Enhancing Research Outcomes through Drone-Generated Imagery and Photogrammetry Software Analysis

Abstract

Drones have gained popularity in numerous fields, including education, where they are employed as valuable tools for enhancing students' knowledge. In particular, the use of drones in land surveying and mapping has revolutionized the industry, replacing manual and time-consuming methods from the 19th century. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) enable surveyors to cover vast areas easily, even in challenging terrains, while producing high-resolution maps and collecting extensive data efficiently. With the aid of automated software, quality control can be achieved with minimal training. The benefits of drone surveying encompass terrain modeling, surveying, and 3D mapping for GIS purposes, such as topography and volume measurements. The return on investment (ROI) from utilizing drones in mapping and surveying is substantial. Furthermore, UAVs find practical application in close-range mapping, particularly in engineering survey works that traditionally incur significant costs, labor, and time. Low-cost UAVs offer reliable information for various applications, including road design, bridges, and land surveys, matching the accuracy of conventional engineering surveys and policies, particularly for small-scale mapping. UAVs present a stable and rapidly advancing technology, positioning them as competitive alternatives to other surveying methods. This study consists of five phases: preliminary study, data collection, data processing, post-processing, and analysis, with a focus on UAVs as a data processing tool. The project demonstrates the utilization of UAV images and photogrammetry software, which involve capturing overlapping images of the Earth's surface using cameras mounted on drones or airplanes. These images are then processed with photogrammetry software to generate geo-referenced maps, ortho mosaic images, and other valuable outputs. The software is capable of processing both images and lidar points, offering versatility in its applications, including artistic modeling and surveying. The increasing popularity of UAV images and photogrammetry software extends to various fields, such as agriculture, military operations, disaster management, and artistic modeling. As UAVs become more affordable, their accessibility expands to a broader range of users. Aerial mapping with UAVs necessitates mission planning and ground control points, making drones valuable in mapping, search and rescue missions, transportation, and other disaster management applications. Multiple photogrammetry software options are available, each with distinct features and advantages. By leveraging UAV images and photogrammetry software, previously challenging images can be acquired, opening new possibilities for diverse applications.