High resolution DEM generation using UAV images in Barton Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica

Abstract

Topographic map is a basic data in establishing field work plans and an essential data for analyzing land cover changes in Antarctica. Topographic information including topographic map and digital elevation model (DEM) has been obtained from multi-view satellite and aerial images or conventional surveying as a spatial resolution of a few tens of meters of a few meters, whereas unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and structure from motion (SfM) technique can be used to generate high resolution, i.e. a spatial resolution of less than 10 centimeters, in local scale within a short period of time. In this study, a fixed-wing UAV was used to obtain high-resolution images with a spatial resolution of less than 10 centimeters and enough overlaps between images for investigation on the relationships between distribution patterns of vegetation and influencing environmental factors in Barton Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. The UAV flight missions were conducted during January 2016 and a DEM was generated from the obtained images using SfM software. The DEM was used to extract environmental factors such as slope and aspect of topography, local solar radiation energy and surface water flow direction and accumulation. The DEM also can be used to model microclimates such local wind direction, wind speed, temperature and humidity.