UAS Photogrammetry for High-Resolution Survey Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional land survey methods are labor-intensive, costly, and lack the precision required for accurate topological analysis, as they rely on terrestrial instruments and conventional aerial photography, which cannot capture imagery with sufficient resolution for detailed surveys.
Innovation Solution
Employing an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for aerial photography and photogrammetric analysis to generate precise survey data, integrating UAS imagery with terrestrial data to achieve high-resolution position measurements and overcome limitations of conventional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional aerial photography is used, then coverage area is large, but image resolution is insufficient for precise survey measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the altitude parameter from conventional high-altitude aerial photography (thousands of feet to miles) to low-altitude UAS operation (less than 800 feet). This parameter change enables the capture of high-resolution imagery suitable for photogrammetric analysis while maintaining the advantage of aerial perspective for large area coverage.
2Measurement precision
If terrestrial survey instruments are used, then measurement precision is high, but time consumption and labor intensity are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical terrestrial surveying system (instruments and manual measurements) with an aerial UAS-based photogrammetric system. The UAS captures images that are then processed through photogrammetric algorithms to automatically generate precise position data, eliminating the need for labor-intensive field measurements while achieving comparable precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a photogrammetric model (a digital copy) of the surveyed area from aerial images. This model contains precise position information for all features within the image, allowing survey data to be extracted without physical measurement. The copied spatial relationships in the photogrammetric model provide the same precision as terrestrial instruments but with much faster data collection.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional aerophotography is used, then cost is reduced compared to terrestrial survey, but regulatory requirements and administrative overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs UAS platforms that can be deployed locally without requiring expensive, regulated conventional aircraft or satellite resources. The UAS represents a more accessible, flexible platform that reduces both direct costs and the administrative burden associated with traditional aerial photography regulations and permissions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The UAS-based approach reduces costs and time while providing survey-quality data with precision comparable to terrestrial surveys, enabling detailed analysis and filling gaps in data collection, such as areas obscured by structures or heavy tree coverage.
Implementation Method 1
aerial photography of at least part of the survey site
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques for generating survey data about a survey site. Aerial photography of at least part of the survey site can be analyzed using photogrammetric techniques. In some cases, an unmanned aerial system can be used to collect site imagery. The use of a UAS can reduce the fiscal and chronological cost of a survey, compared to the use of other types aerial imagery and/or conventional terrestrial surveying techniques used alone.