USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) TO DEVELOP DIGITAL TERRAIN MODEL, FOR GOLF COURSE DESIGN

Abstract

Different technologies are often used for acquiring topographic surface data such as Electronic Total Stations, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Terrestrial Laser Scanning, and Light Detection and Ranging. However, these methods demand substantial implementation time, incur higher costs, and involve greater complexity in comparison to UAV technology. The present study focuses on harnessing UAV technology to capture aerial imagery, complemented by ground control point measurements using RTK techniques. The study unfolds through the following sequential phases: flight plan construction; UAV imaging across a study area; acquisition of ground control points; UAV image processing; developing digital terrain model and extensive topographic data creation. The results encompassed 1,929 aerial scenes, 24 meticulously surveyed ground control points, an orthophoto mosaic, a digital terrain model, and contour line information (with a 1-meter elevation interval) delineating the 235,76 hectare region. The terrain data included 6m (lowest) to 81m high (highest) contour lines; the area with slope < 3° cover 19,47ha (8,26%), 3-8°, 23,95ha, 10,16%; 8-15°, 46,25ha, 19,62%; 15-25°, 72,34ha, 30,68%; 25-35°, 28,42ha, 12,06%; 35-81°, 45,34ha, 19,23%. There are 6 hill, 2 valley and 1 plain areas. These findings underscore the distinct advantages of UAV-based large-scale mapping, offering substantial contributions to planning, landscape architecture, and terrain design considerations.