Item: Using Photogrammetry to Temporally Compare Snowpack Thicknesses and Calculate Volumes
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Title: Using Photogrammetry to Temporally Compare Snowpack Thicknesses and Calculate Volumes
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Michael Conlan [ BGC Engineering, Vancouver, BC, Canada ]
- Dave Gauthier [ BGC Engineering, Vancouver, BC, Canada ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Photogrammetric techniques have recently been researched and applied in the avalanche field. Numerous photos taken of a particular location can be combined using photogrammetry modelling software to produce three-dimension mesh or point cloud models. After referencing in relative space, models of the same location can be quantitatively compared to determine snowpack thickness and volume changes. We tested this approach at two locations in western Canada. The results suggest that this technique is possible with realistic measurements, although some conditions must be met. This technique is useful for operations that are interested in comparing the snow cover to previous times of the year, previous years, or to the snow-free ground cover. For example, it could highlight areas of thin and thick snowpack in starting zones or study plots. Snowpack height and volume changes could be used to obtain better avalanche slab and deposit volumes. Such measurements can be obtained with approximately 20 to 30 minutes of hands-on work. Photogrammetry is relatively easy to perform, inexpensive, and allows for a magnitude of different analyses to be conducted.
Object ID: ISSW16_O2.03.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: photogrammetry, point cloud, change detection, snowpack height, volume estimates
Page Number(s): 45-50
Subjects: photogrammetry Snowpack
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