Accensi ◽  
Michel Hamon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Short Wave ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Motion Sensor ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Ocean Surface Waves ◽  
Sensing Applications ◽  
Hull Design ◽  
Sensor Package ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

Abstract. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and modern motion-sensor packages allow the measurement of ocean surface waves with low-cost drifters. Drifting along or across current gradients provides unique measurements of wave-current interactions. In this study, we investigate the response of several combinations of GNSS receiver, motion-sensor package and hull design in order to define a prototype surface kinematic buoy (SKIB) that is particularly optimized for measuring wave-current interactions, including relatively short wave components (relative frequency around 1 Hz) that are important for air-sea interactions and remote sensing applications. The comparison with existing Datawell Directional Waverider and SWIFT buoys, as well as stereo-video imagery demonstrates the accuracy of SKIB. The use of low-cost accelerometers and a spherical ribbed and skirted hull design provide acceptable heave spectra, while velocity estimates from GNSS receivers yield a mean direction and directional spread. Using a low-power acquisition board allows autonomous deployments over several months with data transmitted by satellite. The capability to measure current-induced wave variations is illustrated with data acquired in a macro-tidal coastal environment.

scholarly journals Suitability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Cadastral Surveys

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
S. Mantey
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
High Resolution Images ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Cadastral Surveying ◽  
Difficult Terrain ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

Cadastral surveys in Ghana often employ well known surveying equipment such as Total Station andGNSSreceivers or a combination of both. These survey techniques are well-established and widely accepted. However, there are limitations in certain areas. In situations where difficult terrain and inaccessible areas and dense vegetation are encountered or when surveyor’s life may be at risk, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) could be used to overcome the limitations of these well-established survey instruments. This research used high resolution images from UAV (DJI Phantom 4) to survey plots within the University of Mines and Technology land area. Coordinates of the boundary points were extracted using Agisoft Photoscan.GNSSreceivers were also used to survey the land and the same boundary point coordinates obtained and compared. This enabled the establishment of accurate ground control points for georeferencing. The coordinates obtained from both UAV andGNSSSurveys were used to prepare cadastral plans and compared. The difference in Northings and Eastings from UAV andGNSSsurveys were +0.380 cmand +0.351 cmrespectively. These differences are well within tolerance of +/-0.9114 m(+/-3 ft) set by the Survey and Mapping Division (SMD) of the Lands Commission for cadastral plans production. This research therefore concludes that high resolution images from UAVs are suitable for cadastral surveying. Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Drones, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Cadastral Surveys

scholarly journals Centimeter-Level Recording for All: Field Experimentation with New, Affordable Geolocation Technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Cobb ◽  
Tiffany Earley-Spadoni ◽  
Philip Dames
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Application ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Precise Location ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Surface Survey ◽  
Field Experimentation ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

AbstractThe methodical recording and representation of spatial data are central to archaeological fieldwork and research. Until recently, centimeter-level precise geolocation equipment was the exclusive domain of researchers who could afford setups costing tens of thousands of dollars. However, high-quality measurements are being made more accessible by rapidly evolving technologies. These new tools, when used together with mobile technology for efficiently recording field data, open up the possibility of capturing the precise location of every find during an archaeological surface survey. An important step in reaching the desired outcome—centimeter-level recording for all—is experimentation with a variety of emerging low-cost setups. Accordingly, we tested the Reach and Reach RS, differential global navigation satellite systems (dGNSS) equipment produced by the company Emlid, during a surface survey in Armenia in June 2018. Our field application demonstrates that the use of dGNSS is already possible and that the described advances in precision enable improved recording and representation of spatial data.

scholarly journals Low cost GNSS receivers in time synchronization systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-72
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Czopik ◽  
Tomasz Kraszewski
Keyword(s):  
Time Synchronization ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Delay Times ◽  
Gnss Receivers ◽  
Frequency Counter ◽  
The One ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

The GNSS (GNSS — Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receivers can be utilized to obtain accurate time markers. The preliminary results of the cheap GNSS receivers’ tests are presented in the paper. The one receiver’s price (including antenna) does not exceed 30 $. The studies on the use of receivers in the time synchronization systems were executed. Three identical models of receiver modules were used. The 1PPS (1PPS — 1 Pulse Per Second) signals available on the receiver’s output were used. The 1PPS’s main time characteristics were described. Delay times between different receivers 1PPS signals were measured. Measurements were taken using 1 GHz oscilloscope and precise time/frequency counter T3200U. Keywords: time synchronization, 1PPS, GNSS, GPS time

scholarly journals The Optimal Location of Ground-Based GNSS Augmentation Transceivers

Geosciences ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Rapinski ◽  
Artur Janowski
Keyword(s):  
Wide Band ◽  
Optimal Location ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Shift Measurement ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite ◽  
Selection Of

Modern Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) allow for positioning with accuracies ranging from tens of meters to single millimeters depending on user requirements and available equipment. A major disadvantage of these systems is their unavailability or limited availability when the sky is obstructed. One solution is to use additional range measurements from ground-based nodes located in the vicinity of the receiver. The highest accuracy of distance measurement can be achieved using ultra wide band (UWB) or ZigBee phase shift measurement. The position of the additional transmitter must be carefully selected in order to obtain the optimal improvement in the dilution of precision (DOP), which reflects the improvement in the geometry of solution. The presented case study depicts a method for selecting the optimal location of a ground-based ranging source. It is based on a search of a minimum DOP value as a transmitter location function. The parameters of objective function are the elevation and azimuth of the transceiver. The solution was based on a limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno with Box constraints (L-BFGS-B) method and a numerical optimization algorithm for parameter value estimation. The presented approach allows for the selection of the optimal location of a ground-based source of ranging signals in GNSS processing from a geometry of solution point of view. This can be useful at the design stage of an augmentation network of ground-based transceivers. This article presents a theoretical basis and a case study presenting the selection of the optimal location of a ground-based ranging source.

scholarly journals Asynchronous RTK Method for Detecting the Stability of the Reference Station in GNSS Deformation Monitoring

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1320
Author(s):  
Yuan Du ◽  
Guanwen Huang ◽  
Qin Zhang ◽  
Yang Gao ◽  
Yuting Gao
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Reference Frame ◽  
Deformation Monitoring ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Reference Station ◽  
Monitoring Station ◽  
Landslide Monitoring ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Local Reference ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

The real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning technique of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) has been widely used for deformation monitoring in the past several decades. The RTK technique can provide relative displacements in a local reference frame defined by a highly stable reference station. However, the traditional RTK solution does not account for reference stations that experience displacement. This presents a challenge for establishing a near real-time GNSS monitoring system, as since the displacement of a reference station can be easily misinterpreted as a sign of rapid movement at the monitoring station. In this study, based on the reference observations in different time domains, asynchronous and synchronous RTK are proposed and applied together to address this issue, providing more reliable displacement information. Using the asynchronously generated time difference of a reference frame, the proposed approach can detect whether a measured displacement has occurred in the reference or the monitoring station in the current epoch. This allows for the separation of reference station movements from monitoring station movements. The results based on both simulated and landslide monitoring data demonstrate that the proposed method can provide reliable displacement determinations, which are critical in deformation monitoring applications, such as the early warning of landslides.

scholarly journals Enhanced Drone Navigation in GNSS Denied Environment Using VDM and Hall Effect Sensor

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shady Zahran ◽  
Adel Moussa ◽  
Naser El-Sheimy
Keyword(s):  
Hall Effect ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Hall Effect Sensor ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Heading Estimation ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite ◽  
Vehicle Dynamic Model

The last decade has witnessed a wide spread of small drones in many civil and military applications. With the massive advancement in the manufacture of small and lightweight Inertial Navigation System (INS), navigation in challenging environments became feasible. Navigation of these small drones mainly depends on the integration of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and INS. However, the navigation performance of these small drones deteriorates quickly when the GNSS signals are lost, due to accumulated errors of the low-cost INS that is typically used in these drones. During GNSS signal outages, another aiding sensor is required to bound the drift exhibited by the INS. Before adding any additional sensor on-board the drones, there are some limitations that must be taken into considerations. These limitations include limited availability of power, space, weight, and size. This paper presents a novel unconventional method, to enhance the navigation of autonomous drones in GNSS denied environment, through a new utilization of hall effect sensor to act as flying odometer “Air-Odo” and vehicle dynamic model (VDM) for heading estimation. The proposed approach enhances the navigational solution by estimating the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) velocity, and heading and fusing these measurements in the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) of the integrated system.

scholarly journals Reliable and Redundant RTK Positioning for Applications in Hard Observational Conditions

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bakuła ◽  
R. Pelc-Mieczkowska ◽  
M. Walawski
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Advanced Technique ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
The Common ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite ◽  
Forest Conditions

Reliable and Redundant RTK Positioning for Applications in Hard Observational ConditionsIt is well known that RTK (Real Time Kinematic) positioning is a very efficient technique for determination of coordinates in real time, directly on location. Although this technique has been well known since the mid-nineties of the last century, the common use of this technique developed since permanent reference GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) stations started operating as the national reference systems. Positioning in real time is very convenient for users who do not need to know any advanced technique of post-processing, especially in cases when no obstructions exist around the measured point exist. However, in practice, there are some situations when the use of RTK technique makes some difficulties, especially if the GNSS receiver has no full availability of satellites. Obstructions caused by trees, buildings, power lines etc. limit satellite availability and in consequence decrease the reliability of determined coordinates significantly. In those situations gross errors of even meters can appear in RTK positioning. In order to avoid misleading coordinates occurring we can use more than one RTK receiver simultaneously. The paper presents an approach to the RTK technology based on the simultaneous use of three different RTK receivers. Three different GNSS/RTK receivers can be set on a special mounting beam and additionally RTK positions are sent in real time to a computer. The computer software analyses not only the precision but also checks the accuracy and reliability of the RTK positions determined. Consequently, the new approach to RTK survey presented can allow obtaining reliable coordinates of centimeter accuracy even under very severe forest conditions.

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