Mitigating systematic error in topographic models derived from UAV and ground-based image networks

James, Michael and Robson, Stuart (2014) Mitigating systematic error in topographic models derived from UAV and ground-based image networks. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 39 (10). pp. 1413-1420. ISSN 0197-9337

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Abstract

High resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) are increasingly produced from photographs acquired with consumer cameras, both from the ground and from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, although such DEMs may achieve centimetric detail, they can also display systematic broad-scale error that estricts their wider use. Such errors which, in typical UAV data are expressed as a vertical ‘doming’ of the surface, result from a combination of near-parallel imaging directions and inaccurate correction of radial lens distortion. Using simulations of multi-image networks with near-parallel viewing directions, we show that enabling camera self-calibration as part of the bundle adjustment process inherently leads to erroneous radial distortion estimates and associated DEM error. This effect is relevant whether a traditional photogrammetric or newer structure-from-motion (SfM) approach is used, but errors are expected to be more pronounced in SfM-based DEMs, for which use of control and check point measurements are typically more limited. Systematic DEM error can be significantly reduced by the additional capture and inclusion of oblique images in the image network; we provide practical flight plan solutions for fixed wing or rotor-based UAVs that, in the absence of control points, can reduce DEM error by up to two orders of magnitude. The magnitude of doming error shows a linear relationship with radial distortion and we show how characterisation of this relationship allows an improved distortion estimate and, hence, existing datasets to be optimally reprocessed. Although focussed on UAV surveying, our results are also relevant to ground-based image capture.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3305
Subjects:
?? UAVDEMSTRUCTURE-FROM-MOTIONBUNDLE ADJUSTMENTRADIAL LENS DISTORTIONEARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES (MISCELLANEOUS)EARTH-SURFACE PROCESSESGEOGRAPHY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ??
ID Code:
69585
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
10 Jun 2014 08:28
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
22 Sep 2023 00:22