Analysis of UAS Flight Altitude and Ground Control Point Parameters on DEM Accuracy along a Complex, Developed Coastline

Measuring beach topography accurately and with high spatial resolution is an important aspect of coastal management and is crucial for understanding changes in beach morphology, especially along complex, three-dimensional shorelines. Traditional methods of beach surveying even at high resolution are insufficient to measure the complex, dynamic behavior along these coasts. This study investigates the optimization of Unmanned Aerial Systems Structure from Motion (UAS-SfM) data acquisition methodology with regard to flight altitude and the configuration and amount of ground control points (GCPs). A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the UAS and GCP characteristics that produce the most accurate digital elevation model (DEM). First, an evaluation of the UAS-SfM technique was performed and proved advantageous over traditional surveying techniques with regard to efficiency, automation, ease of use, and repeatability. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed the highest (116 m) flight altitude evaluated was the most accurate and required the least amount of survey and processing time. The optimal configuration of GCPs was determined to be (1) in the corners of the study site, (2) at high and low elevations within the study site, and (3) with sufficient cross-shore and alongshore coverage. Finally, it was found that 15 GCPs produced the best results, but that as few as 11 GCPs could be used without any significant loss in accuracy. It was also observed that fewer (≈7–9) well-placed GCPs in the optimal configuration produced the same magnitude of error as using more (15) poorly placed GCPs. Based on these results, a set of recommendations for conducting UAS-SfM surveys along complex, three-dimensional, developed coastlines is presented.