Guidelines on the use of structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry in geomorphic research

• Published in: Earth surface processes and landforms Vol. 44; no. 10; pp. 2081 - 2084
• Main Authors: James, Mike R., Chandler, Jim H., Eltner, Anette, Fraser, Clive, Miller, Pauline E., Mills, Jon P., Noble, Tom, Robson, Stuart, Lane, Stuart N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bognor Regis Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.08.2019
• Subjects: Aerial photography; bias and precision; Computer vision; Geomorphology; Imagery; Photogrammetry; Polls & surveys; Statistical methods; structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry; Survey design; Surveying; Surveys; systematic error; Systematic errors; topographic survey; Unmanned aerial vehicles
• ISSN: 0197-9337; 1096-9837
• DOI: 10.1002/esp.4637

As a topographic modelling technique, structure‐from‐motion (SfM) photogrammetry combines the utility of digital photogrammetry with a flexibility and ease of use derived from multi‐view computer vision methods. In conjunction with the rapidly increasing availability of imagery, particularly from unmanned aerial vehicles, SfM photogrammetry represents a powerful tool for geomorphological research. However, to fully realize this potential, its application must be carefully underpinned by photogrammetric considerations, surveys should be reported in sufficient detail to be repeatable (if practical) and results appropriately assessed to understand fully the potential errors involved. To deliver these goals, robust survey and reporting must be supported through (i) using appropriate survey design, (ii) applying suitable statistics to identify systematic error (bias) and to estimate precision within results, and (iii) propagating uncertainty estimates into the final data products. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.