Abstract

Many studies have been done previously to generate a slope map at the area of interest. However, most of these methods can be time consuming and they require huge cost. Currently, aerial mapping using Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is very popular in the mapping field. UAV can promise a high accuracy data with low cost and less time needed to produce a slope map at certain area. Therefore, a scientific approach needs to be carried out to determine the accuracy level of the result. This paper investigates the capabilities of autonomous UAV in production of slope map. The aim of this study is to identify a slope pattern at the selected development area using UAV. All acquired images from the UAV were processed by using photogrammetric software. Two primary results were produced after going through all photogrammetric processing; digital elevation model (DEM) and digital orthophoto. On the other hand, these results were used to identify the slope pattern at the selected development area. Several ground control points and checkpoints were established evenly at the study area by using Real Time Kinematic-Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS). It was found that the total root mean square equation (RMSE) vector for this study is about ±5.131 m and each coordinates of easting, northing and height recorded the RMSE value of ±1.342, ±1.660 and ±4.666 m, respectively.

Key words: Unmanned aerial vehicle, slope map, digital orthophoto, digital elevation model (DEM), analysis.