APPLICATION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR THE STUDY OF QUARRIES

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyse the prospects of studying quarry landforms by modern innovative research methods, namely using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The main tasks of this study are to research quarry landforms in the village of Korystova, create a geomorphological map and digital elevation model, and study modern anthropogenic and natural- past decade. The study results are the research of quarry landforms, their main elements mapping, the analysis of anthropogenic deformations and the load for the terrain, in particular, its anthropogenic processes using a UAV. The research source materials are detailed surveys of the quarry and its surroundings in 2015 and 2021 by UAV technologies and field research over the modification. The study also has applied value to the mining industry in the area of counting techniques of rock mining and the process of quarry reclamation. A 3D survey of the quarry as an anthropogenic form of relief was carried out in the village of Korystova in the Khmelnytskyi region using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). In order to study the morphometric characteristics of the forms and elements of the relief an orthophoto plan of the quarry was created, as well as a digital terrain model (DTM) and a digital elevation model (DEM). Changes in the anthropogenic load on the landforms as of July 2021 compared to 2015 were analysed, which were recorded on the corresponding orthophoto plan and digital elevation model. On their basis, geomorphological maps of the quarry territory were created, showing the major forms and elements of the relief. The main geomorphological processes (water erosion, landslides, etc.), the state of quarry land reclamation, and directions and prospects for further mineral extraction are characterized. It is demonstrated that modern means of scientific research, such as UAVs, are a promising source of geographic information that should be used for both fundamental and applied geomorphological research. With their use, it is possible to obtain much more detailed data for the study of specific natural and anthropogenic forms and elements of the relief, as well as to trace their dynamics in time and space with the necessary periodicity. Key words: quarry; reference section; unmanned aerial vehicle; digital terrain model; digital elevation model; morphometry of the relief; natural-anthropogenic processes.