Environmental Applications for Photogrammetry with Unmanned Aerial Systems

Abstract

To explore current applications for the combination of Structure from Motion and Unmanned Aerial System technology in varying environments and with project specific goals, quantitative and qualitative datasets were gathered and compared. Lessons learned and results are shared for each of four main case studies that touch on tracking fluvial geomorphology, aeolian structure mapping, automating data processing and acquisition methodologies, and combining retrospective and current datasets.

Within each case study, goals and objectives are described in detail. Platform type and any required modifications are discussed. Data collection and research locations are discussed in further detail. Data analysis, metric derivation, and processing automation is discussed, as well as error analysis metrics and the resulting comparisons. Overall lessons learned and methodology alterations are discussed and outlined to provide future work suggestions for projects with similar sites and datasets.