Some applications of 2-D and 3-D photogrammetry during laboratory experiments for hydrogeological risk assessment

Abstract

Scaled-down flume tests are largely used to support investigations for the assessment of hydrogeological risk. Achieved outcomes can be integrated to numerical analyses for the study of unstable slope collapse, debris transport, and hydrological models in general. In the set-up of such simulation platforms, a relevant role has to be given to the Spatial Sensor Network (SSN) which is in charge of collecting geo-referenced, quantitative information during experiments. Photogrammetry (including 3-D imaging sensors) can play an important role in SSN because of its capability of collecting information covering wide surfaces without any contact. The aim of this paper is to give an overview and some examples of the potential of photogrammetry in hydrogeological simulation experiments. After a general introduction on a few preliminary issues (sensors, calibration, ground reference, usage of imaging or ranging sensors), potential applications are classified into 2-D and 3-D categories. Examples are focused on a scaled-down landslide simulation platform, which has been developed at Tongji University (Shanghai, P.R. China).

Notes

^† The use of targets is not strictly needed. Indeed, camera calibration can be performed in a markerless fashion as proposed in Barazzetti (2011). However, the use of targets allows anybody to accomplish this procedure in a precise and reliable way.

Additional information

Funding

This study is supported by the 863 National High Technology Research and Development Program of China [grant number 2012AA121302]; the 973 Basic National Research Program of China [grant number 2013CB733204]; the National Science Foundation of China [grant number 41171327], [grant number 41201379]; the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education [grant number 20120072120057]. This research partially benefited from the support of the FIRB 2010 National Research Program of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR).