Photogrammetry and thermal imaging

In land surveying this technique is used to measure large (even up to several hundred hectares) and topographically complex surfaces in a very high resolution. For our studies we use short-range ground photogrammetry and low-light photogrammetry with the application of unmanned aerial vehicles - drones. The combination of both techniques with the additional use of 3D laser scanning enables us to show also places inaccessible for drones, e.g. interiors of buildings. The studies are adjusted to the Polish Coordinate System 2000 so that they can be compared with the materials provided by the Centre for Land surveying and Cartographic Documentation, e.g. an orthophoto-map with a base or registered map or a point cloud with a contour map.

Advantages of land surveying surveys made with a drone

• Rapid measurement of large areas
• Obtaining precise data on plots and land for construction of various types of buildings and roads (precise model of a given area)
• Possibility of obtaining full information about the three-dimensional shape of the most complex fields (opencast mines, mounds etc.)
• Very high quality and resolution of images - they are precise and clear
• Large amount of data acquired
• A non-negotiable form of obtaining information
• Possibility to start the design process even before the map for design purposes is drawn up or before other land surveying materials are acquired
• Possibility of quick estimation of bill of quantity reliability (reduction of possible unforeseen costs)
• High accuracy of the studies - especially with a required large number of points to be measured (incomparable accuracy in relation to classical measurements, where we talk about the error at the level of 5%)
• Non-invasive and safe measurements - no need to interrupt production
• Possibility to measure in hard-to-reach areas

Drone shots - application

Photogrammetry with the use of drones is applied wherever measurement with classical methods is difficult or even impossible. It allows to acquire a quasi-continuous image of the field in the form of a 3D point cloud so dense that it gives the impression of a continuous surface. Thanks to processing of 3D point cloud to the numerical field model, e.g. TIN grid, we obtain material for engineering analyses, including most often precise volume calculations. 

• Surface mining - photogrammetry using drones combined with measurement and land surveying services guarantees a completely new level of quality, accuracy and safety of measurements.
• Hard coal mining - inventory of coal and coke heaps and precise measurements of even the most extensive post-mining heaps. 
• Construction - inventory measurements of linear and cubature structures, including mainly cyclical monitoring, allowing for tracking and documenting the progress of construction works.
• Waste management - inventories of municipal, mining, metallurgical and other waste dumps in order to monitor the increase/surge in volume, study the capacity reserve volume or environmental condition. For this industry we also use 3D thermal imaging measurements. In the case of even the smallest thermal activity of a heap or a dump, it is possible to geometrically visualise the scale of the hazard and to determine the extent of spreading or disappearance.
• Calculations of the volume of loose materials and precise determination of the volumetric density factor - thanks to the development of an innovative method in cooperation with specialists from the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, we have a method for determining the volumetric density factor (bulk weight) with a precision several times higher than the method specified in the Polish Standard. We guarantee accuracy of material calculations at the level below 2%, which is confirmed by the signature of a certified surveyor or mine surveyor. Currently, we are carrying out a research and development project co-financed by European Funds entitled: "Automated system for precise volumetric measurements - VolumeMonit", which focuses on this subject.
• Designing - both in the scope of road and railway construction and earth structures as well as cubature constructions. Orthophoto-maps make it possible to design on a substructure fully reflecting the actual state in the field, in the time before obtaining the map for design purposes, which significantly improves and accelerates the design process. On the other hand, point clouds allow for precise adjustment to the actual field or development. Moreover, we prepare concepts and designs of shaping of, among others, recultivated objects (mounds, settling ponds etc.) or earthworks.
• Estimation of Damage to crops by animals - thanks to the drone flight over the area destroyed by wild animals we can very precisely calculate the area and scale of damages and provide a farmer with information in an attractive form - e.g. as an application in a web browser. We also provide services of an authorised expert.
• BIM (Building Information Modelling) - drone flights allow for the creation of an information-rich spatial model of an object in the form of a point cloud, mesh grid or CAD model. With such data it is possible to integrate the data obtained from the existing object with the spatial design data and make the documentation conveniently available in the construction process conducted in accordance with the BIM methodology. The use of drone shots in this way is particularly important in road and railway construction, in the shaping of earth structures (embankments, reservoirs, storage yards) and in the operation of cubature construction sites. More applications can be found in the section on laser scanning (photogrammetry is often a very good complement).
• Inventories of historical buildings (architecture) - drone shots over historical buildings allow for a rich, photorealistic representation of a building in 3D, which allows for inventory of even the most complex elements (cornices, ornaments, architectural details), impossible to measure manually.
• Specialist inspections - the diversity of our surveying, photogrammetric and thermal imaging equipment as well as other tools allows us to undertake even the most complex orders, often not associated with land surveying. Due to our extensive network of contacts with specialists, engineers and scientists, we guide our clients to the right solution, which we implement in cooperation with relevant entities.

Presentation of data

In addition to providing the client with the right documentation, we ensure that the spatial models we acquire can be used as widely as possible. We always try to choose the optimal way of presentation and transfer of data. We provide, among others:

• Internet platform with access to 3D model, orthophoto-map or DSM model with the possibility to browse, make measurements and cross-sections or even apply your own layers or design
  See an example
• Printing models on 3D printers
• Virtual flights through 3D models in mp4 files.
  See an example
• 3D models on the Sketchfab platform
  See an example

Drone shots in practice

Often, after the execution and presentation of the 3D model acquired by low-light photogrammetry technique, our customers talk about "field scanning", so it can be very surprising that there is no "scanner" on board the BSP. The only sensor used for data acquisition is a camera, integrated (or not) with a given drone.

Photogrammetry using non-metric images allows us to process them in such a way as to obtain a three-dimensional model of an object. How does it work? In simple terms, it is similar to how human eyes work. With a pair of eyes, we see in a spatial manner. Two eyes observe the same area from two different points. Our brain performs on the fly a kind of so-called land surveying forward slice, which consists in determining the spatial location of the observed point from afar. Similarly, by observing the same points from many different camera positions (several to a dozen or so shots of the same point on the image), we are able to reconstruct the shape of a given object. For the photos to be linked together, photogrammetric software searches for characteristic points on them, which in the further processing allows the photos to be linked together to create a grid. 

Photogrammetric air shots are mainly implemented in autonomous mode. Thanks to the possibility of setting an appropriate longitudinal and transverse coverage between pictures, the system automatically triggers the camera shutter. Depending on the resolution of the sensor on board the BSP and the set flight altitude, we obtain the resulting value of a single field pixel - usually at the level of 1 to 5 cm. We also carry out specialised tasks in the field of bridge engineering, where it is possible to obtain a pixel size even below 1 mm, which allows, for example, the inspection and measurement of cracks on building structures.

Thermal imaging surveys

We perform thermal imaging scans using unmanned aerial vehicles, photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques throughout Poland and abroad. We have an experienced team and advanced measurement equipment. We ensure high quality of acquisition and analysis of thermal imaging data.

We perform thermal imaging scans in residential and industrial buildings, as well as in open spaces, such as post-mining mounds. We have advanced equipment to perform infrared measurements - a high-resolution 640x480 Zenmuse XT2 camera with a double lens (RGB + infrared), which allows for convenient juxtaposition of infrared images with images in real colours. The equipment of such quality makes it possible to perform photogrammetric thermal imaging studies, i.e. to generate 3D models and orthophoto-maps on which geometrically oriented temperature distribution can be observed. 

We are able to quickly and accurately identify the sources of leaks and other faults without interfering with the walls of the building. This allows us to effectively and permanently eliminate the problem and, as a result, to optimise heating costs and avoid service expenses.

Advantages of thermal imaging measurements

• No interference with the building structure
• Quick detection of areas of heat loss
• High surveying accuracy
• Versatile application

Thermal imaging scans - applications

• Conducting energy audits in plants and production halls
• Checking the condition of the central heating system and the electrical system
• Assess the operation of machinery and equipment for possible overheating of bearings and other parts
• Airtightness testing of buildings
• Identification of causes of fungi and moulds