Methodology and Results of Staged UAS Photogrammetric Rockslide Monitoring in the Alpine Terrain in High Tatras, Slovakia, after the Hydrological Event in 2022

Abstract

There are numerous talus cones that have formed by long-term geological processes and sudden hydrological events in the Small Cold Valley (High Tatras National Park in Slovakia). Frequent hiking trails lead here; therefore, their safeness needs to be monitored due to recent rock avalanches and landslides. A complex methodology for monitoring changes in talus cones was developed to determine the extent, pace, nature, and origin of the morphological changes in the land in this complex high-mountain terrain. Non-contact UAS photogrammetry with SfM-MVS processing was applied as a quick, reliable, and environment-friendly data acquisition method. For proper georeferencing, a network of GCPs and stabilized surveying points were established by terrestrial geodetic surveying. Together with an evaluation of the methodology, the results comparing the actual state of a talus cone in 2018 and 2022 (after the significant hydrological event) are presented. Comparing and analyzing spatial models represented by point clouds, with an accuracy of centimeter level, was obtained. The detected morphological changes reached values in meters. A differential model expresses the distribution of the morphological changes. In conclusion, geodetic and geological knowledge is synthesized to evaluate the phenomena occurring in this territory.

Complex Methodology for Spatial Documentation of Geomorphological Changes and Geohazards in the Alpine Environment

“…In June 2022, a second staged measurement was carried out in the location of the Small Cold Valley. Monitoring morphological changes was carried out using a more modern geodetic technique described by the authors in [52]. The research evaluates and compares the results from the first and second epochs.…”

Three-Dimensional Rockslide Analysis Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and LiDAR: The Castrocucco Case Study, Southern Italy

“…For example, geotechnical observations are conducted with inclinometers, extensometers, dilatometers, and other similar devices. This equipment and techniques have high accuracy (up to submillimeters), yet the expected changes are only relative and at a specific location [18]. Geodetic and photogrammetric techniques for measurement are often utilized, allowing for the interpretation of the displacements and deformations of the area of interest over time [19].…”