Abstract

Workshop: Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Surveying and Mapping
Track: Technology
Authors: Joseph Paiva

This WORKSHOP is designed to help conference participants learn more about a rapidly emerging technology: unmanned aircraft systems with terrain data capture capability. While UAS' may vary in size and performance characteristics, the rapidly expanding offerings of small and ultralight aircraft are changing the language of rapid terrain mapping. These systems are ideally suited for areas too large to be mapped cost effectively with terrestrial technology, or even smaller areas that are difficult to access for a variety of reasons. Furthermore, this technology is bringing photogrammetric solutions within the reach of many surveying, mapping and other geospatial data professionals. The workshop will present information on characteristics of various types of UAS and describe their suitability for geomatics tasks. Details about the UAS structure, flight planning, flight operations and data extraction will be covered. The differences between conventional photogrammetry (large planes, large cameras) and UAS photogrammetry will be highlighted in the discussion of image processing for various geomatics applications. The workshop will conclude with an exchange of information on integrating the results of UAS photogrammetric processing in various applications, especially ArcGIS and ArcExplorer. While time will be allocated for questions and answers with each topic, the workshop will be conducted for workshop attendee participation throughout, if desired.