Unmanned aerial vehicle based remote sensing method for monitoring a steep mountainous slope in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Monitoring has been considered to be the most effective means of preventing and mitigating geo-hazards. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based remote sensing has been proven to be a viable method for monitoring relatively flat areas, but has typically encountered challenges on steep mountainous slopes. The Qinglingou Slope, which is located at the head of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China, was selected as a case study, and a UAV-based remote sensing method was applied to monitor this steep mountainous slope. The UAV, which was equipped with a camera, was used to acquire images on May 10 and Sept. 13, 2015. At the same time, a plan for establishing and measuring a detailed network of ground control points (GCPs) and check points was carefully designed and implemented, according to the local conditions. Georeferenced digital surface models (DSMs) and digital orthophotos were obtained by photogrammetric processing. Based on the results, a simple and quick method that identified and quantified slope deformation by calculating and analyzing the changes in the DSMs was developed. The results showed that the UAV-based remote sensing method was rapid, safe and effective, and it could be valuable for monitoring a large number of steep mountainous slopes in the Three Gorges Reservoir.