Light weight rotary wing UAV for large scale mapping applications

Abstract

This paper aims to demonstrate the potential use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system attached with calibrated high resolution digital based on a simulation model. In this study, a strip of aerial images was captured using a calibrated high resolution compact digital camera known as Canon Power Shot SX230 HS and it has 12 megapixel image resolutions. The digital camera was calibrated in the laboratory and field. For laboratory calibration, a 3D test field in form of calibration plate was used. The dimension of the calibration plate is 0.4m x 0.4m and consists of 36 grid targets at different heights. For field calibration, a 3D test field has been constructed which comprise of 81 target points at different heights and located on a flat ground with dimension of 9m x 9m. The light weight UAV can be used in various applications such as coastal, archeological and meandering. The UAV equipped with an autopilot system and automatic method known as autonomous flying, can be utilized for rapid and low cost data acquisition. In this study, the UAV system has been employed to acquire aerial images of a simulation model at low altitude. From the aerial images, photogrammetric image processing method is completed to produce mapping outputs such a digital terrain model (DTM), contour line and orthophoto. In term of the accuracy, of measurement, a milimeter - level is reached by ground control point (GCP) and check point (CP) using conventional ground surveying method (i.e total station). It will anticipate that the UAV will be used for surveying and guideline with good accuracy. Finally, the UAV has shown great potential and produce accurate results or products using high resolution camera calibration.