Geomorphology encompasses the study of landforms and the processes that shape them. The most common application of geomorphology is environmental assessment in terms of landslide prediction, coastal deformation, earthquake prediction or volcanic activity monitoring.
Geologists who work in this field are dependent on aerial measurements to make comparisons and risk analyses. The common practice is to employ helicopters to produce overviews, multi-spectral images and sensory data regularly; however, this is very costly.
A more efficient method for data collection is the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which can be equipped with many different cameras or sensors. Since these UAS are far cheaper than helicopters, private and public organizations will be able to perform more regular measurements at the same cost. In addition, the information can be gathered much faster because the UAS can be programmed using waypoint software to fly a route, multiple times, at regular intervals.
Mapping
Mapping refers to the graphic representation of information based on spatial relationships. Mapping is commonly practiced to portray scaled geographical features such as water, forests and roads. Mapping is an ongoing process as changing climate conditions and structural developments make it necessitate regular mapping.
Mapping originally involved field measurements only; however the employment of helicopters and planes for aerial photography from the early twentieth century has increased mapping activities and possibilities, substantially. For instance, it is now possible to render multispectral images that enable climatological measurement. Unfortunately, aerial photography with planes and helicopters is expensive, requires trained personnel and cannot be performed at any time because of safety regulations.
A novel solution to these problems is deploying unmanned aircraft systems to perform mapping activities. The advantage of UAS is that they enable pre-flight route planning via waypoint grids. UAS cost a fraction of helicopters, do not interfere with commercial airways and can therefore be more readily deployed. In addition, since the data is stored hard copy, these can be easily inputted in geo-mapping software to facilitate swift implementation of the data.
Surveying
Surveying is the detailed inspection of an area or object to establish its characteristics, define its boundaries and determine its potential. Surveying includes observing, measuring, mapping and researching. Surveying is commonly performed to investigate infrastructure, assist in mining activities and enable (urban) development.
Surveyors gather information via aerial photography, 3D measurement tools and sensing tools (sniffer/infrared). The problem with traditional survey tools, is that each tool can serve only a specific purpose, which makes using all these different tools very expensive.
The solution to this problem is employing unmanned aircraft systems to perform survey activities. UAS can provide aerial imagery with which to perform precise mapping, serve as a replacement for 3d measurement tools and substitute the sensing tools all at once. UAS are therefore more versatile and efficient than traditional tools.
HD (high definition) video footage and photos, aerial shots of buildings, infrastructure for surveying and inspection purposes,
We recommend A2-HD systems for Mapping. All you will need is to purchase a license for PIX4D mapping software. Everything else already comes standard with your package to execute the most complex automated flights required.
