High resolution topographic survey: comparison of terrain models using Total Station and SfM-MVS photogrammetry. Application in a quarry of selected soils, La Plata, Buenos Aires

Abstract

The topographic survey of a selected soil quarry located in the Partido de La Plata was carried out, using two field survey techniques. One survey was carried out using a Total Station and another using the Structure from Motion-Multi View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetric technique with an aerial platform, obtaining as the final result of each one a digital terrain model. Both methodologies were used in order to be able to compare them with each other, analyzing the scope and limitations, as well as the precision in the volume calculation of the extracted material. The results between both techniques were compared generating a DEM of Difference and calculating the volume of extracted material. The SfM-MVS survey was validated using independent control points obtained with differential GPS and the absolute error of the model is 9.26 centimeters. The model generated with Total Station shows that the greatest differences are due to areas with no data where contour interpolation was performed. The model generated by SfM-MVS concentrates the greatest errors in the regions with slopes greater than 30º and with dense vegetation. The volumes obtained with both methods indicate differences of less than 10 %. The SfM-MVS technique constitutes a fast, low-cost and effective tool for the survey of quarries due to the high density of points and their systematic registration produce more complete and realistic representations of the surveyed areas, compared to traditional techniques such as Total Station.