Date of Completion

2019

Thesis Type

College of Arts and Science Honors

Department

Geology

First Advisor

Keith Klepeis

Keywords

UAV, Photogrammetry, Structure from Motion, Drone, Lessor's Quarry, Structural Geology

Abstract

Structure from Motion (SfM) Photogrammetry has been increasingly utilized as an effective tool for research in the geosciences. This study applies SfM photogrammetry to concepts of structural geology and uses it to illustrate the three-dimensional geometry of geologic structures at Lessor’s Quarry in South Hero, VT. This field site is important because it is widely used for teaching the three-dimensional visualization of geological features in Geology field classes. Three-dimensional visualization is a critical skill for success as a geologist, but typically is very difficult for students to learn. The goal of this project was to create interactive three-dimensional models of Lessor’s Quarry with illustrated projections of geologic features that can be used by students to observe the features from different viewpoints. I utilized an Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) to obtain images of the quarry and used AgisoftTM Metashape photogrammetry software to produce the three-dimensional models of the quarry. I added illustrations of the projected geological structures using freely available 3D modeling software including Autodesk SketchUp and Autodesk Maya to explore how they relate across the walls. These 3D models will help students develop three-dimensional visualization skills that can be applied to common geological problems. They illustrate concepts such as apparent dip and show how features project into the subsurface. Understanding these concepts is necessary in order to visualize the trigonometric calculations needed to determine where geological resources can be efficiently explored or extracted. This technology is an important resource that can be applied to a wide range of studies.

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