Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n° 3-2016
INTERGEO
www.intergeo.de
SPATIAL SURVEY
OF URBAN
ENVIRONMENTS
22
WELCOME
TO THE ZEB
REVOLUTION
BY STUART CADGE
36
SMART
CITY
NEWS
BY LUIGI COLOMBO AND
BARBARA MARANA
16
28
STUDY AND
DEVELOPMENT OF A
GIS FOR FIRE-FIGHTING
ACTIVITIES BASED ON
INSPIRE DIRECTIVE BY
ANDREA MARIA LINGUA, MARCO
PIRAS, MARIA ANGELA MUSCI,
FRANCESCA NOARDO, NIVES
GRASSO, VITTORIO VERDA
A SURVEY FROM
UAV IN CRITICAL
AREAS: THE
ADVANTAGES OF
TECHNOLOGY IN
AREAS WITH
COMPLEX TERRAIN
BY ZAIRA BAGLIONE
32
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 15
INTERGEO
SPATIAL SURVEY OF URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
by Luigi Colombo and Barbara Marana
The paper deals some experimental
benchmarks regarding urban environment
modelling. The employed techniques,
which automatically collected point clouds
and created the DSM, are terrestrial laser
scanning, with a direct GNSSRTK
geo-referencing, and UAS imagery.
Fig. 3 - A perspective view of S. Pellegrino Terme inside the point model.
The technological innovation
in survey
techniques has nowadays
led to the development of
automated systems, with combined
multi-functional sensors
including laser scanning, GNSS
receivers and imaging. These
devices can perform on field
metric operations, ranging from
spatial modelling, geo-referencing
of objects in an assigned
coordinate system, fast spatial
reconstructions of interiors or
exteriors and roofs, with the
Fig. 1 - Nadir and oblique images.
related thematic information
(colour, materials, decay).
The automatic sensors allow
to mainly collect point clouds,
from the ground, from road
vehicles or small remotely piloted
aircraft (Unmanned Arial
Systems). This redundant mass
of data simplifies the survey
process, increasing productivity
for 3D modelling and derived
sub-products (vector-raster),
such as perspective views, elevations,
orthophotos, horizontal
and vertical sections, thematic
maps, etc.
Present technologies and
techniques
Point clouds are today the first
source of spatial information
(also texturized with colours or
reflected energy). The clouds
are generated by automated
survey techniques, without
contact, and represent the basis
for creating the so-called Digital
Surface Models.
Terrestrial and air-transported
laser scanning has been till now
the main way to generate online
point clouds; more recently,
the research in Computer
Vision has deeply transformed
imaging survey, allowing the
off-line extraction of point
clouds from image blocks. One
speaks in this case of Dense
Image Matching, referring to
the software procedures which
guarantee this technologic enhancement.
It is known that the point cloud
collection does not occur in a
deterministic form, as manual
surveys (the meaningful points,
only), but in a stochastic way,
with the surveyed points which
become the nodes of a sampling
grid superimposed over the objects.
The grid step depends on selected
spatial resolution, measurement
distance, laser beam
impact (normality, obliquity)
and morphologic surface irregularities.
The transition from the grid
nodes to the interest points is
then performed by applying local
interpolation processes.
Much is known and has been
written these years about scanning
systems and associated
16 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
Fig. 2 - Direct geo-referencing for scanning survey.
procedures, much less, perhaps,
about the bi-centennial imaging
survey. This technique was
indeed overcome at the end
of the previous century by the
advent and fast development of
laser scanning and only recently
it is coming back thanks to
Computer Vision support and
to remotely piloted aircrafts.
However, this cannot be considered
a return to the past but
rather a “back to the future” (as
written by someone), because
the technological scenario has
now significantly changed (processing
algorithms and so on).
Laser technology nevertheless
provides the relevant advantage
(thanks to the measured stationpoint
distance) that just one
single ray has to be reflected
from an object point for its 3D
determination; on the contrary,
imagery survey needs at least
two homologous reflected rays
(from different sensor locations)
for each object point and some
measured information on the
point model, as well.
Additionally, if problems arise
in laser scanning applications,
regarding reflective, transparent
and translucent surfaces (metals,
marble, paints, glass, etc.),
also for imagery approach the
surveyed objects must present a
meaningful geometry and thematic
characters, such as nonuniform
or not smooth and
monochrome surfaces and few
shadows.
These conditions are necessary
to allow automatic recognition
of homologous points among
corresponding frames: the
process is performed by means
of digital image correlation algorithms,
with the support of
epipolar geometry to speed up
the search.
The acquisition phase registers a
block of photos, longitudinally
and transversally overlapped according
to the type of selected
survey (2D or 3D) (fig. 1):
aerial nadir or oblique images
are collected through horizontal
strips (ground survey) together
with normal or oblique shootings
belonging to vertical strips
(façade survey).
The aerial carrier brings survey
sensors and navigational devices
(GNSS+INS) for recording realtime
position and attitude of
the photo-camera: this enables
both autonomous flights, via
pre-defined way-points, and a
geo-referencing process based on
GNSS-RTK or PPK techniques
(the so-called Direct
Photogrammetry).
Remotely piloted small
aircrafts (UAS) are vertical
take-off and landing carriers,
with hovering functions (the
so-called multi-rotorcrafts), or
fixed-wing aircrafts. All systems
are equipped with a stabilized
platform to overcome spatial
rotations produced by flight,
air turbulence or wind, and can
carry a payload, that is the sensors
for survey.
The UASs allow lower flightheights,
compared with
manned aircrafts; so, a larger
image scale is collected, with
the same value of camera focal
length, and higher levels of detail
and height accuracy.
Certainly, the lower flight
height increases the forward
motion effects on the image, resulting
in blurring phenomena;
it is possible to limit this problem
both by reducing the cruise
speed and well combining
stops, shutter time and sensitivity
(ISO) of the digital sensor.
So, the motion blur can be kept
within the pixel size of the photo
and the relative object settlement
inside the GSD parameter
(Ground Sampling Distance).
Some experiences regarding
multi-sensor survey for territory
documentation were recently
performed at the University
of Bergamo by the Geomatics
group: two applications of them
are described below.
Fig. 4 - A 3D view of the point model for the ancient bridge.
Fig. 5 - 3D model: a bank of the Brembo river with hotels and restaurants.
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 17
INTERGEO
The first experience:
the multi-scale survey
of S. Pellegrino Terme
This application regards the
multi-scale survey with terrestrial
laser scanning realized over
the urban land of S. Pellegrino
Terme, a small ancient town
close to Bergamo (northern
Italy).
Advanced laser-scanning technologies
were used, with a
remarkable attention to the
needed level of detail and with
a careful look at buildings, their
decorations and history. The
reconstructed model was also
utilized to create a virtual walkthrough
for land investigation.
The performed survey has
pointed out the original development
of this settlement, designed
for leisure and wellness,
which was followed early by
a gradual decadence that only
new ideas and a renewed love
for the site could overcome.
The standards for urban model
construction and management
(city modelling) were proposed
by the Open Geospatial
Consortium (OGC) with the
CityGML: these models are
typically multi-scale 3D applications,
ranging from landscape
simulation to urban planning,
from managing calamities to
safety monitoring, etc.
A modelling process requires
the selection of geometric entities
according to the chosen
level of detail (LoD) and the
attribution of textures for augmenting
realism. This way,
the survey approach for S.
Pellegrino Terme documentation
was established, together
with the set of data to collect.
It is known that laser scanning
and imaging provide a dense
object-point cloud, which can
be geo-referenced in an assigned
coordinate system. The geo-referencing
is performed either indirectly,
through control points
Fig. 6 - Orthographic elevations of the Spa-buildings, extracted from the point model.
(pre-marked and measured on
the object) and matching procedures
based on natural features,
or directly using satellite positioning
and orientation devices.
The localization quality is enhanced
through differential
positioning techniques via
Internet corrections (code or
phase), transmitted from a
GNSS reference networks: a
few centimetre accuracy (at
95% likelihood) is guaranteed,
either interactively via a RTK
approach or in Post-Processing
(PPK). In the described application,
the GNSS reference
network (NetGeo), by Topcon
Positioning, was used.
The direct geo-referencing,
without control points and an
alignment phase, is particularly
convenient in applications
regarding large areas (requiring
several scans) when a level
of detail equal or lower than
LoD2-3 (likewise the scale
1:200 or smaller) is required.
Obviously, where the satellite
signal is not guaranteed, due to
urban obstructions, indirect or
mixed geo-referencing have to
be applied.
Anyway, it is useful to select
some check points (CP), among
the control points (GCP), to
assess the final accuracy of the
process.
Figure 2 shows the adopted
scheme for capturing direct georeferenced
object points: a laser
scanner was used (Faro) and
two satellite receivers (Topcon),
fitted with a bracket respectively
over the scanner and on an orientation
point; both the receiv-
18 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
Fig. 7 - A view of the monastic complex in Albino
INTERGEO
ers, which operated in staticrapid
mode, were connected via
Internet to NetGeo for a fine
RTK positioning in the Italian
reference system (ETRF 2000).
The set of direct geo-referenced
scanning stations also provided
a pseudo GNSS network, able
to act as a geodetic support.
The collected point clouds were
altogether 200, with an average
spatial resolution of 100 mm in
the useful range (10÷350) m;
the computer storage has been
globally around 26 GB.
S. Pellegrino Terme, a small
tourist settlement today, was
very fashionable last century
in the world of entrepreneurial
bourgeoisie. The town is located
along the narrow Brembo
valley (north of the city of
Bergamo): famous for the healing
waters, it stands out in the
local landscape with the undisputed
charm of its architectures
and the elegance of the urban
environment.
Among the artistic treasures,
it must be remembered the
municipal Club-House (1904-
1906), with two towers reminiscent
of the famous one in
Monte Carlo (Principality of
Monaco), and the impressive
Grand Hotel (1904), along the
Brembo river, with the large
front full of decorations.
The Grand Hotel is connected
to the Club-House and the Spa
buildings, located on the right
bank of the river, through the
bridge “Principe Umberto I”.
All these structures were realized
at the beginning of the
nineteenth century in the
years of Belle Époque and Art
Nouveau.
The terrestrial scanning survey
was performed in a multi-level
detail, ranging from OGC-
LoD2 and OGC-LoD4, and
corresponding to the scales
from 1:500 to 1:100.
A Faro laser scanner (Focus
X330) was utilized, with a builtin
photo-camera; this scanner,
characterized by a long range
(around 350 m), is particularly
effective for 3D survey of large
territorial spaces because it allows
a meaningful reduction
of the instrumental stations
needed to capture information
(see figures 3, 4, 5, 6).
Good results were generally
obtained, despite some deficiencies
in the building-roof
documentation, thanks to the
favorable hilly morphology and
the large range provided by the
scanning device.
The roof knowledge could be
better realized through an additional
survey from above, using
UAS techniques.
The other experience:
the UAS survey of the
Dehonian complex
The religious complex of
Dehonian fathers, is located in
Albino, a small town in the valley
of Serio, the river flowing
down from the mountains surrounding
Bergamo.
This Apostolic school was
built in 1910; during the years
of World War II it became a
kind of big ark hosting people
evacuated from their homes
and moved to Albino, which
was considered safer from the
bombing risk.
In 1944 a part of the complex
was occupied by the Italian military,
who remained there until
early 1945; during the war, the
little town was bombed but the
Apostolic school was luckily
spared.
In the following years, until
1991, the structure served as
Diocesan Seminary; when this
activity ceased, the complex of
buildings was renovated to create
a meeting point for spirituality
(fig. 7), still active.
The imaging survey (using a
hexa-copter) aimed to provide a
Fig. 8a – The flight planning for the nadir image coverage.
Fig. 8b – Vertical strips with oblique images.
spatial model of the built area,
including roofs, for documentation
and maintenance purposes.
The model, with a level of
detail equal to 1:200 scale, was
performed by:
- a nadir image coverage with
horizontal (parallel) strips (fig.
8a) from heights less than 50
m, taken by a Sony photocamera
with a 14.2 MP CMOS
sensor (fixed focal length of 16
mm); the image overlaps were
between 80% and 60% and the
carrier speed around 5 m/s.
- some up and down vertical
strips over the façades, with
oblique images taken at a surface
distance around 10 m (fig.
8b).
It is known that an image-based
survey can be performed using
algorithms, techniques and
software ranging from those of
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 19
INTERGEO
Fig. 9 - Software for imaging.
classical Photogrammetry to
the modern ones of Computer
Vision; some well-known packages
for imaging are shown in
figure 9.
The collected nadir and oblique
images for the religious complex
(fig. 10), around 400 photos,
were used to generate a 3D
model through a dense image
matching, performed inside the
Swiss-made Pix4D Mapper, a
software of Computer Vision.
About thirty Ground Control
Points, for block adjustment
and geo-referencing (Italian
Reference System - ETRF 2000),
Fig. 10 - The set of collected nadir and horizontal images.
were targeted over some selected
details (on ground and
roofs), measured by direct
topographic methods (accuracy
equal to a few centimetres) and
then observed over the images.
Figure 11 points out the georeferenced
orthomosaic performed
from the set of photos
and regarding the main cloister;
figure 12 shows the correspondent
3D reconstruction through
a perspective view with phototextures.
It is interesting to observe that
the imaging model has resulted
a bit more smoothed in comparison
with those performed
through a laser scanning approach.
Final remarks
The described experiences have
highlighted the great potentiality
that laser scanning and
UAS imagery can offer for a
Fig. 11 - A geo-referenced orthomosaic for the main cloister.
multi-scale analysis of urban
land. This is the result of the
meaningful development now
achieved in the acquisition
phase, the deep ease allowed by
automation and the increased
reliability. The software has
once more had a central role for
an effective point cloud management
and raster-vector production.
The support of GNSS-
RTK technology has been
useful for cloud connection
(direct and automatic); besides,
GNSS and INS units represents
a fundamental basis for autonomous
aerial navigation and
positioning. Surely, the integration
between laser scanning and
UAS imagery will become more
and more interesting, to allow a
complete photo-realistic model
of urban environments; anyway,
some security aspects have to be
still improved in relation to aircraft
standards and flights.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the
students Lorenzo Filippini,
Riccardo Begnis and Daniela
Piantoni, who developed their
master theses in Building
Engineering, and Eng. Giorgio
Ubbiali of DMStrumenti for
the technological support in the
measurement campaign.
Fig. 12 - A 3D view regarding the reconstructed photorealistic model of the complex.
20 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
REFERENCES
B. Bhandari, U. Oli, N. Panta, U. Pudasaini (2015) -
Generation of high resolution DSM using UAV images - FIG
Working Week 2015 - Sofia - May 2015
L. Colombo, B. Marana (2015) - Terrestrial multi-sensor survey
for urban modelling - Geoinformatics, 3-2015
H. Hirschmueller (2011) - Semi-Global Matching -
Motivation, developments and applications - Proceedings of
Photogrammetric Week 2011, Stuttgart - Wichmann
J.N. Lee, K.C. Kwak (2014) - A trends analysis of image processing
in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle International Journal of
Computer, Information Science and Engineering, 8(2)
M. Naumann, G. Grenzdoerffer (2016) - Reconstructing a
church in 3D - GIM International, 2-2016
R. Pacey, P. Fricker (2005) - Forward Motion Compensation
(FMC) - Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing,
November 2005
R. Szeliski (2011) - Computer Vision: Algorithms and applications
- Springer - New York
ABSTRACT
The paper deals some experimental benchmarks regarding urban environment
modelling. The first application has been performed over the small
thermal settlement of S. Pellegrino Terme, famous in northern Italy both
for the healing waters and for its rich Art Noveau architectural decorations;
the second test is the documentation of the religious complex of
Dehonians in Albino, a little town close to Bergamo (Italy).
The employed techniques, which automatically collected point clouds
and created the DSM, are terrestrial laser scanning, with a direct GNSS-
RTK geo-referencing, and UAS imagery.
AUTHOR
Luigi Colombo
Luigi.colombo@unibg.it
Barbara Marana
Barbara.marana@unibg.it
University of Bergamo
DISA - Geomatics Group
Dalmine (Italy)
KEYWORDS
Land documentation; point-cloud analysis; laser scanning;
UAS imagery
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 21
INTERGEO
Welcome to the ZEB REVOlution
by Stuart Cadge
In this article we will introduce
the ZEB-REVO, and the attributes
that make this a unique piece
of surveying hardware. We will
discuss how the ZEB-REVO is
shaking up the surveying market,
Fig. 1 - The ZEB-REVO in action – handheld, pole-mounted, backpack-mounted – a
truly versatile tool.
and will look at a number of
industry applications in which the
ZEB-REVO is making a difference.
The surveying industry
has witnessed rapid
changes in the last
few years - the increased use
of mobile surveying devices
and the utilisation of LiDAR
technology (Light Detection
And Ranging) to produce 3-dimensional
point clouds of the
survey subject are two such examples.
Another major shift is
the mapping of indoor spaces,
utilising technology that does
not rely on GPS.
Leading the fore in all of these
technologies is GeoSLAM,
a young, vibrant technology
company based in the UK.
GeoSLAM specialises in the
manufacture and supply of
indoor, handheld mobile surveying
units; the ZEB1 and the
new ZEB-REVO, launched in
March 2016.
Strong Beginnings
GeoSLAM was founded in
2012 as a joint venture between
CSIRO (Australia’s National
Science Agency and the inventors
of WiFi) and 3D Laser
Mapping (a leading global provider
of 3D LIDAR solutions).
Coming from such strong pedigree
has allowed GeoSLAM to
grow rapidly in both range and
scope, currently incorporating a
global distribution network of
35 agents across 6 continents.
GeoSLAM launched their first
mobile scanner, the ZEB1, in
Q4 of 2013. With its springmounted
head and nodding
movement, the ZEB1 quickly
Fig. 2 - Comparison of ZEB1 data (left) and ZEB-REVO data (right) Image courtesy of Opti-cal
Survey Equipment.
gained notoriety and popularity.
Early adopters were amazed
by the speed of scanning, the
ease of use and the quality
of the results. Data processing
was also a simple process
– customers simply ‘drag and
drop’ their raw datasets onto
an online Uploader, in order to
register and process their scan.
In a matter of minutes, fullyregistered
3D point clouds were
obtained.
However, GeoSLAM did not
rest on their laurels. The technology
industry moves quickly,
and GeoSLAM knew that a
second, more sophisticated
solution was required. ZEB1
customers spoke of their desire
for a truly-mobile scanner –
one that wasn’t just handheld.
They also wanted a fuller,
more even point cloud that the
40Hz ZEB1 could produce.
When the customers spoke,
GeoSLAM listened.
The REVOlution Begins
In March 2016, the ZEB-
REVO was launched. Featuring
an in-built motor to create
360 o rotation, the REVO can,
like the ZEB1, be handheld.
However, it can also be mounted
onto an extending pole,
fastened to a backpack, secured
to a trolley or vehicle, even
strapped to a UAV for aerial
surveys.
22 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
Fig. 3 - Building surveys (such as this family-sized home) are completed in minutes, not hours, with the ZEB-REVO.
The autonomous motion of
the motorised scan head opens
up a world of new applications
for this clever little scanner.
Little being the operative word;
weighing just over 4kg (including
the backpack) and with the
scanner head measuring 9 x 11
x 29cm, this is a surveying tool
that is truly mobile.
It’s not just the outside that
has evolved – inside the scanner
head is a powerful yet safe
(Class 1 Eye safe) 100Hz laser –
making an impressive 100 rotations/second.
The unit collects
the same number of points per
second as the ZEB1 – 43,200.
So what’s the advantage of this
faster speed?
The increased scan speed (over
2.5 times faster than the ZEB1)
means that the collected data
points are spread out more
evenly over a greater number of
scan lines - giving the appearance
of smoother, cleaner and
less noisy datasets. More importantly,
this even distribution of
points allows the world-beating
SLAM algorithm to work better.
The SLAM algorithm works
by dividing the scanned surface
into sectors, and identifying
points within each sector. If a
sector is devoid of points, then
it cannot be included in the
algorithm. So, by having a more
even distribution of points, the
SLAM algorithm can build a
fuller, more complete point
cloud.
The difference is clear to see.
Compare the two images below
of the same elevation. The view
on the left is ZEB1 data, which
is characterised by a striated,
lined appearance. There are a
few gaps, especially higher up
the elevation where the scan
lines have hit the elevation at a
more acute angle.
The right hand view is the
same elevation captured with a
ZEB-REVO. The point cloud
is cleaner and the points are
more evenly distributed – creating
a much more ‘complete’
looking point cloud. Not only
does this provide better results,
it also supplies the user with
vitally important confidence in
the kit.
Versatility in Action
The upshot of these technological
advances is the sheer number
of new applications and
industries that are now open to
scanning with the ZEB-REVO.
Whether it is simply improving
an existing workflow of the
ZEB1 (i.e. stockpile surveys
and building scans) or opening
up brand new uses (i.e. manhole
and suspended ceilings,
utility trenches) versatility is the
word for the ZEB-REVO. A
number of these new and improved
applications are featured
below.
Building Surveys
Building surveys have long been
the ‘bread and butter’ work of
the ZEB1 – the simplicity, ease
of use, highly mobile nature
of the unit lends it perfectly to
multi-level, indoor structures.
The ZEB-REVO has simply
improved and built upon this
success.
The increased scan speed creates
a fuller, more complete point
cloud, reducing the number of
areas with low coverage. The
ability to rapidly unscrew the
handle and attach an extending
pole allows the user to reach
into spaces that may not otherwise
have been available – into
loft spaces, suspended ceilings,
even to ‘poke’ the unit out of
windows in order to obtain
overlaps with the building exterior.
Underground Mapping
Another staple of the ZEB1,
underground mapping includes
both mine and cave surveys.
Similarly to buildings, under-
Fig. 4 - The ZEB-RE-
VO in action – handheld,
pole-mounted,
backpack-mounted –
a truly versatile tool.
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 23
INTERGEO
ground is the perfect
environment for ZEB
systems, being devoid of
GPS, totally enclosed, and
often with many unique features
for the SLAM algorithm
to work with. Not only have
ZEB systems been proven to increase
survey quality and detail
(over traditional survey methods),
they have also slashed survey
times by a factor of 3.
A major advantage of the ZEB-
REVO in these environments is
safety – and the ability for the
REVO to access areas that human
users cannot. The autonomous
nature of the ZEB-REVO
allows the unit to be attached
to a remote-controlled trolley
system and sent into areas that
are either too small to access,
or that are hazardous to health.
The image shows the ZEB-
REVO head mounted onto the
front of a remote-controlled
trolley in a mine. The datalogger
sits just behind the head
in the body of the trolley. The
trolley was sent into a restricted
area of the mine that was inaccessible
to people, allowed to
scan, and returned to its starting
position.
Stockpiles
Another area of application
where both the ZEB1 and
ZEB-REVO excel. With these
mobile scanning units, stockpiles
of all varieties can be surveyed
in a matter of minutes.
The survey data can then be
easily imported into a variety of
third party software packages,
where volumetric calculations
can be carried out in minutes.
The advantages of the REVO
in this application are complete
coverage and continuous scanning.
A potential pitfall of using
the ZEB1 for stockpile scanning
was the chance that areas
would be missed, especially the
very top of the pile. It is not
advisable to walk on the stockpile
for obvious safety reasons.
Therefore, a pole-mounted
ZEB-REVO can be utilised to
ensure that complete coverage
of the stockpile is obtained,
allowing for a complete point
cloud model, and therefore, a
more accurate volume calculation.
The second major advantage
is the ability to simply
wall-mount the unit. For many
stockpile applications (and particularly
for indoor stockpiles),
continuous analysis of the
stockpile is required. With a remotely
operated, wall-mounted
unit, this is now a reality. It is
simply a case for the unit to be
switched on when a survey is
required, and the autonomous
motion will carry out the scan.
The 360 o vertical by 270o horizontal
field of view (i.e. just a
90o blind spot to the rear) ensures
that no parts of the pile
are missed..
Marine
A rather newer application for
the ZEB systems is in the world
of marine surveying. Anybody
who has been on a marine vessel
will know that space is at a
premium; this is even more so
when it comes to submarine
vessels.
A number of marine authorities
and businesses have a requirement
to accurately but rapidly
survey their stock, either for
the purposes of creating 2-dimensional
blueprints, or for the
creation of 3-dimensional, fully
interactive models.
Both the ZEB1 and the ZEB-
REVO can be rapidly deployed
in a marine environment, and
used to create a 3-dimensional
point cloud of these hugely
complex environments.
Forestry
Thought that ZEB units were
for indoor use only? Think
again. The ZEB1 and ZEB-
REVO work best in ‘enclosed’
environments – not necessarily
just indoor ones. A typical forest
will naturally be considered
to be an ‘enclosed’ environment
by the unit, as the tree canopy
creates a natural ‘ceiling’.
Coupled with the proliferation
of unique features that a forest
holds, and it can be seen that
forests are the perfect environment
for ZEB scanners.
Over the summer of 2016, a
number of different forestry
studies are being carried out
using the ZEB-REVO scanner.
The first of these studies, carried
out by the Geography department
of University College
London (UCL), focussed on
measuring small deformations
in the ground topography of a
mechanically-harvested area of
forestry.
Fig. 5 - Stockpile scanning is made
simple with the pole-mounted ZEB-REVO.
Fig. 6 - Cross
section through
the engine room
of a marine vessel
captured with
the ZEB-REVO.
24 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
Fig. 7 - 3D data
of a vehicle
captured with
the ZEB-REVO
in minutes.
The suspicious
package is highlighted
red.
From the data collected, the
team were able to create a cmaccurate
digital elevation model
(DEM) spanning 100s of square
metres. This data is then being
used to measure the outputs of
methane (CH 4
) from these areas
of felled forestry.
Another study, conducted in
relation with the University of
Leicester, involves the mapping
of varying forestry habitats
across the UK. The aim of this
study is to make comparisons
between different forestry habitats
across the UK, and also to
combine the data captured with
the handheld ZEB-REVO with
data captured from above, using
spaceborne-rader and UAVbased
imagery.
On a simpler note, both ZEB
units can be utilised to rapidly
and accurately scan an area of
forestry, to obtain the point
cloud data, and to make cuts or
sections in the data at certain
heights. One such important
height is the breast height diameter
(BHD), which is a measurement
taken at 4.5 foot from
the ground. This measurement
is then used to create an estimate
for the biomass of the area
of forestry in question.
Security and Contingency
Mapping
A final and possibly unexpected
use for both ZEB units
is in the ever-growing realm
of security. In an increasingly
uncertain world, governments,
police forces, security agencies
and indeed even companies are
increasingly security-conscious
and are turning to new technologies
to increase their security.
ZEB1 units have been in use by
a number of police forces since
their launch in 2013. Their
speed, ease of use and high
mobility make them the perfect
tool for capturing the details of
a crime scene, accident scene, or
for mapping a building or site
of interest. In the case where
speed is of the essence (for example,
after a RTC on a major
road) the ZEB unit can be deployed
in seconds, with a scan
complete in a few minutes. This
allows for a fully 3 dimensional
image, accurate to within a few
centimetres, to be gained.
The development of the autonomous
ZEB-REVO
has obvious benefits in
these areas. In the case
of a crime scene, the polemounted
ZEB-REVO may be
deployed, to ensure that areas
of interest are not touched or
disturbed.
Where there is a risk to human
health (for example, a bomb
threat, or an unsecure building),
the REVO can be trolley
mounted (as in mining) and
sent in alone to scan the area of
interest.
It is our prediction that the
realms of security and reconnaissance,
there will be increasing
demand for this type of
rapid, mobile, versatile surveying
tools.
The Future
So what does the future hold
for GeoSLAM? In a rapidly
growing, rapidly changing
industry, standing still is
quite simply not an option.
GeoSLAM will continue to
respond to new challenges, new
technological developments,
and to identify new areas of application.
Be sure to pay attention
to forthcoming GeoSLAM
announcements, to hear more
about these highly exciting developments
in the pipeline.
KEYWORDS
GeoSLAM; ZEB-REVO; scan
ABSTRACT
GeoSLAM is a manufacturer and supplier
of handheld, 3D mobile mapping
systems. Founded in 2012 and
headquartered in the UK, GeoSLAM now
has a global distribution network of 35
distributors across six continents.
AUTHOR
Stuart Cadge,
Pre Sales Engineer at GeoSLAM
For more information, please visit
www.geoslam.com
info@geoslam.com
Fig. 8 - Point
cloud data of an
area of forestry
with a section
taken at BHD
height for biomass
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 25
calculation.
INTERGEO
26 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 27
INTERGEO
Study and development of
a GIS for fire-fighting activities
based on INSPIRE directive
by Andrea Maria Lingua, Marco Piras,
Maria Angela Musci, Francesca
Noardo, Nives Grasso, Vittorio Verda
In the past years, the European Union has
invested in the development of the INSPIRE
Directive to support environmental policies
and actually EU is currently working on
developing "ad hoc" infrastructures for the
safe management of forests and fires.
Fig. 1 – External model definition.
The activities connected
to the forest-fire fighting
could be essentially
divided in three parts: before,
during and after the fire.
In these activities, the most
complex are the monitoring and
management of at-risk fire zones
and fire-fighting procedures especially
for large fires (> 40ha).
In the case of “big fire”, which
are fires with a very large extension,
the main problem is the
coordination between the human
resources (ground, marine
and air) which work to fight
the fires. This aspect is more
critical when the fire is across
the boundary, because there is
not a European protocol for
interventions and each country
has different procedures and
CONOPS (concept of operations).
Thus becomes clear the
complex reality that competent
authorities must handle in such
emergencies (Andrews and Rothermel
1982; Bovio 1993; Teie
2005).
The AF3 project (Advanced Forest
Fire Fighting) is part of the
7 th Framework Program and it is
focused on the prevention and
the management of big forestfires
through the development
of innovative techniques. The
AF3 purpose is to improve the
efficiency of fire-fighting operations
in progress and the protection
of human lives and heritage
by developing innovative technologies
to ensure the integration
between existing and new
systems. Furthermore, the AF3
project aims to increase interoperability
among firefighting
supports (Chuvieco et al 2010).
The project defines a unique
control center devoted to coordinate
all activities, from monitoring
to the intervention on
field. Among the technological
aspects, the project provides the
design of an SDI platform (Spatial
Data Infrastructure) which
is essentially based on a GIS
(Geographic Information System).
In the following sections,
GIS model proposed for a part
of the system will be described.
This GIS is structured according
to INSPIRE ( Infrastructure for
Spatial Information in Europe)
Directive.
Fig. 2 Steps to create AF3 Database in PostgreSQL and Q-GIS.
28 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
GIS and fire-fighting: a
brief description of the
European scenario
Currently, in Europe there are
already several GIS useful for decision
support at different stages
of fire management. However,
the opportunity to have both
updated or real-time data, and
a complete and consistent information,
is often missing. Especially
it is difficult to have an
actual data interoperability with
the existing available technologies.
In most cases, the information
collected in the GIS are incomplete
and they concern only
one phase of the overall management
process. There are, indeed,
systems used, exclusively,
for prediction or for planning or
emergency control. In this way, a
lot of information is lost. However,
this historical information
could be helpful to make more
comprehensive the tool for decision
support. Furthermore, it
lacks a central system to register
distribution and availability of
resources in risk periods, standardized
systems for fires registry
and systematic registration systems
of firefighting operations.
Finally, the metadata of the observed
maps are not always available
and the data validity is impossible
to be determined.
For example, in Europe, Web-
GIS known as EFFIS (European
Forest Fire Information System
http://forest.jrc.ec.europa.eu/effis/)
was developed by the JRC
(Joint Research Centre). This
GeoDB, still under construction,
records only the data related
to fire risk analysis and the
occurred fires in Europe.
Description of the GIS in AF3
In order to propose an innovative
GIS platform devoted to
support the big forest fires management,
the following activities
must be considered: forecasting,
monitoring, planning, active
fight and post-fire practices.
Nowadays, the modern system is
not designed for a specific enduser
and it stands out for its versatility.
However, it is possible to
establish different authorization
for different users and method
of use.
In order to realize the dedicated
GIS for AF3, the traditional
modelling process was followed.
As well known, needs to pass
from the complexity of the reality
to a formal schema describing
entities and tools used in
fire-fighting operations.
External Model
The first step was the development
of an external model. In
this model, the useful information
could be gathered in three
categories of objects: the competent
authorities (command), the
objects to be protected (territory),
the event and the ignition
point (fire and hotspot) (Figure
1). In the case of AF3, there
is only one control center that
handles local operations centers,
the terrestrial and aerial troops.
The command center (command
center) is the national control
center. Local operations centers
(operating center) are in charge to
monitor and to fill register of the
fire cadaster and the mission report.
Instead, the teams (operating
team) take care of active fight
on the field.
Conceptual and
Logical Model
(INSPIRE oriented)
Next steps are the definition
of conceptual and logical models.
Therefore, these stages consist
in identification of entities,
attributes, definition of relationships
between the entities and
the data formats. The INSPIRE
directive, thus, provides fundamentals
for completely defining
the information layers closely
related to the land description
(e.g. digital terrain model and
digital surface model), the event
progression (e.g. time) and meteorological
data (e.g. wind
direction and speed, temperature,
humidity). This European
specification has a general nature,
which needs to be suitably
extended for adapting to the
specific application. Some “ad
hoc” entities are added in order
to consider the data related to
the command chain, fuel model
and forest types definition (Burgan
et al, 1998; Baskets 1999
Baskets 2002; Han Shuting et al
1987).
Currently, it is necessary to
highlight that in Italy, as in Europe,
a systematic survey and
monitoring of the forests are
missing. Moreover, standardized
methodology for the preparation
of suitable fuel models does
not exist.
Fig. 3 – Flow-chart of
alarm trigger.
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 29
INTERGEO
Considering these aspects,
an approximation
on the fuel models has
been done. In particular, in
Italy, the only achieved result is
a regional classification of forest
types, but it cannot be considered
equally valid for the calculation
of the danger indexes. The
development of this issue would
improve our capacity of fire forecasting
and, consequently, in the
fire-fighting management.
Fig. 4 – Example of query: hotspot and operating centre localization (left) and operating
team localization (right).
Internal Model
Open source platforms were
chosen to implement the database.
Specifically, PgAdmin
III were used to manage the
database PosgreSQL with its
spatial extension PostGIS and
the graphical interface. This
software allows the creation of
tables and relationships, the
implementation of triggers and
queries, the realization of views
for users and different uses and
finally the semi-automatic input
of data. This system is not
equipped with a graphical interface
to visualize the spatial data,
therefore a connection with Q-
GIS was realized.Thus, the procedure
of GeoDB implementation
follows the steps shown in
Figure 2.
A peculiarity of the internal
model was the trigger, which is
an “ad hoc” procedure for the
automatic manipulation (insertion,
modification and deletion)
of information related to a triggering
event (Perry 1990). To
complete the automatic management
of the entire system, a
large number of triggers must
be implemented. Below as example,
it has been described the
"trigger" that starts when fire
alarm is activated.
In this specific case, when the
alarm is recorded in the system,
the program executes the procedure
schematically shown in the
flow-chart in Figure 3.
Case of study (Sardinia)
Data
In order to test the GIS functionalities,
a specific test site has
been selected. In particular, a
database related to South part of
the Sardinia (close to Cagliari)
has been considered.
Therefore, defined a specific
area, all fundamental data have
been collected, where the most
important information are the
state of the forests, fuel models,
water resource localization,
roads and technological networks,
command center, operational
centers, teams, meteorological
data, hotspots, alarm
have been inserted.
Using these information layers,
which are suitably designed and
compiled, using QGIS, it was
possible to realize an example
of a query on the system. Since
the alarm is activated (Figure 4
- left), the trigger is able to automatically
calculate the competent
command center, the
nearest operating center, with
the adapted number of men and
assets. Finally, in real- time, data
of the team and its location can
be displayed (Figure 4 - right).
On the field, the team will be
monitored and managed by
the command center, by means
of the automatic registration
of their coordinates (Figure 5),
measuring in real time the team
position.
Conclusion
The developed GIS model describes
only a part of the “fire
prevention and management
system” provided by the AF3
project, but its complexity is
Fig. 5 – Example
of query
and trigger
visualization.
Real time team
positioning on
the field.
30 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
quite evident. Especially,
it underlines that it is
difficult (in some case
almost impossible), to
define exactly some entities
(e.g. Fuel model or
fuel moisture). Moreover,
an unique European
procedure does not exist,
therefore it is very complicated
to define the
CONOPS and a system
with a single command
center.
The proposed model
shows that also the open
source platforms allow
to realize a complex SDI
structure. The triggering
system for the automatic
procedures allows to add
value to SDI, because it
makes the system realtime
responsive.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like
to thank the CVVFF of
Cagliari for their availability
and data sharing.
Furthermore they thank
Dr. Raffaella Marzano
from University of Torino
for her help about
fuel model and forest
type and Dr. Cesti for his
availability.
REFERENCES
Andrews, P.L.and Rothermel R.C. (1982), Charts for interpreting wildland fire behaviour characteristics. INTERGEO USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech.
Rep. INT-131.
Bovio G., (1993), Comportamento degli incendi boschivi estinguibili con attacco diretto. Monti e Boschi, 4: 19-24.
Burgan, R.E., Klaver, R.W. & Klaver, JM. (1998), Fuel Models and Fire Potential from Satellite and Surface Observations, International
Journal of WiIdIand Fire, 8: 159-170.
Cesti G., Cesti C. (1999), Antincendio Boschivo. Manuale operativo per l’equipaggio dell’autobotte. Musumeci, Quart, Aosta, vol 2.
Cesti G., (2002), Tipologie e comportamenti particolari del fuoco: risvolti nelle operazioni di estinzione, Il fuoco in foresta: ecologia e
controllo. Atti del XXXIX Corso di Cultura in Ecologia. Università degli Studi di Padova, Regione del Veneto, Centro Studi per
l’Ambiente Alpino, S. Vito di Cadore, 2-6 settembre 2002: 77-116.
Perry, D. G. (1990), Wildland Firefighting: Fire Behavior, Tactics, and Command, ed. Donald G. Perry.
Teie, W. C. (2005), Firefighter’s Handbook on Wildland Firefighting, 3nd ed. Deer Valley. Chuvieco, E. et al., (2010). Development of
a framework for fire risk assessment using remote sensing and geographic information system technologies.
Han Shuting, Han Yibin, Jin Jizhong, Zhou Wei (1987), The method for calculating forest fire behaviour index, Heilongjiang Forest
Protection Institute, Harbin, China, 77-82.
http://www.s3lab.polito.it/progetti/progetti_in_corso/af3 (08/10/2014)
http://forest.jrc.ec.europa.eu/effis/ (08/10/2014)
http://www.isotc211.org/ (06/11/2014)
http://inspire.ec.europa.eu/index.cfm/pageid/2 (03/11/2014)
http://www.postgresql.org (05/05/2015)
KEYWORDS
INSPIRE directive; fire fighting; GIS
ABSTRACT
According to the Annual Fire Report 2013 (European Commission-Joint Research Centre, 2014), there have been 873 forest fires in
Europe, in 2013, for a total of 340559 ha of territory. A comparison of this data to that of the previous years, highlights that, when
the intended goal is that of preserving the environment and saving human lives, the importance of the correct management of forest
fires can not be underestimated. In the past years, the European Union has invested in the development of the INSPIRE Directive
(Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) to support environmental policies. Furthermore, the EU is currently working on
developing "ad hoc" infrastructures for the safe management of forests and fires.
The AF3 EU project (Advanced Forest Fire Fighting), financed by the FP7, addresses the issue of developing innovative tools to handle
all stages of forest fires. The project develops a single control center for the coordination of monitoring, manoeuvring, and post-fire
operations. The SDI platform (Spatial Data Infrastructure) represents another component which was designed in the context of this
project. It is based on a GIS (Geographic Information System) which is able to efficiently integrate multi-modal data.
Following an analysis of the state of the art of information systems for forest fire-fighting, and in light of the end-user requirements
analyzed within the AF3 project, we propose a geo-topographic database based on the INSPIRE Directive and developed on opensource
platforms, which provides interoperability of the data and allows forecasting and monitoring of high-risk areas, decision making,
damage estimation, and post-fire management.
AUTHOR
Andrea Maria Lingua
Marco Piras, Maria Angela Musci, Francesca Noardo, Nives Grasso, Vittorio Verda
Politecnico di Torino - Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'ambiente,
del territorio e delle infrastrutture (DIATI)
Vittorio Verda
Politecnico di Torino - DIpartimento di Energia (DENERG)
EDITORS NOTE
This work has been presented at the 19th Conference ASITA 2015 (Lecco). We would like to thank the organizing secretary for the
courtesy and his availability and wishes the best outcome for the 20th Conference ASITA 2016 (Cagliari 8-9-10 November 2016).
• Rilievi batimetrici automatizzati
• Fotogrammetria delle sponde
• Acquisizione dati e immagini
• Mappatura parametri ambientali
• Attività di ricerca
Vendita – Noleggio - Servizi chiavi in mano, anche con strumentazione cliente
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 31
INTERGEO
A survey from
UAV in critical
areas: the
advantages of
technology in
areas with
complex terrain
by Zaira Baglione
The tale of two experiences in the geological and cultural heritage area through the use of fixed-wing drones.
Innovation and high quality of the data returned from an aero-photogrammetric survey as support to the activities of
the different professionals. From the survey phase to the post-production all the precautions to obtain images with a
very good resolution and solve obstacles for the mapping of areas not easily accessible such as quarries.
The aerial photography
have had a great revolution
with the advent
of the UAV technology that
actually has allowed to overcome
the objective problems of
the access to the information.
Especially for the territories
with a complex topography, the
use of drones is an advantage
in terms of speed, cost reduction
and achievement of high
quality results. The applications
of the proximity remote sensing
in critical areas are a lot
and involve many areas: from
geology to engineering, from
surveillance to environmental
monitoring, civil protection,
archeology and more.
In particular it is recommended,
for several reasons, the use
of fixed-wing models for the
survey of medium-high extension
surfaces. Meanwhile, this
type of APR provides a greater
flying range than the multicopter
models (which generally
have shorter range, considering
also the take-off and landing
operations), in fact with a single
flight it is possible to cover areas
of several kilometers and obtain
uniform images, then with a
very appreciable qualitative output;
in addition the control of
the flight parameters is efficient
and it is possible to resists to the
adverse environmental conditions,
supporting wind gusts of
up to 60 km/h. The fixed-wing
aircraft, in general, are perfect
for the applications in geology
and archaeological surveys. Two
interesting experiences, related
respectively to the geological
and cultural heritage area, are
described below by Gabriele
Santiccioli, FlyTop president
and member of the Provincial
Board of Surveyors and
Surveyors Graduates of Rome.
Certainly a very growing sector
is the quarries monitoring
through precise mapping activities
to accurately control the
excavations, to know exactly the
amount of material removed
and prevent any movement of
materials and the risk of landslides.
A proof of the quality
of the remote control systems
for this type of professional application
is given by Gabriele
Santiccioli, president of FlyTop,
through a project carried out in
a mining quarry in the north
of Italy. "We enthusiastically
accepted the engagement by
the responsible Authority for
the exploitation of a quarry
in Emilia Romagna - says the
president Santiccioli - because
it meant for us to win a challenge.
This experimentation
yook place in an extremely
mountainous area, undoubtedly
challenging under the aeronautical
profile. We used a fixedwing
aircraft, FlyGeo24Mpx,
a unique drone in its category
32 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
equipped with technology to
fly at a fixed altitude. Generally
this type of critical reconnaissance
is carried out with a
multirotor drone, but the fixed
wing flexibility allowed us to
successfully conclude the mission.
The conditions were not
easy, considering the extension
of the area to be analysed, about
95 hectares, and the difference
in height of 360 meters between
the top and the valley of
the quarry. However, with a single
flight, we have acquired in
25 minutes nearly five hundred
pictures with a resolution of 2.5
cm per pixel ". With regard to
the mining activity in the quarries
it must be said that both
private interests, relating to
companies that hold the regional
authorizations, both public
are involved at the same time,
considering that some of them
represent a heritage that should
be used in an intelligent
manner and preserve the
environment. The UAV is
a good instrument from
many points of view: it
allows to rationalize the excavation
areas on the basis
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 33
INTERGEO
of what is known from
the restitution of photos
and the subsequent study
and post-processing; they
provide information relating
to the amount of material removed
and, finally, they are the
only possible solution to reach
critical areas that may only be
known with the conventional
aerial photogrammetry systems
and with inevitable higher costs.
"In order to plan the operation
we referred to a regional technical
map (CTR) - continues
Santiccioli - and we decided
to set a fixed altitude of 130
meters. Through some control
points on the ground we made
12 strips with an overlap of 70
percent between each photo,
acquiring one frame every 25
meters. We got a 3D model of
the quarry, a cloud of points,
the DTM and DSM from the
restitution and we processed all
the photogrammetric data with
a special software characterized
by a very high level of metric
accuracy. We can say that this
result satisfied the client and
FlyTop, that realized the work."
The application of the UAV
technology has grown significantly
also for the cultural heritage
sector, not only for monitoring
and documentation,
but especially for the discovery
activities. With the partnership
started between the University
of Salento and FlyTop an
archaeological survey was carried
out in the Veio Park area,
a few kilometers from Rome,
in an area between the towns
of Formello and Isola Farnese.
Gabriele Santiccioli together
with Professor of ancient topography
Giuseppe Ceraudo describes
the survey done with the
fixed wing UAV FlyGeo24Mpx
that led to the identification of
ancient Etruscan and Roman
settlements, in particular the
remains of structures of buildings
and streets.
The discovery
comes from a
research project
that the University
of Salento leads
for over ten years
and had a decisive
result last
year following the
mission that led
to the discovery
of a city system
of Etruscan and
Roman eras. The
area covered by
the flight (about
forty hectares) was
overflown with a
fixed-wing drone
equipped with
a 24Mpx digital
camera with single
focal length lens.
The operation
involved the town
of Archi di Pontecchio and was
carried out in compliance with
ENAC specifications. The flight
has enabled to acquire images
of the highest quality, almost
two hundred pictures with a
resolution of 1.7 cm per pixel,
geo-referenced and complete of
3 parameters of translation and
rotation. Through the captured
frames there was a validation
of what were until now only
hypotheses; observing from the
sky the differentiated growth of
vegetation, in fact, it has been
recognized part of the ancient
Etruscan city of Veio.
About the accuracy of aerial
photogrammetric data Gabriele
Santiccioli says: "Our company
has always been committed to
combine innovation and integration,
so we have used all the
instruments that the surveyor
has, arriving until the production
of maps of high technical
quality in few hours. We have
obtained a cloud of points, a
3D model, the DTM and DSM
from the elaborate digital images
in order to know better
the morphology of the land.
Considering the future scenarios,
I do not exclude that shortly
the application of thermal and
multispectral sensors will enter
in the archaeological sector or at
least one study focused on the
result that could be achieved".
The aero-photogrammetric
proximity survey with the use
of an APR represents an archaeological
survey interesting
landscape, as well as a real and
accessible system for the study
of preliminary research. Later,
with subsequent investigations
and excavations, it will be able
to determine more accurately
the reference period and other
more detailed informations.
The survey done in the quarry
and the result of Veio demonstrate
how the remote sensing of
proximity through RPAS is advantageous
in terms of time and
costs, especially for particularly
extended areas of inspection or
not easily accessible.
34 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
INTERGEO
The aero-photogrammetric
proximity survey with the
UAV use represents an
interesting vision of the
archaeological survey, as
well as a concrete and accessible
system for the study
of preliminary researches.
Later, with subsequent
investigations and excavations,
it will be able to determine
more accurately the
reference period and other
more detailed information.
Both the survey done in
the quarry and the Veio
result demonstrate how the
remote sensing of proximity
through the use of on
UAV is useful in terms of
time and costs, especially
for particularly large areas
of inspection or not easily
accessible.
KEYWORDS
UAV; cultural heritage;
survey; aerophotogrammetry
ABSTRACT
The tale of two experiences
in the geological
and cultural
heritage area through
the use of fixed-wing
drones. Innovation
and high quality of
the data returned
from an aero-photogrammetric
survey
as support to the activities
of the different
professionals. From
the survey phase to
the post-production
all the precautions to
obtain images with a
very good resolution
and solve obstacles for
the mapping of areas
not easily accessible
such as quarries.
AUTHOR
Zaira Baglione
zaira@flytop.it
Account manager
Flytop
Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n°3-2016 35
INTERGEO
NEWS
Sun, water and
hydromethane:
possible options
for the energy
future of the
Smart Cities
The Italian engineering company
Geocart S.p.A. (www.geocart.net),
in the context of the
urban planning according to
the "Smart Cities" approach,
has focused its attention on the
search for new solutions for the
production of energy from renewable
sources and resources
and the development of innovative
techniques for the monitoring
of energy efficiency.
The final objectives of the
study are threefold:
1. mapping of potential hydroelectric
productivity
from mini and micro-hydro
plants;
2. study on the feasibility of optimal
hydromethane generation
from renewable sources;
3. analysis of the efficient use
of solar resource on an urban
scale.
In addition to the estimation
of the potential productivity
of hydropower, the objective
of the study is to understand
the feasibility of optimal hydromethane
generation from
renewable sources and its use
for public transport in urban
areas or high environmental
value areas. The activity aims
to respond to market needs:
the various existing technologies
for hydrogen storage are
not fully satisfactory in terms
of efficiency, convenience and
affordability. A fundamental
aspect of the activity is the generation
of hydrogen-methane
mixtures having a maximum
hydrogen content of 30%
by volume, easier to use than
pure hydrogen: in fact, the hydromethane
can be used in a
normal natural gas engine.
For the analysis of the solar
potential of the urban area, the
research is based on 3D mapping
of city buildings, as a further
instrument of knowledge,
including for policy makers,
of the effective potential use
of solar resource on building
patrimony, and as a policy instrument
for the planning of
new construction areas. In this
context, particular attention is
paid to the study of the energy
exchanges of the urban area
and the so-called urban heat
islands.
www.geocartspa.it
(Source: Geocart)
Location-based data
and services enabling a
geosmartcity
Any smart-city implementation
leveraging location-based data
and services is undoubtedly
reaching faster its sustainability
aims. The EU co-funded project
GeoSmartCity is contributing
to this, establishing a cross-platform,
re-usable and open hub
in which different categories of
users can discover and access interoperable
geographic information,
by means of generic-purpose
as well as specialized services
based on open standards.
The GeoSmartCity approach is
applied in two different urban
contexts (the Green-Energy scenario,
to support the implementation
of sustainable energy policies
,and the Underground scenario,
to support the integrated
management of underground
utility infrastructures) and tested
by 11 pilots, consisting of
cities/regions from 8 different
Member States.
The underlying layer of the
overall GeoSmartCity architecture
consists of interoperable
georeferenced and semantically
reach spatial datasets, which
have been harmonized according
to common data models
which extend INSPIRE application
schemas on Buildings
and Utilities & Governmental
Services and have been made
discoverable and accessible by
means of OGC webservices.
http://www.epsilon-italia.it/IT
(Source: Epsilon Italia)
Leica Pegasus
Backpack
The Leica Pegasus:Backpack is
an award-winning wearable reality
capture sensor platform. A
highly ergonomic design combines
five cameras offering fully
calibrated 360 degrees view and
two LiDAR profilers with an
ultra-light carbon fibre chassis.
It enables extensive and efficient
indoor or outdoor documentation
at a level of accuracy that is
authoritative and professional.
This unique mobile mapping
solution is designed for rapid
and regular reality capture. It is
completely portable, enabling it
to be checked in as luggage on
a flight. The Pegasus:Backpack
is designed to act a sensor platform
with our standard external
trigger and sync port outputs.
BIM – map indoors, outdoors,
underground, anywhere
The Pegasus:Backpack makes
progressive professional BIM
documentation a reality. It synchronises
imagery and point
cloud data, therefore assuring
a complete documentation
of a building for full life cycle
management. By using SLAM
(Simultaneous Localisation
and Mapping) technology and
a high precision IMU, it ensures
accurate positioning with
GNSS outages.
Industrial training – realitybased
information for fast
response Knowing and understanding
a landscape before
rushing into emergency situations
can save lives. Document
any site in 3D models and
images for fast, safe and efficient
response. Combined with
Autodesk, Intergraph and other
software, reality-based industrial
training is enhanced with
the most accurate and current
data sets. Safety & security – informed
decisions in emergency
situations
The Pegasus:Backpack helps
you to make better and faster
decisions in emergency situations
due to access to more accurate
data. Evacuation plans
and route mapping benefit
from clear and detailed images
and point clouds that alert authorities
to any changes. Access
densely populated areas, providing
accurate and current mapping
to give city authorities a
clearer and deeper understanding
of the situation.
Natural disaster response – minimise
damage and save lives
For the first time, responders
to natural disasters can capture
disaster area data in 3D on foot.
Faster response times translate
into lives saved and damage
minimised. Capture the critical
data needed to make faster and
better informed decisions that
increases chances of survival and
reconstruction.
Contact us for more information
or to request a demo.
www.geomatica.it
(Source: Teorema srl)
36 Special Supplement to GEOmedia Journal Issue n. 3-2016
SMART GEODATA –
SMART CITIES
GEOSPATIAL 4.0 –
BIG DATA
GEOBIM –
DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION
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