Photogrammetric Measurement System Research Articles

Online position correction approach of an industrial robot by using a new photogrammetric measurement system

Six-axis industrial robots are widely used, mainly because of their versatility. However, they have one drawback: they are not as accurate as conventional machine tools. There are currently a number of approaches to increase the accuracy of these robots. This paper reports on the online correction of an ABB IRB 120 industrial robot using a novel photogrammetric measurement device, the Multi Aperture Positioning System (MAPS). As described by Luhmann, multi-camera solutions were previously required for the online measurement of the six degrees of freedom (6DOF = position and orientation in 3D space) of the robot TCP. MAPS offers the advantages of a single-camera system and at the same time the features and accuracy of a multi-camera system. To increase the accuracy of the robot, a correction algorithm is developed. It uses the measured values from MAPS to calculate the deviation of the robot Tool Center Point (TCP) position from the planned position and corrects it online if necessary. In this paper, three experiments are presented and their results discussed. Two to determine the position and trajectory accuracy of the robot and one to determine its z-stability on a trajectory in the xy plane. In each of these experiments, the robot end effector is tracked with the MAPS measurement device. After the actual state of the robot was recorded, all experiments were performed again, this time with the online correction. In all experiments, a significant increase in the accuracy of the robot can be observed. For example, the mean absolute error (MAE) of the position accuracy improved by a factor of 7 from 0.0207 to 0.0029 mm and the path accuracy (MAE) from 0.1140 to 0.0151 mm.

Алгоритм формирования фотограмметрической измерительной системы по первичным входным данным

В процессе автоматизации решения прикладных измерительных задач, в том числе на базе фотограмметрических методов, возникает проблема соответствия измерительной системы объекту и условиям измерения. Для того чтобы измерительная система позволяла заранее оценить возможность получения достоверных результатов, а также наилучшим образом подстраивалась под условия измерения, необходимо наличие специализированных алгоритмов и моделей. В общем случае такие модели ориентированы на квалифицированных технических специалистов, обладающих необходимыми знаниями в области информационных технологий. Особенностью применения фотограмметрических измерительных систем в лесной и металлургической промышленности является низкая квалификация пользователей в сфере информационных технологий, что обуславливается характером выполняемых работ и условиями привлечения. Данный фактор не позволяет решить задачу подстройки системы традиционными методами, в которых процессом настройки управляет пользователь. В этой связи в статье предлагается модель и алгоритм формирования измерительной системы по первичным входным данным, в котором процессом настройки управляет сама система. In the process of automating the solution of applied measurement tasks, including on the basis of photogrammetric methods, there is a problem of compliance of the measurement system with the object and measurement conditions. In order for the measuring system to assess in advance the possibility of obtaining reliable results, as well as to best adapt to the conditions of measurement, it is necessary to have specialized algorithms and models. In general, such models are aimed at qualified technicians with the necessary knowledge in the field of information technology. A feature of the application of photogrammetric measurement systems in the forestry and metallurgical industry is the low qualification of users in the field of information technology, which is determined by the nature of the work performed and the conditions of attraction. This factor does not solve the problem of adjusting the system by traditional methods in which the user controls the configuration process. In this regard, the article proposes a model and algorithm for forming a measuring system from primary input data, in which the system itself controls the adjustment process.

Grey-relational analysis for fluid assisted blank holding system in deep drawing process for Al alloy 1050 by using a numerical simulation

The objectives of this work is to develop a fluid assisted blank (FAB) holding system for deep drawing process and to study the effect of process parameters on thickness distribution, wrinkling and strain rate for Al 1050 through experiments. Deep drawing method have been investigated on Al alloy 1050 material, which is one of the lightest material for manufacturing parts. Limiting drawing ratio (LDR) has been improved compared to the conventional constant force mechanical blank holding system. Experiments were carried out by considering input parameters as punch force and blank holding force. The responses were measured using a modern photogrammetric measurement system named ARGUS. Multi-objective optimisation technique, grey relational analysis has been used to find out optimum process parameters for the present conditions. The experimental results reveal that the quality of the resultant cup has been enhanced in terms of thickness distribution, strain rate and surface finish. The effectiveness of the FAB process has also been verified through simulation tools such as LS-DYNA and FEA. These results were compared with the experimental results.

Physical Model Experiment of Surrounding Rock Failure Mechanism for the Roadway under Deviatoric Pressure form Mining Disturbance

A physical model experiment was conducted to study the surrounding rock failure mechanism for the roadway under deviatoric pressure from mining disturbance. During the excavation process, a self-developed deviatoric pressure reaction system was used to realize deviatoric pressure loading. Meanwhile, a digital photogrammetric measurement system and a static strain data collection system were utilized to obtain the deformation, strain and stress of the model. The deviatoric pressure stress field characteristic and deformation failure mechanism of roadway were investigated by synthetic analysis of experimental data and displacement vector diagram. The physical experimental results showed that mining disturbance had an inevitable influence on the formation of roadway deviatoric pressure, which caused the V-shaped distribution of pressure stress above the roadway. The V-shaped deviatoric pressure stress caused the roadway asymmetric deformation that was proportional to the deviatoric pressure stress above the roadway. And the asymmetric deformation further aggravated the degree of deviatoric pressure stress and formed a vicious cycle, which resulted in the instability of the roadway. In addition, a numerical simulation under deviatoric pressure was conducted to verify the accuracy of physical experimental results. This study can provide helpful references for researching the instability behavior of the roadway.

Effect of Combining Fiber and Textile Reinforcement on the Flexural Behavior of UHPC Plates

A series of flexural tests were performed in order to investigate the effect of steel fiber reinforcement (SFR) in textile‐reinforced concrete (TRC) plates. Some of the specimens were reinforced only with textile, some of them only with fibers, and some of them were provided with both textile and fiber reinforcement. The concrete matrix was a self‐developed ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) mixture with a compression strength over 160 MPa. The tensile strength of the used textiles was around 1500 MPa for glass fiber textile and over 3000 MPa for carbon fiber textile. In case of fiber reinforcement, the concrete was reinforced with 2 vol% of 15 mm long and 0.2 mm diameter plain high strength steel fibers. The dimensions of the rectangular plate test specimens were 700 × 150 × 30 mm. The plate specimens were tested in a symmetric four‐point bending setup with a universal testing machine. The tests were monitored using a photogrammetric measurement system with digital image correlation (DIC). The paper presents and evaluates the test results, analyses the crack patterns and crack development, and compares the failure modes. The results showed a general advantageous mechanical behavior of specimens reinforced with the combination of fibers and textiles in comparison to the specimens reinforced with only fiber or textile reinforcement.

Application of UAV Photogrammetric System for Monitoring Ancient Tree Communities in Beijing

Ancient tree community surveys have great scientific value to the study of biological resources, plant distribution, environmental change, genetic characteristics of species, and historical and cultural heritage. The largest ancient pear tree communities in China, which are rare, are located in the Daxing District of Beijing. However, the environmental conditions are tough, and the distribution is relatively dispersed. Therefore, a low-cost, high-efficiency, and high-precision measuring system is urgently needed to complete the survey of ancient tree communities. By unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetric program research, ancient tree information extraction method research, and ancient tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and age prediction model research, the proposed method can realize the measurement of tree height, crown width, and prediction of DBH and tree age with low cost, high efficiency, and high precision. Through experiments and analysis, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the tree height measurement was 0.1814 m, the RMSE of the crown width measurement was 0.3292 m, the RMSE of the DBH prediction was 3.0039 cm, and the RMSE of the tree age prediction was 4.3753 years, which could meet the needs of ancient tree survey of the Daxing District Gardening and Greening Bureau. Therefore, a UAV photogrammetric measurement system proved to be capable when applied in the survey of ancient tree communities and even in partial forest inventories.

High-resolution surface shape measurement of parabola antenna reflector by using grating projection method with virtual targets

In this study, a high-resolution surface shape measurement system incorporating a grating projection method and a virtual-target registration method is constructed as inspection tools for precise large space structures, and the applicability of the constructed measurement system is discussed for a parabola antenna reflector with a diameter of 1.5 m. Partial surfaces of the parabola antenna reflector are initially measured by photogrammetry by using a grating projection method. The full-field surface of the parabola antenna reflector is subsequently reconstructed by merging the measured partial shape data using a virtual-target registration method. The virtual-target registration method applies feature-point matching of the virtual targets to calculate a coordinate transformation matrix that serves as an interface between two sets of the dense 3D point cloud data, and thus it can precisely connect the partial shape data even if any physical corresponding points or any signature shapes are not included in the overlap region of the connected data. The result shows that the partial surfaces of the parabola antenna reflector are successfully captured by the photogrammetry by using the grating projection method with an accuracy of 0.17 mm RMS and spatial resolution of 0.35 mm and are precisely merged by the virtual-target registration method with the same order of measurement accuracy. The validity of the reconstructed surface shape of the parabola antenna reflector is then confirmed by comparing the measurement results of the commercial photogrammetric measurement system using coded targets. The result clearly indicates that the constructed measurement system allows visualization of the intricate local surface as well as the global surface of the parabola antenna reflector with a high spatial resolution, and this cannot be achieved with a traditional photogrammetric measurement system by using the attached targets. The study offers an effective high-resolution non-contact surface shape measurement system for large space structures.

Application of a Continuous Terrestrial Photogrammetric Measurement System for Plot Monitoring in the Beijing Songshan National Nature Reserve

Monitoring sample areas is the basis of ecological management. Songshan National Nature Reserve is one of the most important components of the ecosystem of the central metropolitan area of Beijing, and has fallen behind in its monitoring technology and methods. So, updating the existing equipment and technology is necessary. The current system suffers from high equipment costs and is not convenient to carry, so the work efficiency is low. Furthermore, the data cannot be visualized in three dimensions (3D), and complex terrain conditions cannot be measured. Therefore, this study researched and developed a continuous terrestrial photogrammetric measurement system that is theoretically based on the principles of photogrammetry, image processing technology, and dendrometry. The system applies a self-developed personal digital assistant (PDA) photogrammetry-based dendrometer and software to continuously evaluate stand sampling areas. Through experimental verification, the relative root mean square error (RMSE) of the trunk diameter measurements was found to be 5.59%, and the relative RMSE of hypsometrical measurements was 3.93%, which are both higher than the accuracy required for traditional forestry surveys. Furthermore, the advantages of this system include its low cost, lightweight equipment, easy operation, high measurement efficiency, 3D visualization, and applicability under complex terrain conditions. Since it is highly accurate and efficient, the continuous terrestrial photogrammetric system can be easily applied to monitor stand sampling areas in Songshan National Nature Reserve. In addition, it can be applied to second-class forest surveys in China, thus guaranteeing the monitoring of big data for the ecological environment of China.

Calibration Method for Dynamic Deflection Measurement of Bridges by Photogrammetry

Heavy vehicular traffic and aggressive environmental conditions can cause unexpected bridge deterioration, thus, periodic inspections to identify and assess possible defects are required. One indicator is the amount of vertical deflection that occurs during loading. Some different types of transducers can be used to measure the deflection. One of them is the photogrammetry. It is a typical noncontact measurement method. Unfortunately, it is difficult to calibrate this type of instruments. The key point is the evaluation of the dynamic deflection measurement capability. A dynamic calibration system of bridge photogrammetric measurement system was composed of the motorized linear stage, LED target and computer. The Fréchet distance was used as a model to evaluate the dynamic deflection measurement capability of bridge deflection photogrammetry. The photogrammetric bridge deflection measuring instruments are products of BIOET, which are used to carry out the measurement experiment. The results show that this system can calibrate the dynamic deflection measurement error of photogrammetric bridge deflection measuring instruments. Fréchet distance can reflect the relationship between the curves. This evaluation method is more accurate than the current evaluation method based on the error of indication of maximum dynamic deflection.

On the influence of pseudoelastic material behaviour in planar shape-memory tubular continuum structures

For planar tubular continuum structures based on precurved shape memory alloy tubes a beam model with respect to the pseudoelastic material behaviour of NiTi is derived. Thereunto a constitutive material law respecting tension-compression asymmetry as well as hysteresis is used. The beam model is then employed to calculate equilibrium curvatures of concentric tube assemblies without clearance between the tubes. In a second step, the influence of clearance is approximated to account for non-concentric tube assemblies. These elastokinematic results are integrated into a purely kinematic model to describe the cannula path under the presence of material hysteresis and clearance. Finally a photogrammetric measurement system is used to track the path of an exemplary two-tube continuum structure to examine the accuracy of the proposed model. It is shown that material hysteresis leads to a hysteresis phenomena in the path of the tubular continuum structure.

Experimental investigation and design of a shape-variable compressor cascade

The design of jet engine compressor blading always implies a compromise between design and off-design operation. The reason for this is a fixed blade geometry which has to be operated over a wide range of operating conditions. Consequently, maximum achievable efficiencies at design operation are limited by off-design requirements, e.g., a certain stall margin. This paper describes an approach using shape-variable blades equipped with integrated piezoceramic-based macro fiber composite (MFC) Actuators on the blade’s suction and pressure sides. By applying a voltage to these actuators, it is possible to increase and to decrease the blade stagger angle and therefore the blade turning. Compared to a conventional fixed blade profile, the actuated design is thus adaptable within a certain range regarding ambient conditions. The first part of the paper describes the geometry and structure of the shape-variable blades for use in a compressor cascade experiment. In the next part, the three-dimensional deformation behavior of all manufactured blades at different shape conditions is characterized with a photogrammetric measurement system called ATOS. The first results without aerodynamic loads show an average displacement at the trailing edge of approximately Δz ≈ 0.9 mm compared to the non-actuated condition. This corresponds to an average outlet angle variation of approximately ∆κ2 ≈ ± 1°. The third part of the paper presents the results of the low speed cascade experiment using a fully actuated cascade. On the one hand, the objective is to determine the influence of blade actuation on aerodynamic characteristics such as flow outlet angle, total pressure loss and pressure distributions. On the other hand, optical blade displacement measurements are used to investigate combined 2D- and 3D-deformation effects of blade actuation in conjunction with aerodynamic loads. For these measurements, the ATOS system is also used. The wake evaluations show that maximum blade actuation leads to flow outlet angle deviations up to ± 1° which can be described by an almost linear shift of the cascade performance without changing the loss distribution significantly. Furthermore, for the chosen profile this margin is approximately constant over the operating range.

TOWARDS A LOW-COST, REAL-TIME PHOTOGRAMMETRIC LANDSLIDE MONITORING SYSTEM UTILISING MOBILE AND CLOUD COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

Close-range photogrammetric techniques offer a potentially low-cost approach in terms of implementation and operation for initial assessment and monitoring of landslide processes over small areas. In particular, the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) pipeline is now extensively used to help overcome many constraints of traditional digital photogrammetry, offering increased user-friendliness to nonexperts, as well as lower costs. However, a landslide monitoring approach based on the SfM technique also presents some potential drawbacks due to the difficulty in managing and processing a large volume of data in real-time. This research addresses the aforementioned issues by attempting to combine a mobile device with cloud computing technology to develop a photogrammetric measurement solution as part of a monitoring system for landslide hazard analysis. The research presented here focusses on (i) the development of an Android mobile application; (ii) the implementation of SfM-based open-source software in the Amazon cloud computing web service, and (iii) performance assessment through a simulated environment using data collected at a recognized landslide test site in North Yorkshire, UK. Whilst the landslide monitoring mobile application is under development, this paper describes experiments carried out to ensure effective performance of the system in the future. Investigations presented here describe the initial assessment of a cloud-implemented approach, which is developed around the well-known VisualSFM algorithm. Results are compared to point clouds obtained from alternative SfM 3D reconstruction approaches considering a commercial software solution (Agisoft PhotoScan) and a web-based system (Autodesk 123D Catch). Investigations demonstrate that the cloud-based photogrammetric measurement system is capable of providing results of centimeter-level accuracy, evidencing its potential to provide an effective approach for quantifying and analyzing landslide hazard at a local-scale.

TOWARDS A LOW-COST, REAL-TIME PHOTOGRAMMETRIC LANDSLIDE MONITORING SYSTEM UTILISING MOBILE AND CLOUD COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

Abstract. Close-range photogrammetric techniques offer a potentially low-cost approach in terms of implementation and operation for initial assessment and monitoring of landslide processes over small areas. In particular, the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) pipeline is now extensively used to help overcome many constraints of traditional digital photogrammetry, offering increased user-friendliness to nonexperts, as well as lower costs. However, a landslide monitoring approach based on the SfM technique also presents some potential drawbacks due to the difficulty in managing and processing a large volume of data in real-time. This research addresses the aforementioned issues by attempting to combine a mobile device with cloud computing technology to develop a photogrammetric measurement solution as part of a monitoring system for landslide hazard analysis. The research presented here focusses on (i) the development of an Android mobile application; (ii) the implementation of SfM-based open-source software in the Amazon cloud computing web service, and (iii) performance assessment through a simulated environment using data collected at a recognized landslide test site in North Yorkshire, UK. Whilst the landslide monitoring mobile application is under development, this paper describes experiments carried out to ensure effective performance of the system in the future. Investigations presented here describe the initial assessment of a cloud-implemented approach, which is developed around the well-known VisualSFM algorithm. Results are compared to point clouds obtained from alternative SfM 3D reconstruction approaches considering a commercial software solution (Agisoft PhotoScan) and a web-based system (Autodesk 123D Catch). Investigations demonstrate that the cloud-based photogrammetric measurement system is capable of providing results of centimeter-level accuracy, evidencing its potential to provide an effective approach for quantifying and analyzing landslide hazard at a local-scale.

EXPERIENCES OF UAV SURVEYS APPLIED TO ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Abstract. In this paper the results of some surveys carried out in an area of Apulian territory affected by serious environmental hazard are presented. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are emerging as a key engineering tool for future environmental survey tasks. UAVs are increasingly seen as an attractive low-cost alternative or supplement to aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry due to their low cost, flexibility, availability and readiness for duty. In addition, UAVs can be operated in hazardous or temporarily inaccessible locations, that makes them very suitable for the assessment and management of environmental risk conditions. In order to verify the reliability of these technologies an UAV survey and A LIDAR survey have been carried outalong about 1 km of coast in the Salento peninsula, near the towns of San Foca, Torre dellOrso and SantAndrea( Lecce, Southern Italy). This area is affected by serious environmental risks due to the presence of dangerous rocky cliffs named falesie. The UAV platform was equipped with a photogrammetric measurement system that allowed us to obtain a mobile mapping of the fractured fronts of dangerous rocky cliffs. UAV-images data have been processed using dedicated software (AgisoftPhotoscan). The point clouds obtained from both the UAV and LIDAR surveys have been processed using Cloud Compare software, with the aim of testing the UAV results with respect to the LIDAR ones. The total error obtained was of centimeter-order that is a very satisfactory result. The environmental information has been arranged in an ArcGIS platform in order to assess the risk levels. The possibility to repeat the survey at time intervals more or less close together depending on the measured levels of risk and to compare the output allows following the trend of the dangerous phenomena. In conclusion, for inaccessible locations of dangerous rocky bodies the UAV survey coupled with GIS methodology proved to be a key engineering tool for the management of environmental risks.

EXPERIENCES OF UAV SURVEYS APPLIED TO ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT

In this paper the results of some surveys carried out in an area of Apulian territory affected by serious environmental hazard are presented. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are emerging as a key engineering tool for future environmental survey tasks. UAVs are increasingly seen as an attractive low-cost alternative or supplement to aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry due to their low cost, flexibility, availability and readiness for duty. In addition, UAVs can be operated in hazardous or temporarily inaccessible locations, that makes them very suitable for the assessment and management of environmental risk conditions. In order to verify the reliability of these technologies an UAV survey and A LIDAR survey have been carried outalong about 1 km of coast in the Salento peninsula, near the towns of San Foca, Torre dellOrso and SantAndrea( Lecce, Southern Italy). This area is affected by serious environmental risks due to the presence of dangerous rocky cliffs named falesie. The UAV platform was equipped with a photogrammetric measurement system that allowed us to obtain a mobile mapping of the fractured fronts of dangerous rocky cliffs. UAV-images data have been processed using dedicated software (AgisoftPhotoscan). The point clouds obtained from both the UAV and LIDAR surveys have been processed using Cloud Compare software, with the aim of testing the UAV results with respect to the LIDAR ones. The total error obtained was of centimeter-order that is a very satisfactory result. The environmental information has been arranged in an ArcGIS platform in order to assess the risk levels. The possibility to repeat the survey at time intervals more or less close together depending on the measured levels of risk and to compare the output allows following the trend of the dangerous phenomena. In conclusion, for inaccessible locations of dangerous rocky bodies the UAV survey coupled with GIS methodology proved to be a key engineering tool for the management of environmental risks.

Photogrammetric discharge monitoring of small tropical mountain rivers: A case study at Rivière des Pluies, Réunion Island

AbstractReliable discharge measurements are indispensable for an effective management of natural water resources and floods. Limitations of classical current meter profiling and stage‐discharge ratings have stimulated the development of more accurate and efficient gauging techniques such as nonintrusive photogrammetric techniques. Despite many successful applications of large‐scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) for short‐term measurements during flood events, there are still very few studies that address its use for long‐term monitoring of small mountain rivers. To fill this gap, this study targets the development and testing of largely autonomous photogrammetric discharge measurement system with a special focus on the application to small mountain river with high discharge variability in the tropics. It proposes several enhancements concerning camera calibration, more efficient processing in image geometry, the automatic detection of the water level as well as the statistical calibration and estimation of the discharge from multiple profiles. A case study which comprises the analysis of several thousand videos spanning over 2.5 year is carried out to test the robustness and accuracy of different processing steps. Comparisons against classical current meter profiling show a mean absolute percentage error of 9.0% after the statistical calibration of the system. The study suggests that LSPIV can already be considered as a valuable tool for the monitoring of torrential flows, whereas further research is still needed to fully integrate nighttime observation and stereophotogrammetric capabilities.

Deformation behaviour of steel/SRPP fibre metal laminate characterised by evolution of surface strains

Climate changes brought on by human interventions have proved to be more devastating than predicted during the recent decades. Recognition of seriousness of the situation has led regulatory organisations to impose strict targets on allowable carbon dioxide emissions from automotive vehicles. As a possible solution, it has been proposed that Fibre Metal Laminate (FML) system is used to reduce the weight of future vehicles. To facilitate this investigation, FML based on steel and self-reinforced polypropylene was stamp formed into dome shapes under different blank holder forces (BHFs) at room temperature and its forming behaviour analysed. An open-die configuration was used in a hydraulic press so that a 3D photogrammetric measurement system (ARAMIS) could capture real-time surface strains. This paper presents findings on strain evolutions at different points along and at 45o to fibre directions of circular FML blank, through various stages of forming. It was found initiation and rate of deformation varied with distance from the pole, that the mode of deformations range from biaxial stretching at the pole to drawing towards flange region, at decreasing magnitudes away from the pole in general. More uniform strain distribution was observed for the FML compared to that of plain steel and the most significant effects of BHF were its influence on forming depth and level of strain reached before failure.

Cyclic Test Data of Six Unreinforced Masonry Walls with Different Boundary Conditions

Previous test data on unreinforced masonry walls focused on the global response of the wall. A new data set ( Petry and Beyer 2014a ; DOI:10.5281/zenodo.8443) on six wall tests, which is publicly available, allows for linking global to local deformations of masonry walls, which can be useful for advancing performance-based design and assessment methods for unreinforced masonry buildings. This data paper presents the results of a test series on six identical unreinforced masonry walls that were constructed using hollow clay brick units and standard cement-based mortar. The test units were subjected to quasi-static cycles of increasing drift demands and the tests differed with regard to the applied axial load and the moment restraint applied at the top of the walls. The walls were tested up to failure. Throughout the loading the deformations of the walls were recorded using a digital photogrammetric measurement system tracking the movement of 312 points per test unit.

The Use of Structured Light for a Photogrammetric Method of Measuring Surfaces Having Complex Shape

Techniques are examined for identifying conjugate pairs of points on images using structured light. The impact of primary sources of error on the operation of a photogrammetric information and measurement system is assessed.

MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS IN COASTAL AREAS

Abstract. The present work deals with the assessment and management of environmental risk conditions in a typical costal area of Southern Italy. This area, located in the Salento peninsula, is subject to recurrent widespread instability phenomena due to the presence of steep rocky cliffs. Along the coast there are numerous beach resorts that are very crowded in the summer season. The environmental hazard deriving from the possible rock falls is unacceptably high for the people safety. Moreover, the land-based mapping of the dangerous natural structures is very difficult and time and resources expending. In this context, we carried out an UAV survey along about 1 km of coast, near the towns of San Foca, Torre dell’Orso and Sant’ Andrea ( Lecce, Southern Italy). The UAV platform was equipped with a photogrammetric measurement system that allowed us to obtain a mobile mapping of the fractured fronts of dangerous rocky cliffs. UAV-images data have been processed using dedicated software (Agisoft Photoscan). The total error obtained was of centimeter-order that is a very satisfactory result. The environmental information has been arranged in an ArcGIS platform in order to assess the risk levels. The possibility to repeat the survey at time intervals more or less close together depending on the measured levels of risk and to compare the output allows following the trend of the dangerous phenomena. In conclusion, for inaccessible locations of dangerous rocky bodies the UAV survey coupled with a GIS methodology proved to be a key engineering tool for the management of environmental risks.