The influence of ground control point placement and UAV platform on the accuracy of photogrammetrically derived orthomosaics and digital elevation models
 
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Faculty of Geographic and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
 
 
Submission date: 2025-05-13
 
 
Final revision date: 2025-07-13
 
 
Acceptance date: 2025-07-14
 
 
Publication date: 2025-11-04
 
 
Corresponding author
Jakub Ceglarek   

Faculty of Geographic and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland
 
 
Geomatics, Landmanagement and Landscape 2025;(3)
 
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ABSTRACT
Photogrammetry has proven to be a valuable technique across various industries, particularly in construction and surveying, due to its capacity to generate high-resolution orthomosaics and digital elevation models (DEMs). The emergence of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has further revolutionized photogrammetric practices, offering an efficient means to create various geospatial products. This study delves into the accuracy of orthomosaics and DEMs derived from UAVbased photogrammetry, with a specific focus on the impact of ground control point (GCP) placement strategies. The research examines how different GCP configurations influence the precision of photogrammetric products. By comparing outputs from three distinct UAV models, the study highlights the combined influence of GCP distribution and UAV technical specifications on the accuracy of the resulting data. The findings indicate that strategic GCP placement can substantially enhance the quality and precision of photogrammetric outputs. Moreover, the selection of the UAV platform significantly affects resolution and processing efficiency. This study underscores the critical role of careful GCP placement within the UAV photogrammetry workflow to ensure the reliability of generated products. Optimal GCP deployment is essential for achieving accurate georeferencing and minimizing errors stemming from GPS inaccuracies, lens distortion, and insufficient image overlap. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of how to balance precision and efficiency in UAV photogrammetry by analyzing the trade-offs associated with various GCP placement strategies. These insights are particularly valuable for practitioners aiming to optimize project outcomes while considering budget constraints and accuracy requirements.
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ISSN:2300-1496
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