Gigapixel Imaging and Photogrammetry: Development of a New Long Range Remote Imaging Technique

Abstract

Abstract:The use of terrestrial remote imaging techniques, specifically LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and digital stereo-photogrammetry, are widely proven and accepted for the mapping of geological structure and monitoring of mass movements. The use of such technologies can be limited, however: LiDAR generally by the cost of acquisition, and stereo-photogrammetry by the tradeoff between possible resolution within the scene versus the spatial extent of the coverage. The objective of this research is to test a hybrid gigapixel photogrammetry method, and investigate optimal equipment configurations for use in mountainous terrain. The scope of the work included field testing at variable ranges, angles, resolutions, and in variable geological and climatologically settings. Original field work was carried out in Canada to test various lenses and cameras, and detailed field mapping excursions were conducted in Norway. The key findings of the research are example data generated by gigapixel photogrammetry, a detailed discussion on optimal photography equipment for gigapixel imaging, and implementations of the imaging possibilities for rockfall mapping. This paper represents a discussion about a new terrestrial 3-dimensional imaging technique. The findings of this research will directly benefit natural hazard mapping programs in which rockfall potential must be recorded and the use of standard 3-dimensional imaging techniques cannot be applied.

Effects of sampling interval on the frequency - magnitude relationship of rockfalls detected from terrestrial laser scanning using semi-automated methods

“…In addition to the TLS data, high-resolution images were collected using a Nikon D800 camera and a Gigapan Epic Pro robotic head (Lato et al 2012). These images were stitched together such that known rockfall events could be located in the images.…”

The Use of Gigapixel Photogrammetry for the Understanding of Landslide Processes in Alpine Terrain

“…Modern digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras generally use sensors with more than 20 million pixels (20 megapixels), thus no commercial camera is able to directly create a Gigapixel image, but using new technologies and instruments (e.g., GigaPan) similar result can be achieved. Within the geosciences community, there are very few papers dealing with testing and validating Gigapixel surveying especially in complex geological environments [3]. The terrestrial and close-range photogrammetry is used for 3D reconstruction in urban environments, and for cultural heritage in archaeological sites [4][5][6].…”

Landslide Investigation with Remote Sensing and Sensor Network: From Susceptibility Mapping and Scaled-down Simulation towards in situ Sensor Network Design

“…• Remote-sensing techniques (photogrammetry, laser scanning, and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)-see [21][22][23][24]) that can offer "area-based" observations from different platforms (spaceborne, airborne and ground-based); and…”