The impact of UAV flight planning parameters on topographic mapping quality control

Abstract

Abstract There is a growing need for up-to-date data for rapid decision making in the modern digital age. Recently, the need for high-resolution topographic maps is highly demanding by most mapping clients. With the maturing automatic structure from mobile and multi-view stereoscopy software, small organizations and individuals now have the ability to make their own surveys based on mobile mapping devices. This study looks at how feasible using low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as a mobile mapping device for photogrammetric topographical surveys. It is showing the impact of different UAV flight settings and parameters on the accuracy of mapping products. An automatic scenario for photogrammetric flight mission and its execution are proposed and described. The focus of this research is to generate 3D point clouds from digital imagery using low-cost UAV and showing the relationship between flight mission settings and the quality of the delivered 3D data. Automatic solution is presented and analysed, which automatically generate 3D point clouds from arbitrary image configurations. Results delivered within millimetres based on specific flight setting and optimal quality control considerations. Accuracy assessment and validation process was adopted based on statistical assessments according to ground truth 3D adjusted measurements to assure validity.