Numerical data generation using unmanned aerial vehicle: a case study of Aksaray Güzelyurt District

Abstract

Base maps can be produced using terrestrial methods, also known as classical methods. In recent years, with the technological developments, remote sensing methods have been started to be used in the production of base maps. These methods are satellite images, LIDAR systems and aerial photogrammetry. Although these systems are innovative systems brought by technology, they have their own advantages and disadvantages. The presence of atmospheric-radiometric errors in photographing satellite images and the correction of these errors in these satellite images increase the cost. Although LIDAR systems can produce dense point cloud data representing the land topography and are an active sensing system that is not dependent on weather conditions, they are still quite burdensome in terms of cost. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have started to be used in many areas due to their low cost and decreasing size. Especially in recent years, UAVs have started to be used for technical data production. These technical data in the field of geomatics can be used in orthophoto map production, in the production of ready-made maps to scale, digital terrain model (DTM), digital elevation model (DEM), route creation in road projects, excavation-fill calculations, area-volume calculations and observation of environmental change. The aim of this study is to produce a base map using up-to-date technological equipment and methods. Güzelyurt District, an area of approximately 110 hectares in Aksaray Province, was chosen as the application area. The eBee Rtk model was used for taking terrain photographs. Sony camera is mounted on the UAV. The 166 field pictures were taken from a height of 150 meters, with a transverse overlap of 70% and a longitudinal overlap of 80%. These pictures were evaluated in the Pix4D program. As a result of the evaluation, orthophoto map, DEM and point cloud data were obtained.