Efficiency and cost comparison of UAV/Field survey

The author has introduced a generic method for photogrammetric survey using a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for mapping a simulated model and slope area. The objective of this study is to assess the capabilities of UAV for slope mapping. This study only concentrates on multi-rotor UAV, which is known as Hexacopter. Several ground control points (GCP) and checked point (CP) were established using total station in the simulated model and slope area. GCPs were used in exterior orientation during image processing in sequence to transform image coordinates into the local coordinate system. Checkpoints were established in the simulated model and slope area for accuracy assessment. There are two types of surveys that have been applied in this study, namely, field survey, and UAV platform. Digital camera was mounted vertically at the bottom of UAV and it captured the images at low altitude. All acquired images went through all photogrammetric processing including interior orientation, exterior orientation and bundle adjustment using photogrammetric software. Two main photogrammetric results were produced, i.e digital orthophoto and digital elevation model of the simulated model and slope study area. Based on the results, it was found that the multi-rotor UAV is suited in mapping the simulated model and slope area with reliable accuracy.