Measuring Annual Sedimentation through High Accuracy UAV-Photogrammetry Data and Comparison with RUSLE and PESERA Erosion Models

Model-based soil erosion studies have increased in number, given the availability of geodata and recent technological advances. However, their accuracy remains rather questionable since scarcity field records hinders validation simulated values. In this context, study aims to present a method for measuring sediment deposition at typical Mediterranean catchment (870 ha) Greece through high spatial resolution measurements acquired by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) survey. Three-dimensional modeling is considered be emerging technique surface change detection. The UAV-derived point cloud comparison, applying Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Platana retention dam test site, quantified annual topsoil cm-scale (0.02–0.03 m), delivering mean yield 1620 m3 ± 180 or 6.05 t ha−1yr−1 3500 194 13 2020–2021 2021–2022 estimation. Moreover, widely applied PESERA RUSLE models estimated 1.12 3.51 ha−1yr−1, respectively, while increase was evident during simulation (2.49 3.56 respectively). Both applications appear underestimate net loss rate, with being closer measured results. difference mostly attributed model’s limitation simulate gully C-factor misinterpretation. To authors’ better knowledge, among few UAV employed acquire high-accuracy measurements. results proved extremely useful our attempt measure cm scale UAV-SfM decipher regional transport pattern, also offering direct assessment dams’ life expectancy.