Hasil untuk "Geodesy"

Xirong Liu, Yanfang Ming

Efficient and accurate active fire detection is crucial for timely firefighting and mitigating hazards. Geostationary satellites deliver high-frequency observations that offer valuable data for near-real-time fire monitoring. However, current operational fire detection algorithms often underutilize temporal information, failing to decouple fire-induced anomalies from inherent surface thermal heterogeneity, which results in frequent false alarms. To address this limitation, we constructed a ten-day historical background brightness temperature (BT) reference database from multi-year Himawari-8/9 data, serving as a stable, fire-undisturbed baseline. Based on this, an active fire detection algorithm was developed that integrates instantaneous spatial–contextual differences with historical deviations of these differences from the reference database. Evaluated against a robust dataset of over 55,000 fire pixels (cross-verified using 10 m Sentinel-2 burn-scar data), the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms the Himawari-8/9 Wildfire (WLF) product, achieving a commission error (CE) of 2.9%, an omission error (OE) of 37.5%, and an F1-score of 0.76. The framework demonstrated superior detection accuracy in challenging scenarios such as low-temperature, smoke-obscured, and early-stage fires, while maintained robust performance across diverse fire types. The approach enables rapid full-disk fire detection in less than one minute and can be adapted to other geostationary satellites, providing a technical foundation for building a globally coordinated fire monitoring system.

Pengcheng Wang, Yuting Gao, Qingzhi Zhao et al.

The integration of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and the inertial navigation system (INS) is a well-established method for achieving accurate positioning, especially in applications involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAVs are increasingly used across various fields, yet they face challenges such as the need for real-time processing and the impact of low-quality measurements from cost-effective devices. To address these challenges, we propose a velocity-constrained, enhanced, real-time, low-cost, GNSS/INS integrated navigation algorithm and design an algorithmic platform based on the open-source software KF_GINS. The algorithm supports loosely coupled integration of GNSS position data and raw inertial measurement unit (IMU) data, utilizing a 4G data transmission unit (DTU) for real-time data transmission and performing loosely coupled computations on the received data. Subsequently, we successfully applied this algorithm to low-cost integrated navigation devices, such as UAVs. We tested the algorithm platform using one set of vehicle-mounted data and six UAV datasets. Experimental results indicate that the algorithm platform effectively performs computations under various conditions, improving single-point positioning (SPP) accuracy by up to 15.38% horizontally and 6.78% vertically. These findings demonstrate the algorithm platform’s capability to significantly enhance the accuracy and stability of integrated navigation positioning for UAVs.

J. Klokočník, V. Cílek, J. Kostelecký et al.

<p>More advanced data (gravity field model EIGEN 6C4 including the GOCE gradiometry data instead of EGM 2008) and a more sophisticated method (using a set of gravity aspects instead of gravity anomalies and the radial second derivative of the disturbing potential only) enable a deeper study of various geological features. Improved techniques were applied to study the impact craters Chicxulub and Popigai. We confirm our results from 2010, extend them, and offer more complicated models, namely by means of the gravity strike angles. Both craters are interpreted to be double or multiple craters. The probable impactor azimuth was from NE (to SW) for Chicxulub and SE (to W) for Popigai. The formation of both the craters seems to be associated with impact-induced tectonics that triggered the development of impact grabens.</p>

Keitaro Ohno, Yusaku Ohta, Naofumi Takamatsu et al.

Abstract We propose a new method for real-time uncertainty monitoring of earthquake and volcano source models using data from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and explore its application concerning observation station placement. The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan operates two main types of GNSS earth observation network system (GEONET) coordinates for crustal deformation monitoring on different time scales: post-processing analysis values and real-time GEONET analysis system for rapid deformation monitoring (REGARD). REGARD uses the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method termed real-time automatic uncertainty estimation of a coseismic single rectangular model using GNSS data (RUNE) for single rectangular fault model estimation to handle uncertainty. Thus far, no GNSS monitoring system can automatically detect transient crustal deformation events, such as volcanic activity and earthquake swarms, on timescales of a day or less. We extended RUNE and developed a core program for a new monitoring system for earthquake and volcanic source models and their uncertainties. Our program achieved automatic and stable MCMC utilization for rectangular fault, dike, Mogi, and spheroid models by increasing the computational speed, improving search efficiency, and adjusting hyperparameters. The program automatically determines the standard deviation of the likelihood function assuming a normal distribution with weights for each observation station. The calculation time was within 15 s for 1 × 106 samples on a standard 1U server. We assessed the reliability of the developed method using synthetic and observed GNSS data from the 2015 Sakurajima volcanic event. The results were consistent with the assumed model and previous studies and indicated an advantage in automatically quantifying uncertainty in a short computation time. Based on MCMC samples, we developed a new visualization algorithm to indicate areas on a map in which the number of observation stations should be expanded. We assessed the reliability using data from the 2023 Noto Peninsula earthquake [Mj 6.5]. The results indicate that the algorithm is helpful in studying the placement of stations. The above model extensions and their application are essential to achieve a rapid quantitative understanding of disaster events near urban areas and for utilizing this information in emergency response activities. Graphical Abstract

Shuhei Tsuji, Eiichiro Araki, Takashi Yokobiki et al.

Abstract In this study, geodetic and seismic phenomena occurring in the subduction zone were observed with two tiltmeters that were installed in seafloor boreholes drilled in the Kumano Basin in the Nankai Trough, southwest Japan. We used one electrolytic-type tiltmeter and one pendulum-type tiltmeter installed 6 and 19 m below the seafloor, respectively. The two tiltmeters have been continuously operated since 2019 and 2021, respectively. The records of the two tiltmeters showed microseisms, seismic signals of normal earthquakes, and variations that correlated well with the M2 tide (tidal response). The noise environment relative to existing seafloor observatories was assessed by comparing the power spectral densities of the tiltmeters and broadband seismometers in the seismic frequency band. The two tiltmeters and the seismometers showed similar spectral peaks in the microseism band, and at lower frequencies below 10–2 Hz, the pendulum tiltmeter had a noise level that was up to 20 dB lower than that of the broadband seismometers. The tidal responses of the tiltmeters were analyzed to reveal corresponding mechanisms because a large amplitude of the tidal response makes it difficult to detect geodetic phenomena. Considerable azimuthal dependence was observed in the NW–SE direction for both tiltmeters. The principal direction was approximately the same as the down-slope direction of the local bathymetry. This tendency was thus interpreted to be caused by the differences in the thickness of the sedimentary layer along the direction of the slope. Furthermore, the validity of the tilt measurements for the two tiltmeters was demonstrated by in-situ loading experiments, where the theoretical response of an elastic half-space medium was computed and compared with the experimental results. The results of the loading experiments can be explained using theoretical values with a set of realistic elastic moduli. Graphical Abstract

Alvaro Verdu-Candela, Carmen Femenia-Ribera, Gaspar Mora-Navarro et al.

It is widely accepted that old cadastral maps have multiple uses, such as reestablishing cadastral parcel boundaries, municipality boundaries, and coastal limits, or conducting historical, economic, and social studies. In Spain, the Directorate General for Cadastre, and the National Geographic Institute, has numerous digitized old maps that are accessible to users. In the Comunidad Valenciana, the georeferencing of certain series of old cadastral maps is being carried out in phases, which is one of the subjects of this study. A metric analysis of two series of old cadastral maps from a municipality was conducted. One of the series was georeferenced by the Valencia Provincial Cadastre Office, while the other was georeferenced in this research. Additionally, a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) was created, providing WMS, catalog, and document download services. Metadata were also published, containing information about the source, digitalization process, georeferencing, and achieved accuracy, following the ISO 19115 standard for geographic metadata. Furthermore, through individual and group interviews, participatory social research was conducted, to assess the use of old cadastral maps and the created SDI services, aiming to understand the users’ appreciation of the services. The results of the social research indicate that the SDI services created are highly valued, but certain conditions need to be met to ensure their effective use by the general public in order to avoid misuses and misinterpretations.

Olga Maltseva, Artem Kharakhashyan, Tatyana Nikitenko

Despite the continuous improvement of the widely used empirical model international reference ionosphere (IRI), the recently appeared new models must be tested worldwide. Testing along the meridians has the advantage of dealing with the latitudinal dependent parameters. This paper uses new models of parameters foF2 (critical frequency), TEC (total electron content), and τ (equivalent slab thickness of the ionosphere), which are of great importance for evaluating the effects of space weather. IRI-Plas, NNT2F2, and NTSM models were tested using data from 6 ionosondes located along the meridian 110° E in March 2012. It is shown that the IRI-Plas model provides the closest values to experiment with respect to τ, while the NTSM model provides a rather limited reflection of the latitude dependence. Analyses of foF2(NNT2F2) have shown that, the NNT2F2 model provides good conformity with experimental values in this area, but it is very dependent on the TEC processing method. The latitudinal dependences of foF2 obtained with TEC and polynomial dependence τ(Appr) showed the presence of positive deviations from medians not only during disturbances but also quiet periods, longitudinally at the meridian.

Kanako Sakamoto, Yoshinori Takano, Hirotaka Sawada et al.

Abstract We report ground-based environmental assessments performed during development of the sampler system until the launch of the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We conducted static monitoring of potential contaminants to assess the environmental cleanliness during (1) laboratory work performed throughout the development and manufacturing processes of the sampler devices, (2) installation of the sampler system on the spacecraft, and (3) transportation to the launch site at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA’s) Tanegashima Space Center. Major elements and ions detected in our inorganic analyses were sodium (Na), potassium (K), and ionized chloride (Cl–); those elements and ions were positively correlated with the total organic content and with exposure duration in the range from 101 to 103 nanograms per monitor coupon within an ~ 30-mm diameter scale. We confirmed that total deposits on the coupon were below the microgram-scale order during manufacturing, installation, and transportation in the prelaunch phase. The present assessment yields a nominal safety declaration for analysis of the pristine sample (> 5.4 g) returned from asteroid (162173) Ryugu combined with a highly clean environmental background level. We expect that the sample returned from Ryugu by Hayabusa2 will be free of severe and/or unknown contamination and will allow us to provide native profiles recorded for the carbonaceous asteroid history. Graphical Abstract

Ahmed M. Eldosouky, Luan Thanh Pham, Ahmed Henaish

Recently, detecting the edges and geologic structures (deep and shallow) from potential field sources provides a fundamental tool for interpreting geological structures. Therefore, the high precision computation of the edges of potential sources is becoming an essential requirement for studying subsurface structures. In this study, nine common detectors like tilte angle (TA), Theta-map (TM), Horizontal tilt angle (TDX), hyperbolic tilt angle (HTA), Improved tilt angle (ITA), Tilt angle of the total horizontal gradient (TTHG), Tilt angle of the total gradient (TTG), improved Theta-map (ITM), and improved logistic (IL) were applied. These filters have been tested on theoretical models and real data (aeromagnetic) from the Wadi Umm Ghalqa area, South Eastern Desert of Egypt. The obtained results have shown that the improved logistic (IL) filter could detect edges more successfully than the other eight filters. The results of the IL method were used to generate new accurate structural maps for local and deep components of the investigated area. Moreover, surface structures obtained from remote sensing data were considered to control the interpretation of the mapped subsurface lineaments. Hence, the IL method can be utilized as a sharp tool for the high precision structural imaging of the potential data.

Mokhamad Nur Cahyadi, Eko Yuli Handoko, Ririn Wuri Rahayu et al.

Abstract Using the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) data from ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers in Japan, we compared ionospheric responses to five explosive volcanic eruptions 2004–2015 of the Asama, Shin-Moe, Sakurajima, and Kuchinoerabu-jima volcanoes. The TEC records show N-shaped disturbances with a period ~ 80 s propagating outward with the acoustic wave speed in the F region of the ionosphere. The amplitudes of these TEC disturbances are a few percent of the background absolute vertical TEC. We propose to use such relative amplitudes as a new index for the intensity of volcanic explosions. Graphical Abstract

Ognjen Bonacci, Duje Bonacci, Matko Patekar et al.

The Adriatic Sea and its coastal region have experienced significant environmental changes in recent decades, aggravated by climate change. The most prominent effects of climate change (namely, an increase in sea surface and air temperature together with changes in the precipitation regime) could have an adverse effect on social and environmental processes. In this study, we analyzed the time series of sea surface temperature and air temperature measured at three meteorological stations in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. To assess the trends and variations in the time series of sea surface and air temperature, different statistical methods were employed, i.e., linear and quadratic regressions, Mann–Kendall test, Rescaled Adjusted Partial Sums method, and autocorrelation. The results evidenced increasing trends in the mean annual sea surface temperature and air temperature; furthermore, sudden variations in values were observed in 1998 and 1992, respectively. Increasing trends in the mean monthly sea surface temperature and air temperature occurred in the warmer parts of the year (from March to August). The results of this study could provide a foundation for stakeholders, decision–makers, and other scientists for developing effective measures to mitigate the negative effects of climate change in the scattered environment of the Adriatic islands and coastal region.

F. Liu, F. Liu, F. Liu et al.

<p>Knowledge of the convective boundary layer (CBL) and associated entrainment zone (EZ) is important for understanding land–atmosphere interactions and assessing the living conditions in the biosphere. A tilted 532 nm polarization lidar (30<span class="inline-formula">^∘</span> off zenith) has been used for the routine atmospheric measurements with 10 s time and 6.5 m height resolution over Wuhan (30.5<span class="inline-formula">^∘</span> N, 114.4<span class="inline-formula">^∘</span> E). From lidar-retrieved aerosol backscatter, instantaneous atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) depths are obtained using the logarithm gradient method and Harr wavelet transform method, while hourly mean ABL depths are obtained using the variance method. A new approach utilizing the full width at half maximum of the variance profile of aerosol backscatter ratio fluctuations is proposed to determine the entrainment zone thickness (EZT). Four typical clear-day observational cases in different seasons are presented. The CBL evolution is described and studied in four developing stages (formation, growth, quasi-stationary and decay); the instantaneous CBL depths exhibited different fluctuation magnitudes in the four stages and fluctuations at the growth stage were generally larger. The EZT is investigated for the same statistical time interval of 09:00–19:00 LT. It is found that the winter and late autumn cases had an overall smaller mean (mean) and standard deviation (SD) of EZT data compared to those of the late spring and early autumn cases. This statistical conclusion was also true for each of the four developing stages. In addition, compared to those of the late spring and early autumn cases, the winter and late autumn cases had larger percentages of EZT falling into the subranges of 0–50 m but smaller percentages of EZT falling into the subranges of <span class="inline-formula">&gt;</span> 150 m. It seems that both the EZT statistics (mean and SD) and percentage of larger EZT values provide measures of entrainment intensity. Common statistical characteristics also existed. All four cases showed moderate variations of the mean of the EZT from stage to stage. The growth stage always had the largest mean and SD of the EZT and the quasi-stationary stage usually the smallest SD of the EZT. For all four stages, most EZT values fell into the 50–150 m subrange; the overall percentage of the EZT falling into the 50–150 m subrange between 09:00 and 19:00 LT was <span class="inline-formula">&gt;</span> 67 % for all four cases. We believe that the lidar-derived characteristics of the clear-day CBL and associated EZ can contribute to improving our understanding of the structures and variations of the CBL as well as providing a quantitatively observational basis for EZ parameterization in numerical models.</p>

Mariusz Owczarek, Stefan Owczarek, Adam Baryłka et al.

The thermal diffusivity of building materials is an extremely important parameter influencing the subsequent thermal comfort of building users. By definition, thermal diffusivity describes how quickly heat from a hot source can flow through a material. Therefore, this parameter includes both the thermal conductivity and the heat capacity of the material. This parameter is often neglected in heat-related calculations which, in the case of dynamic problems, leads to unreliable results. It should be taken into account that heat flows through all materials at a finite speed. On the other hand, knowing the correct thermal diffusivity value of building materials, it is possible to accurately determine the internal parameters in rooms over time. There are several methods for determining thermal diffusivity, most of which are destined to determine this property in laboratories. The aim of the present research is to show how the thermal diffusivity of materials can be determined in existing buildings. The presented method can be used to determine more real thermal parameters used for thermal calculations in buildings, for example, during energy audits or when calculating the demand for cooling for air conditioning or heat for space heating. This research presents the results for a 60 cm brick wall. Thermal diffusivity was determined for specific summer and winter days—most representative of the whole year. This research has shown that the applied method should be used in the summer period, due to the fact that the wall has greater temperature fluctuations. The obtained results are comparable with the previously mentioned laboratory methods. However, due to the fact that the materials analyzed on the spot, the results are more reliable, and also take into account changes in the value of thermal diffusivity resulting from the use of binders, inaccuracies in joining and external layers made of other materials.

Elzbieta Bielecka, Krzysztof Pokonieczny, Sylwia Borkowska

Geodetic networks provide a spatial reference framework for the positioning of any geographical feature in a common and consistent way. An even spatial distribution of geodetic control points assures good quality for subordinate surveys in mapping, cadaster, engineering activities, and many other land administration-oriented applications. We investigate the spatial pattern of geodetic control points based on GIScience theory, especially Tobler&#8217;s Laws in Geography. The study makes contributions in both the research and application fields. By utilizing Average Nearest Neighbor, multi-distance spatial cluster analysis, and cluster and outlier analysis, it introduces the comprehensive methodology for ex post analysis of geodetic control points&#8217; spatial patterns as well as the quantification of geodetic networks&#8217; uniformity to regularly dense and regularly thinned. Moreover, it serves as a methodological resource and reference for the Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography, not only the maintenance, but also the further densification or modernization the geodetic network in Poland. Furthermore, the results give surveyors the ability to quickly assess the availability of geodetic points, as well as identify environmental obstacles that may hamper measurements. The results show that the base geodetic control points are evenly dispersed (one point over 50 sq. km), however they tend to cluster slightly in urbanized areas and forests (1.3 and 1.4 points per sq. km, respectively).

Jie Shan, Zhihua Hu, Pengjie Tao et al.

The objective of photogrammetry is to extract information from imagery. With the increasing interaction of sensing and computing technologies, the fundamentals of photogrammetry have undergone an evolutionary change in the past several decades. Numerous theoretical progresses and practical applications have been reported from traditionally different but related multiple disciplines, including computer vision, photogrammetry, computer graphics, pattern recognition, remote sensing and machine learning. This has gradually extended the boundary of traditional photogrammetry in both theory and practice. This paper introduces a new, holistic theoretical framework to describe various photogrammetric tasks and solutions. Under this framework, photogrammetry is generally regarded as a reversed imaging process formulated as a unified optimization problem. Depending on the variables to be determined through optimization, photogrammetric tasks are mostly divided into image space tasks, image-object space tasks and object space tasks, each being a special case of the general formulation. This paper presents representative solution approaches for each task. With this effort, we intend to advocate an imminent and necessary paradigm change in both research and learning of photogrammetry.

Mohammad Tabasi, Ali Asghar Alesheikh, Aioub Sofizadeh et al.

Abstract Background Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a neglected tropical disease worldwide, especially the Middle East. Although previous works attempt to model the ZCL spread using various environmental factors, the interactions between vectors (Phlebotomus papatasi), reservoir hosts, humans, and the environment can affect its spread. Considering all of these aspects is not a trivial task. Methods An agent-based model (ABM) is a relatively new approach that provides a framework for analyzing the heterogeneity of the interactions, along with biological and environmental factors in such complex systems. The objective of this research is to design and develop an ABM that uses Geospatial Information System (GIS) capabilities, biological behaviors of vectors and reservoir hosts, and an improved Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) epidemic model to explore the spread of ZCL. Various scenarios were implemented to analyze the future ZCL spreads in different parts of Maraveh Tappeh County, in the northeast region of Golestan Province in northeastern Iran, with alternative socio-ecological conditions. Results The results confirmed that the spread of the disease arises principally in the desert, low altitude areas, and riverside population centers. The outcomes also showed that the restricting movement of humans reduces the severity of the transmission. Moreover, the spread of ZCL has a particular temporal pattern, since the most prevalent cases occurred in the fall. The evaluation test also showed the similarity between the results and the reported spatiotemporal trends. Conclusions This study demonstrates the capability and efficiency of ABM to model and predict the spread of ZCL. The results of the presented approach can be considered as a guide for public health management and controlling the vector population .

Muczyński Andrzej, Walacik Marek

This paper presents the results of research on the application of neural networks modelling of municipal real estate market rent rates. The test procedure was based on selected networks trained on the local real estate market data and transformation of the detected dependencies – through established models – to estimate the potential market rent rates of municipal premises. On this basis, the assessment of the adequacy of the actual market rent rates of municipal properties was made. Empirical research was conducted on the local real estate market of the city of Olsztyn in Poland. In order to describe the phenomenon of market rent rates formation an unidirectional three-layer network and a network of radial base was selected. Analyses showed a relatively low degree of convergence of the actual municipal rent rents with potential market rent rates. This degree was strongly varied depending on the type of business ran on the property and its’ social and economic impact. The applied research methodology and the obtained results can be used in order to rationalize municipal property management, including the activation of rental policy.

Jennifer D Watts, John S Kimball, Annett Bartsch et al.

Northern wetlands may be vulnerable to increased carbon losses from methane (CH _4 ), a potent greenhouse gas, under current warming trends. However, the dynamic nature of open water inundation and wetting/drying patterns may constrain regional emissions, offsetting the potential magnitude of methane release. Here we conduct a satellite data driven model investigation of the combined effects of surface warming and moisture variability on high northern latitude (⩾45° N) wetland CH _4 emissions, by considering (1) sub-grid scale changes in fractional water inundation (Fw) at 15 day, monthly and annual intervals using 25 km resolution satellite microwave retrievals, and (2) the impact of recent (2003–11) wetting/drying on northern CH _4 emissions. The model simulations indicate mean summer contributions of 53 Tg CH _4 yr ^−1 from boreal-Arctic wetlands. Approximately 10% and 16% of the emissions originate from open water and landscapes with emergent vegetation, as determined from respective 15 day Fw means or maximums, and significant increases in regional CH _4 efflux were observed when incorporating satellite observed inundated land fractions into the model simulations at monthly or annual time scales. The satellite Fw record reveals widespread wetting across the Arctic continuous permafrost zone, contrasting with surface drying in boreal Canada, Alaska and western Eurasia. Arctic wetting and summer warming increased wetland emissions by 0.56 Tg CH _4 yr ^−1 compared to the 2003–11 mean, but this was mainly offset by decreasing emissions (−0.38 Tg CH _4 yr ^−1 ) in sub-Arctic areas experiencing surface drying or cooling. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring changes in surface moisture and temperature when assessing the vulnerability of boreal-Arctic wetlands to enhanced greenhouse gas emissions under a shifting climate.

Michal MIKOLAJ, Branislav HÁBEL

We present the tidal parameters estimated for the absolute gravity site in Modra (Slovakia). This is the first tidal analysis based on gravity measurements for this location. Relative gravity variations observed by Scintrex CG-5 Autograv gravimeter were used for the tidal analysis. We observed large and non-linear instrumental drift which cannot be effectively eliminated by polynomial approximation. Drift was eliminated by a filtering. New set of tidal parameters was estimated and analyzed with the focus on diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal waves. Time and frequency domain comparison between new parameters and those obtained from the superconducting gravimeter located in Vienna was performed. A maximum amplitude factor difference of 0.2% was found between main tidal waves corrected for ocean tides and non-hydrostatic body tide model. New estimated tidal parameters can serve for the correction of local relative gravity measurements.

T. K. Kohoutek, H. Eisenbeiss

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are more and more used in civil areas like geomatics. Autonomous navigated platforms have a great flexibility in flying and manoeuvring in complex environments to collect remote sensing data. In contrast to standard technologies such as aerial manned platforms (airplanes and helicopters) UAVs are able to fly closer to the object and in small-scale areas of high-risk situations such as landslides, volcano and earthquake areas and floodplains. Thus, UAVs are sometimes the only practical alternative in areas where access is difficult and where no manned aircraft is available or even no flight permission is given. Furthermore, compared to terrestrial platforms, UAVs are not limited to specific view directions and could overcome occlusions from trees, houses and terrain structures. Equipped with image sensors and/or laser scanners they are able to provide elevation models, rectified images, textured 3D-models and maps. <br><br> In this paper we will describe a UAV platform, which can carry a range imaging (RIM) camera including power supply and data storage for the detailed mapping and monitoring of complex structures, such as alpine riverbed areas. The UAV platform NEO from Swiss UAV was equipped with the RIM camera CamCube 2.0 by PMD Technologies GmbH to capture the surface structures. Its navigation system includes an autopilot. To validate the UAV-trajectory a 360° prism was installed and tracked by a total station. Within the paper a workflow for the processing of UAV-RIM data is proposed, which is based on the processing of differential GNSS data in combination with the acquired range images. Subsequently, the obtained results for the trajectory are compared and verified with a track of a UAV (Falcon 8, Ascending Technologies) carried out with a total station simultaneously to the GNSS data acquisition. The results showed that the UAV's position using differential GNSS could be determined in the centimetre to the decimetre level. The RIM data indicated a high noise level in the measured distance image, due to the vibrations caused by the flight system. Multi-image processing reduced the noise level of the distance image. The produced elevation models from a test area show the high potential of the proposed method for complex structures such as riverbeds.