B8881 - TECNICHE 3D PER IL RILIEVO ED IL MONITORAGGIO DEL TERRITORIO M

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of geomatic techniques and methodologies applied to the monitoring and management of the environment and territory. Students will acquire advanced skills in the use of tools and technologies such as photogrammetry, laser scanning, and GNSS. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the fundamental principles of geomatic surveying and their application in environmental contexts, such as monitoring protected areas, assessing natural hazards, detecting ground deformations, and managing natural resources sustainably. They will gain practical experience in processing, analyzing, and interpreting geomatic data to support decisions related to environmental protection and conservation interventions, critically evaluating the potentials and limitations of different techniques in real-world scenarios.

Course contents

The course provides the theoretical and practical knowledge required to design and carry out three-dimensional surveys and territorial monitoring activities using state-of-the-art geomatics techniques. The entire surveying workflow is addressed, from survey planning and data acquisition to data processing, analysis and interpretation, with particular emphasis on applications in civil and environmental engineering.

After an overview of the main 3D surveying technologies, the course introduces the theoretical foundations of digital photogrammetry and laser scanning, highlighting their characteristics, accuracy, limitations and fields of application. Topographic surveying methods for the measurement of photogrammetric Ground Control Points (GCPs) using GNSS techniques and total stations will also be presented, emphasizing their fundamental role in ensuring the geometric accuracy of the final products.

A significant part of the course is devoted to UAV photogrammetry. Starting from the fundamental principles of digital photogrammetry, modern three-dimensional reconstruction techniques based on Computer Vision algorithms will be introduced for the generation of dense point clouds, Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), Digital Surface Models (DSMs), orthophotos and textured 3D models. The complementary nature of image-based and range-based techniques for surveying, mapping and territorial monitoring will also be discussed.

The course further addresses laser scanning technologies, with particular emphasis on UAV-mounted LiDAR systems. The operating principles of LiDAR sensors, data acquisition strategies, point cloud processing techniques, filtering and classification procedures, and the generation of the main derived products, including Digital Terrain Models, Digital Surface Models and three-dimensional mapping products, will be presented.

Practical activities constitute an essential part of the course. Students will develop a complete case study focused on coastal monitoring, covering all operational phases, including survey planning, data acquisition, processing using open-source software, data analysis and the assessment of morphological changes. Through this project, students will become familiar with methodologies and operational procedures currently adopted in professional practice for territorial monitoring, natural hazard assessment and decision support.

Laboratory activities will also provide hands-on experience with instruments and processing workflows widely adopted in both professional practice and research, enabling students to acquire immediately applicable skills in 3D surveying, environmental monitoring, infrastructure management and land protection.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material will mainly consist of lecture notes, presentation slides and scientific papers distributed during the course and made available through the University's Virtuale platform.

The use of open-source software will also enable students to further explore independently the processing workflows presented during the laboratory activities.

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical lectures, classroom laboratory sessions using students' personal laptops, and practical field exercises.

A substantial part of the course is devoted to hands-on activities, during which students will participate in the design of a surveying campaign, data acquisition using UAVs, laser scanners and GNSS receivers, and the subsequent data processing using both commercial and open-source software.

Laboratory sessions are based on real-world case studies, allowing students to become familiar with workflows and operational procedures commonly adopted in professional practice and scientific research.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is based on a final examination consisting of a written test followed by an oral examination, aimed at verifying the achievement of the knowledge and skills expected from the course learning outcomes.

The written examination consists of two open-ended questions, each worth up to 15/30 marks, covering the theoretical, methodological and practical topics presented during the course. The duration of the written examination is 70 minutes. During the examination, the use of books, lecture notes, electronic devices or any other supporting material is not permitted.

The oral examination takes place immediately after the written test, following the registration order on AlmaEsami. The interview is intended to further assess the student's understanding of the topics covered in the written examination, with particular emphasis on the ability to critically discuss the surveying techniques presented during the course, justify their application in different engineering scenarios and correctly interpret the obtained results.

The final grade is based on the overall performance in both the written and oral examinations.

Students are required to present a valid identification document together with their University ID card before the examination.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities are supported by lecture slides, lecture notes, scientific papers and datasets used during the laboratory sessions.

A substantial part of the course is devoted to practical field and classroom activities involving both commercial and open-source software for the processing of photogrammetric, laser scanning and GNSS data. Students will also have access to the datasets collected during the practical sessions for further individual study and independent practice.

Links to further information

https://dicam.unibo.it/it/ricerca/laboratori-di-ricerca/larig-laboratorio-rilievo-geomatica

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Zanutta