ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information

Editorial

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3 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research

by Francesco Mancini and Riccardo Salvini

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(12), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8120542 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3464

Abstract

The applications of photogrammetry for environmental research benefits from the continuous and rapid evolution of sensors and methodologies in this field [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

Research

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26 pages, 6147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combination of Aerial, Satellite, and UAV Photogrammetry for Mapping the Diachronic Coastline Evolution: The Case of Lefkada Island

by Konstantinos Nikolakopoulos, Aggeliki Kyriou, Ioannis Koukouvelas, Vasiliki Zygouri and Dionysios Apostolopoulos

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(11), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8110489 - 30 Oct 2019

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 5803

Abstract

Coastline evolution is a proxy of coastal erosion, defined as the wasting of land along the shoreline due to a combination of natural and/or human causes. For countries with a sea border, where a significant proportion of the population lives in coastal areas, [...] Read more.

Coastline evolution is a proxy of coastal erosion, defined as the wasting of land along the shoreline due to a combination of natural and/or human causes. For countries with a sea border, where a significant proportion of the population lives in coastal areas, shoreline retreat has become a very serious global problem. Remote sensing data and photogrammetry have been used in coastal erosion mapping for many decades. In the current study, multi-date analogue aerial photos, digital aerial photos, and declassified satellite imagery provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Pleiades satellite data, and unmanned aerial vehicle images were combined for accurate mapping of the southwestern Lefkada (Ionian Sea, Greece) coastline over the last 73 years. Different photogrammetric techniques were used for the orthorectifation of the remote sensing data, and geographical information systems were used in order to calculate the rates of shoreline change. The results indicated that the southwest shoreline of Lefkada Island is under dynamic equilibrium. This equilibrium is strongly controlled by geological parameters, such as subsidence of the studied shoreline during co-seismic deformation and mass wasting. The maximum accretion rate was calculated at 0.55 m per year, while the respective erosion rate reached −1.53 m per year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

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24 pages, 12706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Remote Sensing Data for Evaluation of Rockfall Potential within a Quarry Slope

by Carlo Robiati, Matt Eyre, Claudio Vanneschi, Mirko Francioni, Adam Venn and John Coggan

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(9), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8090367 - 22 Aug 2019

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5451

Abstract

In recent years data acquisition from remote sensing has become readily available to the quarry sector. This study demonstrates how such data may be used to evaluate and back analyse rockfall potential of a legacy slope in a blocky rock mass. Use of [...] Read more.

In recent years data acquisition from remote sensing has become readily available to the quarry sector. This study demonstrates how such data may be used to evaluate and back analyse rockfall potential of a legacy slope in a blocky rock mass. Use of data obtained from several aerial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and photogrammetric campaigns taken over a number of years (2011 to date) provides evidence for potential rockfall evolution from a slope within an active quarry operation in Cornwall, UK. Further investigation, through analysis of point cloud data obtained from terrestrial laser scanning, was undertaken to characterise the orientation of discontinuities present within the rock slope. Aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data were subsequently used for kinematic analysis, production of surface topography models and rockfall trajectory analyses using both 2D and 3D numerical simulations. The results of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based 3D photogrammetric analysis enabled the reconstruction of high resolution topography, allowing one to not only determine geometrical properties of the slope surface and geo-mechanical characterisation but provide data for validation of numerical simulations. The analysis undertaken shows the effectiveness of the existing rockfall barrier, while demonstrating how photogrammetric data can be used to inform back analyses of the underlying failure mechanism and investigate potential runout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

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23 pages, 12522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SfM-MVS Photogrammetry for Rockfall Analysis and Hazard Assessment Along the Ancient Roman Via Flaminia Road at the Furlo Gorge (Italy)

by Claudio Vanneschi, Marco Di Camillo, Eros Aiello, Filippo Bonciani and Riccardo Salvini

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(8), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8080325 - 25 Jul 2019

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 9343

Abstract

Rockfall events represent significant hazards for areas characterized by high and steep slopes and therefore effective mitigation controls are essential to control their effect. There are a lot of examples all over the world of anthropic areas at risk because of their proximity [...] Read more.

Rockfall events represent significant hazards for areas characterized by high and steep slopes and therefore effective mitigation controls are essential to control their effect. There are a lot of examples all over the world of anthropic areas at risk because of their proximity to a rock slope. A rockfall runout analysis is a typical 3D problem, but for many years, because of the lack of specific software, powerful computers, and economic reasons, a 2D approach was normally adopted. However, in recent years the use of 3D software has become quite widespread and different runout working approaches have been developed. The contribution and potential use of photogrammetry in this context is undoubtedly great. This paper describes the application of a 3D hybrid working approach, which considers the integrated use of traditional geological methods, Terrestrial Laser Scanning, and drone based Digital Photogrammetry. Such approach was undertaken in order to perform the study of rockfall runout and geological hazard in a natural slope in Italy in correspondence of an archaeological area. Results show the rockfall hazard in the study area and highlights the importance of using photogrammetry for the correct and complete geometrical reconstruction of slope, joints, and block geometries, which is essential for the analysis and design of proper remediation measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

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18 pages, 7754 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Suitability of UAS for Mass Movement Monitoring Caused by Torrential Rainfall—A Study on the Talus Cones in the Alpine Terrain in High Tatras, Slovakia

by Rudolf Urban, Martin Štroner, Peter Blistan, Ľudovít Kovanič, Matej Patera, Stanislav Jacko, Igor Ďuriška, Miroslav Kelemen and Stanislav Szabo

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(8), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8080317 - 24 Jul 2019

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 4465

Abstract

The prediction of landslides and other events associated with slope movement is a very serious issue in many national parks around the world. This article deals with the territory of the Malá Studená Dolina (Little Cold Valley, High Tatras National Park—Slovakia), where there [...] Read more.

The prediction of landslides and other events associated with slope movement is a very serious issue in many national parks around the world. This article deals with the territory of the Malá Studená Dolina (Little Cold Valley, High Tatras National Park—Slovakia), where there are extensive talus cones, through which seasonally heavy hiking trails lead. In the last few years particularly, there have been frequent falls and landslides in the mountainous environment, which also caused several fatal injuries in 2018. For the above reasons, efforts are being made to develop a methodology for monitoring the changes of the talus cones in this specific alpine area, to determine the size, speed, and character of the morphological changes of the soil. Non-contact methods of mass data collection (laser scanning with Leica P40 and aerial photogrammetry with unmanned aerial system (UAS) DJI Phantom 4 Pro) have been used. The results of these measurements were compared and the overall suitability of both methods for measurement in such terrain evaluated. The standard deviation of the difference of surface determination (represented by the point cloud) is about 0.03 m. As such accuracy is sufficient for the purpose of monitoring talus cones and the use of UAS is easier and associated with lower risk of damage of expensive equipment, we conclude that this method is more suitable for mapping and for repeated monitoring of such terrain. The properties of the outputs of the individual measurement methods, the degree of measurement difficulty and specific measurement conditions in the mountainous terrain, as well as the economy of the individual methods, are discussed in detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

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13 pages, 4413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diachronic UAV Photogrammetry of a Sandy Beach in Brittany (France) for a Long-Term Coastal Observatory

by Marion Jaud, Christophe Delacourt, Nicolas Le Dantec, Pascal Allemand, Jérôme Ammann, Philippe Grandjean, Henri Nouaille, Christophe Prunier, Véronique Cuq, Emmanuel Augereau, Lucie Cocquempot and France Floc’h

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(6), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8060267 - 7 Jun 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5907

Abstract

In the dual context of coastal hazard intensification and the growing number of stakes exposed to these hazards, coastal observatories are in demand to provide a structured framework dedicated to long-term monitoring. This article describes the drone-based photogrammetry monitoring performed since 2006 on [...] Read more.

In the dual context of coastal hazard intensification and the growing number of stakes exposed to these hazards, coastal observatories are in demand to provide a structured framework dedicated to long-term monitoring. This article describes the drone-based photogrammetry monitoring performed since 2006 on Porsmilin Beach (Brittany, France) in the framework of the DYNALIT (Littoral and Coastline Dynamics) observatory, focusing on data quality and the consistency of long-term time series under the influence of multiple technological evolutions: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) platforms with the arrival of electric multirotor drones, processing tools with the development of structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry, and operational modes of survey. A study case is presented to show the potential of UAV monitoring to study storm impacts and beach resilience. The relevance of high-accuracy monitoring is also highlighted. With the current method, an accuracy of 3 cm can be achieved on the digital elevation model (DEM) and the orthophotograph. The question of the representativity and frequency of DEM time points is raised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

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12 pages, 3523 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mapping Canopy Heights of Poplar Plantations in Plain Areas Using ZY3-02 Stereo and Multispectral Data

by Mingbo Liu, Chunxiang Cao, Wei Chen and Xuejun Wang

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(3), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8030106 - 27 Feb 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3250

Abstract

Forest canopy height plays an important role in forest management and ecosystem modeling. There are a variety of techniques employed to map forest height using remote sensing data but it is still necessary to explore the use of new data and methods. In [...] Read more.

Forest canopy height plays an important role in forest management and ecosystem modeling. There are a variety of techniques employed to map forest height using remote sensing data but it is still necessary to explore the use of new data and methods. In this study, we demonstrate an approach for mapping canopy heights of poplar plantations in plain areas through a combination of stereo and multispectral data from China’s latest civilian stereo mapping satellite ZY3-02. First, a digital surface model (DSM) was extracted using photogrammetry methods. Then, canopy samples and ground samples were selected through manual interpretation. Canopy height samples were obtained by calculating the DSM elevation differences between the canopy samples and ground samples. A regression model was used to correlate the reflectance of a ZY3-02 multispectral image with the canopy height samples, in which the red band and green band reflectance were selected as predictors. Finally, the model was extrapolated to the entire study area and a wall-to-wall forest canopy height map was obtained. The validation of the predicted canopy height map reported a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.72 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.58 m. This study demonstrates the capacity of ZY3-02 data for mapping the canopy height of pure plantations in plain areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

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Review

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24 pages, 4108 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Application of Remote Sensing to the Investigation of Rock Slopes: Experience Gained and Lessons Learned

by Doug Stead, Davide Donati, Andrea Wolter and Matthieu Sturzenegger

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8(7), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8070296 - 27 Jun 2019

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7163

Abstract

The stability and deformation behavior of high rock slopes depends on many factors, including geological structures, lithology, geomorphic processes, stress distribution, and groundwater regime. A comprehensive mapping program is, therefore, required to investigate and assess the stability of high rock slopes. However, slope [...] Read more.

The stability and deformation behavior of high rock slopes depends on many factors, including geological structures, lithology, geomorphic processes, stress distribution, and groundwater regime. A comprehensive mapping program is, therefore, required to investigate and assess the stability of high rock slopes. However, slope steepness, rockfalls and ongoing instability, difficult terrain, and other safety concerns may prevent the collection of data by means of traditional field techniques. Therefore, remote sensing methods are often critical to perform an effective investigation. In this paper, we describe the application of field and remote sensing approaches for the characterization of rock slopes at various scale and distances. Based on over 15 years of the experience gained by the Engineering Geology and Resource Geotechnics Research Group at Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada), we provide a summary of the potential applications, advantages, and limitations of varied remote sensing techniques for comprehensive characterization of rock slopes. We illustrate how remote sensing methods have been critical in performing rock slope investigations. However, we observe that traditional field methods still remain indispensable to collect important intact rock and discontinuity condition data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Photogrammetry for Environmental Research)

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