Aspects of Quality Control for UAV Applications in Photogrammetry

In the underlying work, the components for surveying projects using UAV are described and their influence on the quality of the results is analysed. From a geodetic-photogrammetric point of view, the focus is on measuring sensors (camera, laser scanner, GNSS) as well as on resulting measurement data and their processing by utilising suitable software. For testing (and, if necessary, calibration) of the mentioned sensors, the use of 3D test fields with a correspondingly large number of signalised ground control points (GCP) is an appropriate practice. These test fields allow an evaluation of the photogrammetric processes as well as the involved components (sensors). Currently, imaging sensors (cameras) are the preferred measurement tool for UAV measurements, although laser scanners are being increasingly used on UAV platforms. Here, the performance of two UAV systems which are frequently used in geodetic surveying projects, has been tested through corresponding test field flights, in particular in interaction with the process component "RTK-GNSS" for the determination of the sensor positions. Finally, recommendations for the combined use of GCP and precise RTK-GNSS will be provided - with special consideration of the reliability and quality control of UAV image blocks.