T289 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Their Use in Geologic Reconnaissance (Posters)
Wednesday, 4 November 2015
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Exhibit Hall
3D GEOLOGIC MAPPING USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES AND STRUCTURE-FROM-MOTION SOFTWARE
Paper number: T289-11
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Authors
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Nirjung KarkiRadford University, Radford, VA
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Joshua MorrisRadford University, Radford, VA
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Derek StokesRadford University, Radford, VA
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Ethan TrumanRadford University, Radford, VA
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Kent WeidlichRadford University, Radford, VA
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Abdullah ZulfiqarRadford University, Radford, VA
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Ian GammarinoRadford University, Radford, VA
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Dylan PhilippartRadford University, Radford, VA
Abstract
Undergraduate students at Radford University are implementing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cutting edge Hollywood style 3D computer generated imagery (CGI) for mapping terrain and extracting geologic structure data. High resolution video imagery combined with structure-from-motion (SFM) software makes it possible to create xyz point clouds of landscapes that can be rendered into realistic looking terrain models. The results can be printed using 3D printers or analyzed for geologic hazards and natural resource potential. Case histories will be presented illustrating a range of UAV 3D capabilities.