Very high-resolution imaging of the city of Goma (North Kivu, D.R. Congo) using SFM-MVS photogrammetry

Abstract

In complex tropical environment, where the dense vegetation and weather conditions limit the classical use of satellite remote sensing techniques, airborne remote sensing remains the best solution to image large areas in very high spatial resolution. However, implementing such a survey in complex areas like in the region of Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is difficult, expensive and not suitable for fast imaging during crisis periods (the city of Goma is indeed threatened by volcanic eruptions and frequently affected by armed conflicts). Thanks to the support of the Mission of the United Nations in the DRC, we tested the application of Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo photogrammetry to image Goma and its vicinity (~140 km 2 ) using a helicopter and consumer-grade DSLR cameras. The resulting orthomosaic has a spatial resolution of 17.5cm and provides unprecedented details of the city. Direct applications are detailed urban, cadastral and natural hazards mapping.