UAS RTK / PPK photogrammetry as a tool for mapping the urbanized landscape, creating thematic maps, situation plans and DEM

The creation of map works is one of the primary tasks of a surveyor. In contrast to conventional geodetic measurement methods, photogrammetric methods are often used in combination with RPAS (Remotely piloted aircraft systems). The result of aerial photogrammetric measurements is usually an orthophoto map and a digital elevation model (DEM). In this article, we focused on creating topographic map data from RPAS aerial photogrammetry in the builtup area, where such maps are missing. Ground control points (GCP) are standard for georeferencing of photogrammetric measurements. In our approach, we verified the possibility of mapping completely without the surveyors entering the area of interest. The quality of georeferencing the model using RTK / PPK data without GCP was verified. At checkpoints (CP), average mean errors of 0.031 m in position and 0.112 m in height were achieved. A DEM, orthophoto map and point cloud were generated from the photogrammetric measurements, and surface maps were created from them. The map data obtained by the two vectorization procedures were compared using identical points. The difference in position reached the mean error value of 0.074m, resp. 0.042m compared to the cadastral map. The result of the whole data processing process are also various other forms of visualization of the obtained data, e.g. coloured point cloud, textured 3D mesh surface, terrain slope analysis, etc.

Automated summary

This article focuses on creating topographic map data from RPAS aerial photogrammetry in built-up areas, verifying the possibility of mapping without surveyors entering the area of interest, and assessing the quality of georeferencing the model using RTK / PPK data without GCP.