The Potential Use of Rotor Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Large Scale Stream Mapping

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems offered many advantages in several mapping applications such as slope mapping, geohazard studies, etc.This study utilizes UAV system for large scale stream mapping by using digital camera attached to the UAV.The digital camera combined with the UAV form a data acquisition system. This study only concentrates on one type of rotor wing UAV. It is becaue rotor wing units are stable and able to capture images easily. Aerial photograph were acquired in the form of strips which followed the procedure of acquiring aerial photograph where the 60% forward lap and 30% sidelap. Secondary data of ground control points and check points established using Total Station technique was used. The digital camera was calibrated using close range photogrammetric software and the recovered camera calibration parameters were then used in the processing of digital images. All the aerial photographs were processed using digital photogrammetric software and the output in the form of orthophoto was produced. The research output is then evaluated for planimetry and vertical accuracy using root mean square error (RMSE). Based on the analysis, sub-meter accuracy is obtained. As conclusion, rotor wing UAV system has potential use for large scale stream mapping or other diversified applications especially for small area which has limited time and less man power. Keywordsunmanned aerial vehicle, stream, digital camera, accuracy