3,613 research outputs found
A multi-scale mapping approach based on a deep learning CNN model for reconstructing high-resolution urban DEMs
The scarcity of high-resolution urban digital elevation model (DEM) datasets, particularly in certain developing countries, has posed a challenge for many water-related applications such as flood risk management. A solution to address this is to develop effective approaches to reconstruct high-resolution DEMs from their low-resolution equivalents that are more widely available. However, the current high-resolution DEM reconstruction approaches mainly focus on natural topography. Few attempts have been made for urban topography, which is typically an integration of complex artificial and natural features. This study proposed a novel multi-scale mapping approach based on convolutional neural network (CNN) to deal with the complex features of urban topography and to reconstruct high-resolution urban DEMs. The proposed multi-scale CNN model was firstly trained using urban DEMs that contained topographic features at different resolutions, and then used to reconstruct the urban DEM at a specified (high) resolution from a low-resolution equivalent. A two-level accuracy assessment approach was also designed to evaluate the performance of the proposed urban DEM reconstruction method, in terms of numerical accuracy and morphological accuracy. The proposed DEM reconstruction approach was applied to a 121 km2 urbanized area in London, United Kingdom. Compared with other commonly used methods, the current CNN-based approach produced superior results, providing a cost-effective innovative method to acquire high-resolution DEMs in other data-scarce regions
Automatic evolution of programs for procedural generation of terrains for video games: accessibility and edge length constraints
Nowadays the video game industry is facing
a big challenge: keep costs under control as games become
bigger and more complex. Creation of game content,
such as character models, maps, levels, textures,
sound effects and so on, represent a big slice of total
game production cost. Hence, the video game industry
is increasingly turning to procedural content generation
to amplify the cost-effectiveness of the efforts of video
game designers. However, procedural methods for automated
content generation are difficult to create and
parametrize. In this work we study a Genetic Programming
based procedural content technique to generate
procedural terrains that do not require parametrization,
thus, allowing to save time and help reducing production
costs. Generated procedural terrains present aesthetic
appeal; however, unlike most techniques involving
aesthetic, our approach does not require a human to
perform the evaluation. Instead, the search is guided by
the weighted sum of two morphological metrics: terrain
accessibility and obstacle edge length. The combination of the two metrics allowed us to find a wide range of fit
terrains that present more scattered obstacles in different
locations, than our previous approach with a single
metric. Procedural terrains produced by this technique are already in use in a real video game
Airborne LiDAR for DEM generation: some critical issues
Airborne LiDAR is one of the most effective and reliable means of terrain data collection. Using LiDAR data for DEM generation is becoming a standard practice in spatial related areas. However, the effective processing of the raw LiDAR data and the generation of an efficient and high-quality DEM remain big challenges. This paper reviews the recent advances of airborne LiDAR systems and the use of
LiDAR data for DEM generation, with special focus on LiDAR data filters, interpolation methods, DEM resolution, and LiDAR data reduction. Separating LiDAR points into ground and non-ground is the most critical and difficult step for
DEM generation from LiDAR data. Commonly used and most recently developed LiDAR filtering methods are presented. Interpolation methods and choices of suitable interpolator and DEM resolution for LiDAR DEM generation are discussed in detail. In order to reduce the data redundancy and increase the efficiency in terms of storage
and manipulation, LiDAR data reduction is required in the process of DEM generation. Feature specific elements such as breaklines contribute significantly to DEM quality. Therefore, data reduction should be conducted in such a way that critical elements are kept while less important elements are removed. Given the highdensity
characteristic of LiDAR data, breaklines can be directly extracted from LiDAR data. Extraction of breaklines and integration of the breaklines into DEM generation are presented
Site Characterization Using Integrated Imaging Analysis Methods on Satellite Data of the Islamabad, Pakistan, Region
We develop an integrated digital imaging analysis approach to produce a first-approximation site characterization map for Islamabad, Pakistan, based on remote-sensing data. We apply both pixel-based and object-oriented digital imaging analysis methods to characterize detailed (1:50,000) geomorphology and geology from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery. We use stereo-correlated relative digital elevation models (rDEMs) derived from ASTER data, as well as spectra in the visible near-infrared (VNIR) to thermal infrared (TIR) domains. The resulting geomorphic units in the study area are classified as mountain (including the Margala Hills and the Khairi Murat Ridge), piedmont, and basin terrain units. The local geologic units are classified as limestone in the Margala Hills and the Khairi Murat Ridge and sandstone rock types for the piedmonts and basins. Shear-wave velocities for these units are assigned in ranges based on established correlations in California. These ranges include Vs30-values to be greater than 500 m/sec for mountain units, 200â600 m/sec for piedmont units, and less than 300 m/sec for basin units. While the resulting map provides the basis for incorporating site response in an assessment of seismic hazard for Islamabad, it also demonstrates the potential use of remote-sensing data for site characterization in regions where only limited conventional mapping has been done
Characterization and mapping of surface physical properties of Mars from CRISM multi-angular data: application to Gusev Crater and Meridiani Planum
The analysis of the surface texture from the particle (grain size, shape and
internal structure) to its organization (surface roughness) provides
information on the geological processes. CRISM multi-angular observations
(varied emission angles) allow to characterize the surface scattering behavior
which depends on the composition but also the material physical properties
(e.g., grain size, shape, internal structure, the surface roughness). After an
atmospheric correction by the Multi-angle Approach for Retrieval of the Surface
Reflectance from CRISM Observations, the surface reflectances at different
geometries are analyzed by inverting the Hapke photometric model depending on
the single scattering albedo, the 2-term phase function, the macroscopic
roughness and the 2-term opposition effects. Surface photometric maps are
created to observe the spatial variations of surface scattering properties as a
function of geological units at the CRISM spatial resolution (200m/pixel). An
application at the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) landing sites located at Gusev
Crater and Meridiani Planum where orbital and in situ observations are
available, is presented. Complementary orbital observations (e.g. CRISM
spectra, THermal EMission Imaging System, High Resolution Imaging Science
Experiment images) are used for interpreting the estimated Hapke photometric
parameters in terms of physical properties. The in situ observations are used
as ground truth to validate the interpretations. Varied scattering properties
are observed inside a CRISM observation (5x10km) suggesting that the surfaces
are controlled by local geological processes (e.g. volcanic resurfacing,
aeolian and impact processes) rather than regional or global. Consistent
results with the in situ observations are observed thus validating the approach
and the use of photometry for the characterization of Martian surface physical
properties
Breeding terrains with genetic terrain programming: the evolution of terrain generators
Although a number of terrain generation techniques have been proposed during the last few years, all of them have some
key constraints. Modelling techniques depend highly upon designerâs skills, time, and effort to obtain acceptable results, and
cannot be used to automatically generate terrains. The simpler methods allow only a narrow variety of terrain types and offer
little control on the outcome terrain. The Genetic Terrain Programming technique, based on evolutionary design with Genetic
Programming, allows designers to evolve terrains according to their aesthetic feelings or desired features. This technique evolves
Terrain Programmes (TPs) that are capable of generating a family of terrainsâdifferent terrains that consistently present the
same morphological characteristics. This paper presents a study about the persistence of morphological characteristics of terrains
generated with different resolutions by a given TP. Results show that it is possible to use low resolutions during the evolutionary
phase without compromising the outcome, and that terrain macrofeatures are scale invariant
Degradation of small simple and large complex lunar craters: Not a simple scale dependence
The crater record of a planetary surface unit is often analyzed by its cumulative sizeâfrequency distribution (CSFD). Measuring CSFDs involves traditional approaches, such as traditional crater counting (TCC) and buffered crater counting (BCC), as well as geometric corrections, such as nonsparseness correction (NSC) and buffered nonsparseness correction (BNSC). NSC and BNSC consider the effects of geometric crater obliteration on the CSFD. On the Moon, crater obliteration leads to two distinct states in which obtained CSFDs do not match the production CSFDâcrater equilibrium and nonsparseness. Crater equilibrium occurs when each new impact erases a preexisting crater of the same size. It is clearly observed on lunar terrains dominated by small simple craters with steepâsloped production CSFDs, such as Imbrian to Eratosthenianâera mare units. Nonsparseness, on the other hand, is caused by the geometric overlap of preexisting craters by a new impact, which is also known as âcookie cutting.â Cookie cutting is most clearly observed on lunar terrains dominated by large craters with shallowâsloped production CSFDs, such as the preâNectarian lunar highlands. We use the Cratered Terrain Evolution Model (CTEM) to simulate the evolution of a preâNectarian surface unit. The model was previously used to simulate the diffusionâinduced equilibrium for small craters of the lunar maria. We find that relative to their size, large craters contribute less to the diffusion of the surrounding landscape than small craters. Thus, a simple scale dependence cannot account for the perâcrater contribution to degradation by small simple and large complex craters
Overcoming the Challenges Associated with Image-based Mapping of Small Bodies in Preparation for the OSIRIS-REx Mission to (101955) Bennu
The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission is the third mission in NASA's
New Frontiers Program and is the first U.S. mission to return samples from an
asteroid to Earth. The most important decision ahead of the OSIRIS-REx team is
the selection of a prime sample-site on the surface of asteroid (101955) Bennu.
Mission success hinges on identifying a site that is safe and has regolith that
can readily be ingested by the spacecraft's sampling mechanism. To inform this
mission-critical decision, the surface of Bennu is mapped using the OSIRIS-REx
Camera Suite and the images are used to develop several foundational data
products. Acquiring the necessary inputs to these data products requires
observational strategies that are defined specifically to overcome the
challenges associated with mapping a small irregular body. We present these
strategies in the context of assessing candidate sample-sites at Bennu
according to a framework of decisions regarding the relative safety,
sampleability, and scientific value across the asteroid's surface. To create
data products that aid these assessments, we describe the best practices
developed by the OSIRIS-REx team for image-based mapping of irregular small
bodies. We emphasize the importance of using 3D shape models and the ability to
work in body-fixed rectangular coordinates when dealing with planetary surfaces
that cannot be uniquely addressed by body-fixed latitude and longitude.Comment: 31 pages, 10 figures, 2 table
Fluids mobilization in Arabia Terra, Mars: depth of pressurized reservoir from mounds self-similar clustering
Arabia Terra is a region of Mars where signs of past-water occurrence are
recorded in several landforms. Broad and local scale geomorphological,
compositional and hydrological analyses point towards pervasive fluid
circulation through time. In this work we focus on mound fields located in the
interior of three casters larger than 40 km (Firsoff, Kotido and unnamed crater
20 km to the east) and showing strong morphological and textural resemblance to
terrestrial mud volcanoes and spring-related features. We infer that these
landforms likely testify the presence of a pressurized fluid reservoir at depth
and past fluid upwelling. We have performed morphometric analyses to
characterize the mound morphologies and consequently retrieve an accurate
automated mapping of the mounds within the craters for spatial distribution and
fractal clustering analysis. The outcome of the fractal clustering yields
information about the possible extent of the percolating fracture network at
depth below the craters. We have been able to constrain the depth of the
pressurized fluid reservoir between ~2.5 and 3.2 km of depth and hence, we
propose that mounds and mounds alignments are most likely associated to the
presence of fissure ridges and fluid outflow. Their process of formation is
genetically linked to the formation of large intra-crater bulges previously
interpreted as large scale spring deposits. The overburden removal caused by
the impact crater formation is the inferred triggering mechanism for fluid
pressurization and upwelling, that through time led to the formation of the
intra-crater bulges and, after compaction and sealing, to the widespread mound
fields in their surroundings
- âŠ