Applications of Photogrammetric UAVs in Surveying Area: a comparison on topography survey, using UAV method and Conventional surveying method

Ma, Xin (2018) Applications of Photogrammetric UAVs in Surveying Area: a comparison on topography survey, using UAV method and Conventional surveying method. [USQ Project]


Abstract

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), commonly are described as a Drone, is an aircraft without a pilot. It could be used to capture the photogrammetric images by mounting one or several cameras on the UAV, which could convert the images into spatial data for the different purpose of use. In addition, these spatial data could add the geo-referenced information on once the GPS sensor is installed on the UAV or Georeference control points are established. With the development of the technology, easy controlled and reduced cost UAV would become an advantage to the modern surveyor to improve their efficiency and minimize the survey risks.

Highly developed technology is introduced into survey industry in recent decades, such as Total Station, and GNSS (global navigation satellite system). In order to fulfil the abilities to use the latest survey equipment’s, surveyors are putting a lot effort to learn the related knowledge on how to operate these equipment’s. However, not all the new equipment is easily accepting and recognised by surveyors or technician, such as when Total station comes out, people are questioning how accurate would be EDM measurement and how perfect is the ATR. It will be the same situation where the UAV application utilise in survey industry. To fully use UAV, surveyors’ ability is to learn how to use the Drone to capture and collect useful data, then utilise the specific data for their purpose of surveying. In this regard, the question is asking that how accurate is the data to be and what is the limitation for using UAV technology? The following of the report will be using field data to illustrate the above issues, by comparing the use of UAVs as a photogrammetric tool for survey equipment, and the total station and GPS instrument for surveying. While analysing these field data, the outcome could be shown on these aspects: precision, accuracy, limitations, time consuming and overall operating costs for both conventional trigonometric survey and UAV photogrammetric survey methodology.

The initial research would be conducted for the use of UAV, by classify what is UAV, the principle of UAV and the methods for capture the appropriate photogrammetric image capture, where could be used for planning, topographic and control. In terms of achieve these survey requirements, the camera setting, flying path, and flight height would be critical aspects to ensure the quality of the image which would take account to the accuracy and precision of the data.

To select the proper site for the field observation is the key factor which conduct with this dissertation test photogrammetric UAV data in comparison with conventional survey data. Several factors for site selection would be considered such as, the size of the site, topography, ground level, vegetation types, densities, man-made structures, river, creek and any other colour objects which has significant difference results when on the image by UAV and observation data on traditional survey equipment’s. Also, the time consuming in field and office for both methods would be recorded to determine the cost benefit analysis for several different types of survey methods.

To test the filed data accuracies and precisions on UAV photogrammetric field data capture, the Leica Total Station TS 16 and Hipper SR GNSS Topcon GPS will be applied in these filed data observations. To verify the level and position difference on photographic image data and also 3D model would be created to compare the site topography detail to prove the data reliability with the quote State survey mark and State contour lines. Due to the time and fund limitation, only one brand UAV would be conducted in this dissertation. It is recommended further research would be introduced to different types and brans of UAV equipment would be test for the general usage in more specific detail research.


Statistics for USQ ePrint 40708
Statistics for this ePrint Item
Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021)
Supervisors: Liu, Xiaoye
Qualification: Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) (Surveying)
Date Deposited: 31 Aug 2022 02:10
Last Modified: 29 Jun 2023 01:52
Uncontrolled Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV); photogrammetric images; surveying; UAV method; conventional method
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40708

Actions (login required)

View Item Archive Repository Staff Only