Evaluating Elevation Change Thresholds between Structure-from-Motion DEMs Derived from Historical Aerial Photos and 3DEP LiDAR Data

Peter Chirico,Jessica Dewitt,Sarah Bergstresser

doi:10.3390/rs12101625

Peter Chirico, Jessica Dewitt + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12101625

Copy DOI

Journal: Remote sensing	Publication Date: May 19, 2020
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: United States Geological Survey

Abstract

This study created digital terrain models (DTMs) from historical aerial images using Structure from Motion (SfM) for a variety of image dates, resolutions, and photo scales. Accuracy assessments were performed on the SfM DTMs, and they were compared to the United States Geological Survey’s three-dimensional digital elevation program (3DEP) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) DTMs to evaluate geomorphic change thresholds based on vertical accuracy assessments and elevation change methodologies. The results of this study document a relationship between historical aerial photo scales and predicted vertical accuracy of the resultant DTMs. The results may be used to assess geomorphic change thresholds over multi-decadal timescales depending on spatial scale, resolution, and accuracy requirements. This study shows that if elevation changes of approximately ±1 m are to be mapped, historical aerial photography collected at 1:20,000 scale or larger would be required for comparison to contemporary LiDAR derived DTMs.

Highlights

There is growing recognition of the importance of geomorphological mapping of three-dimensional (3D) change, in the context of anthropogenic landscapes in urban environments [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
One of the most significant advancements in geomorphological mapping over the past decade has been the increased availability of high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) produced from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and other sources. Programs such as the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) three-dimensional digital elevation program (3DEP) aim to achieve nation-wide LiDAR coverage through data acquisition coordinated between the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) and partner-funded LiDAR collections [8]
Accuracy assessments were performed on the Structure from Motion (SfM) digital terrain models (DTMs) and were compared to 3DEP LiDAR DTMs to evaluate geomorphic change thresholds based on vertical accuracy assessments and elevation change methodologies

Summary

Introduction

There is growing recognition of the importance of geomorphological mapping of three-dimensional (3D) change, in the context of anthropogenic landscapes in urban environments [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. One of the most significant advancements in geomorphological mapping over the past decade has been the increased availability of high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) produced from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and other sources. Programs such as the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) three-dimensional digital elevation program (3DEP) aim to achieve nation-wide LiDAR coverage through data acquisition coordinated between the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) and partner-funded LiDAR collections [8]. This study evaluated the relationship between historical aerial photo scale and predicted vertical accuracy that may be used to assess geomorphic change thresholds over multi-decadal time-scales depending on mapping accuracy requirements

Study Area

Topographic Change Detection

Resolution and Accuracy of DSMs Produced from Historical Aerial Imagery

Topographic Change Detection and Thresholding

Conclusion