Workflow for capturing information and characterizing difficult-to-access geological outcrops using unmanned aerial vehicle-based digital photogrammetric data

Abstract

This paper aims to present a methodological approach for capturing information and characterizing difficult-to-access geological outcrops using unmanned aerial vehicle-based digital photogrammetric data, which has been growing in importance as a three-dimensional modeling method along with the use of 3D geomodelling, geological, stratigraphic and structural software packages, and specialized programmed algorithms in complex geological cases. In this way, it is possible to document rock outcrops, geological structures, stratification or foliation plans, geometry of outcropping lithologies, underground and surface mining works, karst systems, etc. The data obtained will then serve as a basis for the geomodelling of the geological structure of mineral deposits and oil and gas. Traditionally, the photogrammetry technique in Geosciences has been limited to simplifying and improving the work of surface mapping, topography, cartography, interferometry patterns, surface geomorphology and spectral analysis of high-resolution satellite images. However, currently, the evaluation of the discontinuities of a rock massif can be carried out, the structural domains with high precision, in a short time and in a complete way remotely, taking the information gathered in outcrops to other scenarios so that the work be interactive.