Data Creation using Drones and LiDAR Technology
Dan Jakubek and Jimmy Tran, Toronto Metropolitan University
At Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Libraries, we collaborate with researchers across a variety of disciplines that require capturing and modeling the real world in 3 dimensions (3D). To do so, several 3D reconstruction technologies have been applied, varying in cost and ease of use. Some applications require capturing large areas for which a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or “drone” presents a cost effective option for data acquisition.
On June 1, 2019, new rules for flying a RPAS in Canada came into effect, requiring drone pilot certification to operate any drone between 250 g and 25 kg. In response to new regulations and the needs of our researchers, the Library has initiated the development of a research service dedicated to supporting the use of drones and 3D modeling technologies. This service is well positioned in a central research hub that minimizes researchers’ need to acquire expertise and licensing given the new RPAS regulations. In addition to data collection via flights, the library provides consultations supporting 3D reconstruction technologies.
This full-day workshop will include two components:
1 – The first half-day component will include live demonstrations of drone technology featuring two flight missions using the DJI M300 RTK drone and D-RTK-2 GNSS base station to collect data. Both missions will demonstrate the data acquisition process through conducting live autonomous flights. The first mission will combine the DJI M300 RTK drone with the DJI Zenmuse L1 LiDAR payload to scan and collect 3D data covering a portion of the University of Calgary campus. The second mission will cover the same area but will demonstrate the requirements to conduct photogrammetry through the collection of aerial imagery.
2 – The second half-day component will introduce drone licensing in Canada, including a discussion of current rules and regulations and strategies for mission planning. We will then continue the workshop in the lab with hands-on demonstrations using ArcGIS Drone2Map and DJI Terra softwares for processing the raw data. A demonstration will follow, outlining the steps required to prepare datasets for analysis in ArcGIS Pro and related software.
The CARTO 23 Conference is made possible thanks to many volunteers from the Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (ACMLA) and the Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA).
The Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (ACMLA) actively serves as the representative professional group for Canadian map librarians, cartographic archivists and others interested in geographic information in all formats.
Since its inception in 1967, the achievements of the Association have been notable, including a vigorous publishing program, development of professional standards and international cataloguing rules, and efforts to increase national awareness of issues concerning spatial information and recognition of the contribution of map libraries and cartographic archives.
The Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA) is a non-profit association that promotes the disciplines and professions of cartography and Geographic Information Science in Canada. Their broad membership represents academia, all levels of Government and private industry, and includes fellow cartographers from coast to coast, and Internationally.
The CCA host annual meetings, provide networking opportunities, create a variety of publications to promote geography awareness and map making, and help improve the use of cartographic materials through education.