Aerial 3D Reconstruction of Antique Buildings via LTA UAV

Abstract

Due to new technological developments in the field of photogrammetry, camera technology, electronics and informatics, the reconstruction of solid bodies with the help of high resolution photography from different positions is common sense, latest after the appearance of Google Earth. The reconstructed bodies can vary in size, if the bodies to be reconstructed are buildings, aerial photography is applied. Depending on the site and the object different methods can be chosen for the aerial data collection with different efforts and risks. The options can be manned carriers like a helicopter or today in coming, unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Manned flights are expensive and a common multicopter with an adequate resolution camera system is for some building types to heavy and a crash would be too risky because of the caused possible damage on the building, carrier and camera system. These cases can be e.g. antique buildings in cities. For antique buildings we propose a lighter than air carrier system with a lenticular shape and an elastic body. The advantages are lower costs, longer endurance, low risks and higher payload capacity. One has to take the weather more in attention. In the following the description and discussion of the carrier, different data collection modes and the results takes place shown on a reference antique building.