Visual Inspection of High Risk Slope by Micro-UAV Air-craft

Abstract

Continuous monitoring and inspection of slope can provide early warning before the landslide. The conventional method practices now for slope monitoring through routin inspection by inspectors that need to climb the slope and hillside to check visually. Therefore, this study aimed to test the extent to which the use of micro-UAV flight can help in visual inspection and monitoring of the slope. Purposes of this study is to record visual data on the slope obtained using UAVs, before processing and analyzimg visual information in order to determine any damage occurred on the slopes as well as to produce Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and contouring lines. This study was carried out at an area of high risk slope in Bukit Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur. The methods involved in this study are start with flight planning and prepa-ration, obtain visual data and information from micro UAV flying height of 30 meters to produce a 3-dimensional image and 2-5 meters before analyze and produce 3D slope model using Agisoft Photoscan software. The 3D model were used to identify the location of the damage on the slope for a long distance of 30 meters and a short distance of 2-5 meters. Slope damages such as erosion, vegetation cover and cracks were visually shown in the 3D model image. Digital Elevation Model '(DEM) was used to mapping different heights area on the slope. Information obtained examination is essential in giving the impression and impact that may occur based on the current situation on the slope structure so that maintenance work can be acted upon before the mishap. The usage of micro UAV aircraft as one of the new alterna-tives to capture and identify the damage for the purpose of monitoring the slope of the surface structure. This method expected to facilitate the work of inspection slopes in addition to saving time, energy and cost as well as to reduce the risk of harm. © 2020, World Academy of Research in Science and Engineering. All rights reserved.