The research described in this article was conducted in the Tatra National Park in Poland, which is considered as one of the most-visited national parks in Europe. The exceptional popularity of this place is responsible for intensification of morphogenetic processes, resulting in the development of numerous forms of erosion. This article presents the outcomes of the research whose purpose was to verify the usability of unmanned aerial vehicles to check the condition of hiking trails and forests in alpine areas. An octocopter equipped with a non-metric camera was used for measurements. The paper sketches the methodology of data acquisition in harsh conditions and demanding locations of hiking trails on steep Tatra slopes. The paper also describes stages that lead to elaboration of basic photogrammetric products relying on SfM (Structure from Motion) technique. Finally, it shows the applicability of the prepared products to the evaluation of erosion along hiking trails, and to the study of plant succession or tree stand condition in the area located next to hiking trails. ...
The paper is an attempt to determine the suitability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for geomorphological studies. The research was carried out in the Tatra National Park (green trail from Myślenickie Turnie to Kasprowy Wierch). Morphogenetic processes occur with high intensity in this area and give rise to numerous erosive form. A multirotor equipped with a non-metric visible light camera was used for measurements. The acquired data was used to generate a high resolution orthophotomap and a digital surface model (DSM). As part of the in-field data capture, geomorphological mapping of the research area was carried out as well. On this basis, it was possible to assess the suitability of the generated DSM for the geomorphological research. Moreover, the correlation between the DSM and the terrestrial geomorphological mapping is evaluated. In virtue of obtained data, effects and the intensity of tourist trails erosion were assessed in this part of the Tatra Mountains. The analysis involved the orthophotomap and the DSM (current data) as well as archival data from aerial laser scanning (ALS) conducted in 2012. Interpretation of above-mentioned results allowed to conclude that the data originating from UAV is very helpful in geomorphological studies. It is possible to determine the ...
