UTILIZATION OF A SMALL-FORMAT AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FROM DRONE PIXY CONCEPT IN THE EVALUATION OF THE LANDSCAPE CHANGES

11th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM2011, www.sgem.org, SGEM2011 Conference Proceedings/ ISSN 1314-2704, June 20-25, 2011, Vol. 2, 345-352 pp

ABSTRACT

A various range of remote sensors are currently available to help to explore a landscape
and other natural components. The mainly part of this field is based on a small format
aerial photographs (SFAP) taken from a small aircraft. The scientific benefit arises from
the combination of knowledge achieved by conventional field work and the visual
information gleaned from SFAP. In monitoring studies, temporal changes of forms and
patterns give additional clues. The coupling of field data and interpretation of SFAP
may lead to a deeper understanding of the geoscientific processes. Self-made aerial
photographs offer to the researchers a maximum operability. The technical parameters
of the capturing device and platform help to the photographer in determining not only
place and time but also viewing angle, image coverage, and exposure settings.

The Drone PIXY is a slow moving model of motorized paraglider primarily used for closeup remote sensing, allowing classical or digital aerial images and video recording at ultra-low height (50 - 500 m). This conception points to simplicity of piloting,
easiness of use and transportation, high protection of the equipment loaded and allows a wide usage. This device can be operated under the model aircraft rules. The aim of this paper is to present experience with PIXY in the local conditions of the Czech Republic with focusing on the landscape changes.

Keywords: remote sensing, small-format aerial photography, landscape changes