Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry is a surveying technique that enables generating point clouds, 3D surface models and orthophoto mosaics. These are based on photos captured with a camera placed on an unmanned aerial vehicle. Within the framework of this research, unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry surveys were carried out over a sand and gravel embankment with the aim of assessing the vertical accuracy of the derived surface models. Flight altitudes, ground control points and cameras were varied, and the impact of various factors on the results was monitored. In addition, the traditional real-time-kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System surveys were conducted for verifications. Surface models acquired by different methods were used to calculate volumes and compare the results with requirements set by Estonian Road Administration. It was found that with proper measuring techniques an accuracy of 5.7 cm for the heights were achieved.
Highlights
The movement of large volumes of the earth is an essential part of road construction
The results achieved with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry are compared with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) reference data
System reference data The real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS positioning of the ground control points (GCPs) and the volume survey points was conducted by using a GPS/ GLONASS Trimble R8 receiver and a VRS (Virtual Reference Station) service provided via data-link by a commercial CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations) network
Summary
The movement of large volumes of the earth (earthworks) is an essential part of road construction. A number of surveying points at the slope of break lines of the progressing road embankment are selected, and their 3D coordinates (horizontal position and height) need to be determined Such an as-built survey is conducted routinely during the construction several times. Nowadays the surveyor uses a combination of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) and robotic total station surveying methods when assessing the earthworks and set out for the excavation and placement of material. Such traditional surveys are simple but time-consuming and laborious. Alternative methods for semi-automatic assessment of the earthworks are necessary
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