Topographic investigation from a low altitude unmanned aerial vehicle

To obtain high-resolution aerial images of small areas, unmanned aerial systems allow the recording of images in great detail. This paper aims to perform optical 3D measurements using a combination of optical profilometry techniques and a remote-controlled air vehicle by a ground operator. The system is essentially a camera, a miniature projector, and a lightweight ultrasound sensor attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The technique discussed here can record smaller sites and generate topography with great detail to record topographical maps of small landscapes.