High-Resolution Mapping Using Digital Imagery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at Quarry Area, Machang, Kelantan

Abstract

Traditional structural and engineering geological survey data can only be acquired at the bottom of slopes or by climbing high rock walls in most quarries; these data frequently provide an incomplete picture of the area. UAV technology enables the safe study of difficult-to-access or hazardous locations. The key to future advancements in mining efficiency is the acquisition of high-precision, high-resolution 3D-positioned data. The goal of this research is to produce a high-resolution mapping from photographs captured by UAV. A DJI Mavic Pro 2 captured an image of a 0.131 km2 region of the Bukit Buloh Quarry Center. The final outputs in the forms of Orthomosaic and Digital Surface Model (DSM) were generated using Pix4Dmapper software. By comparing the coordinates of 6 Ground Control Points (GCPs) with coordinates determined using the RTK GPS method, the horizontal and vertical accuracies of the obtained UAV products were calculated. The vertical Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for the geometric correctness of the data based on the 6 GCPs was 0.044 m. For large-scale maps, the resulting model met the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) accuracy standards. In a conclusion, UAV photogrammetry has evolved into a strong technology that can be used as a viable alternative to traditional mapping methods, particularly the use of expensive measurement equipment and labour. Besides its ability to analyze output data in qualitative or quantitative form, accurate mapping data is essential not only for 3D modelling but also for predicting geological risk in the quarry area.