scholarly journals A METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS AERIAL AND TERRESTRIAL GEODATA ACQUISITION FOR CORRIDOR MAPPING

Author(s):  
P. Molina ◽  
M. Blázquez ◽  
J. Sastre ◽  
I. Colomina

In this paper, we present mapKITE, a new mobile, simultaneous terrestrial and aerial, geodata collection and post-processing method. On one side, the method combines a terrestrial mobile mapping system (TMMS) with an unmanned aerial mapping one, both equipped with remote sensing payloads (at least, a nadir-looking visible-band camera in the UA) by means of which aerial and terrestrial geodata are acquired simultaneously. This tandem geodata acquisition system is based on a terrestrial vehicle (TV) and on an unmanned aircraft (UA) linked by a 'virtual tether', that is, a mechanism based on the real-time supply of UA waypoints by the TV. By means of the TV-to-UA tether, the UA follows the TV keeping a specific relative TV-to-UA spatial configuration enabling the simultaneous operation of both systems to obtain highly redundant and complementary geodata. <br><br> On the other side, mapKITE presents a novel concept for geodata post-processing favoured by the rich geometrical aspects derived from the mapKITE tandem simultaneous operation. The approach followed for sensor orientation and calibration of the aerial images captured by the UA inherits the principles of Integrated Sensor Orientation (ISO) and adds the pointing-and-scaling photogrammetric measurement of a distinctive element observed in every UA image, which is a coded target mounted on the roof of the TV. By means of the TV navigation system, the orientation of the TV coded target is performed and used in the post-processing UA image orientation approach as a Kinematic Ground Control Point (KGCP). The geometric strength of a mapKITE ISO network is therefore high as it counts with the traditional tie point image measurements, static ground control points, kinematic aerial control and the new point-and-scale measurements of the KGCPs. With such a geometry, reliable system and sensor orientation and calibration and eventual further reduction of the number of traditional ground control points is feasible. <br><br> The different technical concepts, challenges and breakthroughs behind mapKITE are presented in this paper, such as the TV-to-UA virtual tether and the use of KGCP measurements for UA sensor orientation. In addition, the use in mapKITE of new European GNSS signals such as the Galileo E5 AltBOC is discussed. Because of the critical role of GNSS technologies and the potential impact on the corridor mapping market, the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency, in the frame of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation “Horizon 2020,” have recently awarded the “mapKITE” project to an international consortium of organizations coordinated by GeoNumerics S.L.

Author(s):  
P. Molina ◽  
M. Blázquez ◽  
J. Sastre ◽  
I. Colomina

This paper addresses the key aspects of the sensor orientation and calibration approach within the mapKITE concept for corridor mapping, focusing on the contribution analysis of point-and-scale measurements of kinematic ground control points. MapKITE is a new mobile, simultaneous terrestrial and aerial, geodata acquisition and post-processing method. On one hand, the acquisition system is a tandem composed of a terrestrial mobile mapping system and an unmanned aerial system, the latter equipped with a remote sensing payload, and linked through a 'virtual tether', that is, a real-time waypoint supply from the terrestrial vehicle to the unmanned aircraft. On the other hand, mapKITE entails a method for geodata post-processing (specifically, sensor orientation and calibration) based on the described acquisition paradigm, focusing on few key aspects: the particular geometric relationship of a mapKITE network &ndash; the aerial vehicle always observes the terrestrial one as they both move &ndash;, precise air and ground trajectory determination &ndash; the terrestrial vehicle is regarded as a kinematic ground control point &ndash; and new photogrammetric measurements &ndash; pointing on and measuring the scale of an optical target on the roof of the terrestrial vehicle &ndash; are exploited. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; In this paper, we analyze the performance of aerial image orientation and calibration in mapKITE for corridor mapping, which is the natural application niche of mapKITE, based on the principles and procedures of integrated sensor orientation with the addition of point-and-scale photogrammetric measurements of the kinematic ground control points. To do so, traditional (static ground control points, photogrammetric tie points, aerial control) and new (pointing-and-scaling of kinematic ground control points) measurements have been simulated for mapKITE corridor mapping missions, consisting on takeoff and calibration pattern, single-pass corridor operation potentially performing calibration patterns, and landing and calibration pattern. Our preliminary results show that the exterior orientation, interior orientation and tie points precision estimates are better when using kinematic control with few static ground control, and even with excluding the latter. We conclude then that mapKITE can be a breakthrough on the UAS-based corridor mapping field, as precision requirements can be achieved for single-pass operation with no need for traditional static ground control points.


Author(s):  
P. Molina ◽  
M. Blázquez ◽  
J. Sastre ◽  
I. Colomina

This paper addresses the key aspects of the sensor orientation and calibration approach within the mapKITE concept for corridor mapping, focusing on the contribution analysis of point-and-scale measurements of kinematic ground control points. MapKITE is a new mobile, simultaneous terrestrial and aerial, geodata acquisition and post-processing method. On one hand, the acquisition system is a tandem composed of a terrestrial mobile mapping system and an unmanned aerial system, the latter equipped with a remote sensing payload, and linked through a 'virtual tether', that is, a real-time waypoint supply from the terrestrial vehicle to the unmanned aircraft. On the other hand, mapKITE entails a method for geodata post-processing (specifically, sensor orientation and calibration) based on the described acquisition paradigm, focusing on few key aspects: the particular geometric relationship of a mapKITE network &ndash; the aerial vehicle always observes the terrestrial one as they both move &ndash;, precise air and ground trajectory determination &ndash; the terrestrial vehicle is regarded as a kinematic ground control point &ndash; and new photogrammetric measurements &ndash; pointing on and measuring the scale of an optical target on the roof of the terrestrial vehicle &ndash; are exploited. <br><br> In this paper, we analyze the performance of aerial image orientation and calibration in mapKITE for corridor mapping, which is the natural application niche of mapKITE, based on the principles and procedures of integrated sensor orientation with the addition of point-and-scale photogrammetric measurements of the kinematic ground control points. To do so, traditional (static ground control points, photogrammetric tie points, aerial control) and new (pointing-and-scaling of kinematic ground control points) measurements have been simulated for mapKITE corridor mapping missions, consisting on takeoff and calibration pattern, single-pass corridor operation potentially performing calibration patterns, and landing and calibration pattern. Our preliminary results show that the exterior orientation, interior orientation and tie points precision estimates are better when using kinematic control with few static ground control, and even with excluding the latter. We conclude then that mapKITE can be a breakthrough on the UAS-based corridor mapping field, as precision requirements can be achieved for single-pass operation with no need for traditional static ground control points.


Author(s):  
P. Molina ◽  
M. Blázquez ◽  
J. Sastre ◽  
I. Colomina

We introduce a new mobile, simultaneous terrestrial and aerial, geodata collection and post-processing method: mapKITE. By combining two mapping technologies such as terrestrial mobile mapping and unmanned aircraft aerial mapping, geodata are simultaneously acquired from air and ground. More in detail, a mapKITE geodata acquisition system consists on an unmanned aircraft and a terrestrial vehicle, which hosts the ground control station. By means of a real-time navigation system on the terrestrial vehicle, real-time waypoints are sent to the aircraft from the ground. By doing so, the aircraft is linked to the terrestrial vehicle through a “virtual tether,” acting as a “mapping kite.” <br><br> In the article, we entail the concept of mapKITE as well as the various technologies and techniques involved, from aircraft guidance and navigation based on IMU and GNSS, optical cameras for mapping and tracking, sensor orientation and calibration, etc. Moreover, we report of a new measurement introduced in mapKITE, that is, point-and-scale photogrammetric measurements [of image coordinates and scale] for optical targets of known size installed on the ground vehicle roof. By means of accurate posteriori trajectory determination of the terrestrial vehicle, mapKITE benefits then from kinematic ground control points which are photogrametrically observed by point-and-scale measures. <br><br> Initial results for simulated configurations show that these measurements added to the usual Integrated Sensor Orientation ones reduce or even eliminate the need of conventional ground control points –therefore, lowering mission costs– and enable selfcalibration of the unmanned aircraft interior orientation parameters in corridor configurations, in contrast to the situation of traditional corridor configurations. <br><br> Finally, we report about current developments of the first mapKITE prototype, developed under the European Union Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020. The first mapKITE mission will be held at the BCN Drone Center (Collsuspina, Moià, Spain) in mid 2016.


Author(s):  
P. Molina ◽  
M. Blázquez ◽  
J. Sastre ◽  
I. Colomina

We introduce a new mobile, simultaneous terrestrial and aerial, geodata collection and post-processing method: mapKITE. By combining two mapping technologies such as terrestrial mobile mapping and unmanned aircraft aerial mapping, geodata are simultaneously acquired from air and ground. More in detail, a mapKITE geodata acquisition system consists on an unmanned aircraft and a terrestrial vehicle, which hosts the ground control station. By means of a real-time navigation system on the terrestrial vehicle, real-time waypoints are sent to the aircraft from the ground. By doing so, the aircraft is linked to the terrestrial vehicle through a “virtual tether,” acting as a “mapping kite.” &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; In the article, we entail the concept of mapKITE as well as the various technologies and techniques involved, from aircraft guidance and navigation based on IMU and GNSS, optical cameras for mapping and tracking, sensor orientation and calibration, etc. Moreover, we report of a new measurement introduced in mapKITE, that is, point-and-scale photogrammetric measurements [of image coordinates and scale] for optical targets of known size installed on the ground vehicle roof. By means of accurate posteriori trajectory determination of the terrestrial vehicle, mapKITE benefits then from kinematic ground control points which are photogrametrically observed by point-and-scale measures. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; Initial results for simulated configurations show that these measurements added to the usual Integrated Sensor Orientation ones reduce or even eliminate the need of conventional ground control points –therefore, lowering mission costs– and enable selfcalibration of the unmanned aircraft interior orientation parameters in corridor configurations, in contrast to the situation of traditional corridor configurations. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; Finally, we report about current developments of the first mapKITE prototype, developed under the European Union Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020. The first mapKITE mission will be held at the BCN Drone Center (Collsuspina, Moià, Spain) in mid 2016.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alphonse Nahon ◽  
Pere Molina ◽  
Marta Blázquez ◽  
Jennifer Simeon ◽  
Sylvain Capo ◽  
...  

Recurrent monitoring of sandy beaches and of the dunes behind them is needed to improve the scientific knowledge on their dynamics as well as to develop sustainable management practices of those valuable landforms. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are sought as a means to fulfill this need, especially leveraged by photogrammetric and LiDAR-based mapping methods and technology. The present study compares different strategies to carry UAS photogrammetric corridor mapping over linear extensions of sandy shores. In particular, we present results on the coupling of a UAS with a mobile laser scanning system, operating simultaneously in Cap Ferret, SW France. This aerial-terrestrial tandem enables terrain reconstruction with kinematic ground control points, thus largely avoiding the deployment of surveyed ground control points on the non-stable sandy ground. Results show how these three techniques—mobile laser scanning, photogrammetry based on ground control points, and photogrammetry based on kinematic ground control points—deliver accurate (i.e., root mean square errors < 15 cm) 3D reconstruction of beach-to-dune transition areas, the latter being performed at lower survey and logistic costs, and with enhanced spatial coverage capabilities. This study opens the gate for exploring longer (hundreds of kilometers) shoreline dynamics with ground-control-point-free air and ground mapping techniques.


Author(s):  
Leonardo Gónima ◽  
Libardo E. Ruiz ◽  
Marcos E. González

One of the main problems for a precise georeferencing and distance measurements from satellite images, especially in geographical zones with strong morphologic and environmental dynamics, lies not only in the difficulty for identifying ground control points (GCPs), but also in real limitations for accessing such places. In this work a relatively simple methodology is proposed for georeferencing and distance measuring from satellite images, based on the utilization of previously calculated reflectance images from the surface and then oriented toward the north (systematic georeferencing). From these images and setting a basic control point (pixel) P, measured with GPS, the other GCPs were obtained by measurements of distances defined from the P point to representative points (pixels) on the image, selected for its georeferencing. The statistical validation of the obtained results, using a different sample of GCPs measured with GPS, shows that the precision of the georeferencing and distance measurement utilizing the developed methodology is similar to that obtained by conventional procedures, such as image georeferencing from GPS data.


2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 38-47
Author(s):  
Long Quoc Nguyen ◽  

To evaluate the accuracy of the digital surface model (DSM) of an open-pit mine produced using photos captured by the unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with the post-processing dynamic satellite positioning technology (UAV/PPK), a DSM model of the Deo Nai open-pit coal mine was built in two cases: (1) only using images taken from UAV/PPK and (2) using images taken from UAV/PPK and ground control points (GCPs). These DSMs are evaluated in two ways: using checkpoints (CPs) and comparing the entire generated DSM with the DSM established by the electronic total station. The obtained results show that if using CPs, in case 1, the errors in horizontal and vertical dimension were 6.8 and 34.3 cm, respectively. When using two or more GCPs (case 2), the horizontal and vertical errors are at the centimetre-level (4.5 cm and 4.7 cm); if using the DSM comparison, the same accuracy as case 2 was also obtained.


Author(s):  
D. Skarlatos ◽  
F. Menna ◽  
E. Nocerino ◽  
P. Agrafiotis

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Given the rise and wide adoption of Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi View Stereo (MVS) in underwater archaeology, this paper investigates the optimal option for surveying ground control point networks. Such networks are the essential framework for coregistration of photogrammetric 3D models acquired in different epochs, and consecutive archaeological related study and analysis. Above the water, on land, coordinates of ground control points are determined with geodetic methods and are considered often definitive. Other survey works are then derived from by using those coordinates as fixed (being ground control points coordinates considered of much higher precision). For this reason, equipment of proven precision is used with methods that not only compute the most correct values (according to the least squares principle) but also provide numerical measures of their precisions and reliability. Under the water, there are two options for surveying such control networks: trilateration and photogrammetry, with the former being the choice of the majority of archaeological expeditions so far. It has been adopted because of ease of implementation and under the assumption that it is more reliable and precise than photogrammetry.</p><p>This work aims at investigating the precision of network establishment by both methodologies by comparing them in a typical underwater archaeological site. Photogrammetric data were acquired and analysed, while the trilateration data were simulated under certain assumptions. Direct comparison of standard deviation values of both methodologies reveals a clear advantage of photogrammetry in the vertical (Z) axis and three times better results in horizontal precision.</p>


Author(s):  
D. R. Abdullahi ◽  
O. O. Oladosu ◽  
S. A. Samson ◽  
L. O. Abegunde ◽  
T. A. Balogun ◽  
...  

Aim: Employ the use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze areas of groundwater potentials in Keffi LGA to meet the rate of water demand. Study Design:  The study is designed to delineate and analyze the drainage characteristics, and map out the groundwater potential zones. Place and Duration of Study: The study is conducted in Keffi LGA of Nassarawa State, Nigeria in 2018. Methodology: Both spatial and non-spatial data were utilized for this research, including Ground Control Points, satellite imageries, and maps. The data generated consisting of the rainfall, NDVI, lineament, geology, slope, and relief were prepared into thematic layers and used for the generation of the drainage morphometric parameters and multi-criteria overlay analysis. Each of the layer used has inputs were ranked based on their relative importance in controlling groundwater potential, and divided into classes using the hydro-geological properties. The groundwater potential analysis reveals four distinct zones representing high, moderate, less and least groundwater potential zones. The delineated groundwater potential map was verified using the available Ground Control Point of boreholes across the study area. Results: The drainage of the study area falls in the 4th order, with the drainage density ranging from 0.2 to 1.6. From the groundwater potential map generated using the rainfall, lineament, geology, drainage density, slope, soil, and NDVI attributes, areas categorized having the moderate groundwater potentials cover about 89.1 km2, while the least cover 0.1 km2 of the study area.  Validating the result with borehole locations across the location shows that the boreholes are dug based on the availability of water following the groundwater potentials, and; 59.8% of the settlement area falls within the moderate groundwater potential classes. Conclusion: The area has adequate capacity for water supply, and only those within the high groundwater potential classes can access groundwater throughout the year.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enoc Sanz-Ablanedo ◽  
Jim Chandler ◽  
José Rodríguez-Pérez ◽  
Celestino Ordóñez

The geometrical accuracy of georeferenced digital surface models (DTM) obtained from images captured by micro-UAVs and processed by using structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry depends on several factors, including flight design, camera quality, camera calibration, SfM algorithms and georeferencing strategy. This paper focusses on the critical role of the number and location of ground control points (GCP) used during the georeferencing stage. A challenging case study involving an area of 1200+ ha, 100+ GCP and 2500+ photos was used. Three thousand, four hundred and sixty-five different combinations of control points were introduced in the bundle adjustment, whilst the accuracy of the model was evaluated using both control points and independent check points. The analysis demonstrates how much the accuracy improves as the number of GCP points increases, as well as the importance of an even distribution, how much the accuracy is overestimated when it is quantified only using control points rather than independent check points, and how the ground sample distance (GSD) of a project relates to the maximum accuracy that can be achieved.


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