Applications of Photogrammetric Processing Using an Autonomous Model Helicopter

Nowadays, mini UAV-systems receive more and more attention as photogrammetric image acquisition systems. Since mini UAVs are low cost systems, namely model helicopters or airplanes, the potential of various applications is very high. Therefore, in the paper a simplified workflow for photogrammetric processing of model helicopter imagery is described. Further on, two applications, which were conducted in the last two years at IGP (Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry), are presented in the paper. First the documentation of an archaeological site will be introduced and second a project dealing with the generation of an elevation model of a maize field is described. The results of the projects have shown that images taken with mini UAVs are well suited for an efficient documentation of small sites in a short time.