DEM-Based UAV Flight Planning for 3D Mapping of Geosites: The Case of Olympus Tectonic Window, Lesvos, Greece

A novel DEM-based UAV flight planning methodology enables efficient 3D mapping of geosites, exemplified by the Olympus Tectonic Window on Lesvos island. The approach integrates topography (slope, aspect, elevation) into semi-automated algorithms to optimize data acquisition and cartographic outputs. Results demonstrate that DEMs significantly enhance flight plan design, yielding high-resolution point clouds, digital elevation models, and orthophotomaps. This method advances geoheritage conservation by providing a systematic framework for detailed geosite documentation, addressing critical gaps in current 3D mapping practices.

Papadopoulou, E.-E., Vasilakos, C., Zouros, N., & Soulakellis, N. (2021). DEM-Based UAV Flight Planning for 3D Mapping of Geosites: The Case of Olympus Tectonic Window, Lesvos, Greece. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 10(8), 535. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi10080535