Mapping and remote sensing

Modern mapping and remote sensing integrates themes from navigation, geodesy, photogrammetry, computer vision, machine learning and system control. This field is truly interdisciplinary both in the conception and operation of mobile mapping platforms, as well as in the calibration of their sensors and data processing. We study and develop new concepts of sensor calibration, quality control and data adjustment which are tested on platforms developed especially for this purpose. Together with the platforms we study and develop bespoke 3D reconstruction, digitalisation and analysis algorithms.


Our most resent interests are related to the area of fusion of novel LIDAR (Single-photon avalanche diode – SPAD) and RGB camera sensors for 3D digitalisation and mapping. We study the optimal fusion of classical 3D reconstruction algorithms such as photogrammetry with most resent developments in Machine Learning vision and data processing algorithms.

Particular focus is given to the following areas:

  • Calibration and integration of active and passive optical sensors
  • Sensor synchronisation and data acquisition
  • Development of 3D reconstruction algorithms
  • Composition of light-weight mapping systems and platforms (e.g.

Airborne and mobile LiDAR, which sensors for which application?

J. Vallet; A. Gressing; P. Clausen; J. Skaloud 

2020-08-11. XXIVth ISPRS Congress, Online, August 6, 2020. p. 397–405. DOI : 10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIII-B1-2020-397-2020.

Fusion of Photo with Airborne Laser Scanning

E. Clédat; J. Skaloud 

2020. XXIV ISPRS Congress (2020 edition), [Virtual event], August 31 – September 2, 2020. p. 173-180. DOI : 10.5194/isprs-annals-V-1-2020-173-2020.

Mapping quality prediction for RTK/PPK-equipped micro-drones operating in complex natural environment

E. Clédat; L. V. jospin; D. A. Cucci; J. Skaloud 

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. 2020. Vol. 167, p. 24-38. DOI : 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2020.05.015.

Camera Calibration Models and Methods for Corridor Mapping with UAVs

E. Clédat; D. A. Cucci; J. Skaloud 

2020.  International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Virtual, Septembre 1-2, 2020. p. 231-238. DOI : 10.5194/isprs-annals-V-1-2020-231-2020.

Bundle adjustment with raw inertial observations

D. A. Cucci; M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. 2017-05-23. Vol. 130, p. 1-12. DOI : 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2017.05.008.

Mapping GNSS Restricted Environment with a Drone Tandem and Indirect Position Control

E. Cledat; D. A. Cucci 

2017. International Conference on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Geomatics, Bonn, Germany, September 4–7, 2017. p. 1-7. DOI : 10.5194/isprs-annals-IV-2-W3-1-2017.

Performance assessment of integrated sensor orientation with a low-cost GNSS receiver

M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

ISPRS Annals of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences. 2017. Vol. 4, num. 2W3, p. 75-80. DOI : 10.5194/isprs-annals-IV-2-W3-75-2017.

Time synchronization of consumer cameras on Micro Aerial Vehicles

M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

Isprs Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. 2017. Vol. 123, num. 1, p. 114-123. DOI : 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2016.11.009.

Accurate Optical Target Pose Determination For Applications In Aerial Photogrammetry

D. A. Cucci 

ISPRS Annals of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences. 2016. Vol. 3, p. 257-262. DOI : 10.5194/isprs-annals-III-3-257-2016.

UAV Sensor Orientation with Pre-calibrated Redundant IMU/GNSS Observations: Preliminary Results

P. Clausen; J. Skaloud 

36te Dreiländertagung Photogrammetrie and Fernerkundung der SGPF, DGPF und OVG, Bern, June 7-9, 2016.

UAV Sensor Orientation with Pre-calibrated Redundant IMU/GNSS Observations: Preliminary Results

P. Clausen; M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

2016. 36te Dreiländertagung Photogrammetrie and Fernerkundung der SGPF, DGPF und OVG, Bern, Switzerland, June 7-9, 2016. p. 26-33.

Detection of crop properties by means of hyperspectral remote sensing from a micro UAV

D. Constantin; M. Rehak; Y. Akhtman; F. Liebisch 

2015. 20. und 21. Workshop Computer-Bildanalyse in der Landwirtschaft – 3. Workshop Unbemannte autonom fliegende Systeme (UAS) in der Landwirtschaft, Braunschweig, Germany, May 7, 2015. p. 129-137.

Drohne für ein hoch genaues Korridor-Mapping

P. Clausen; M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

AHORN 2015 – der Alpenraum und seine Herausforderungen im Bereich Orientierung, Navigation und Informationsaustausch, Wildhaus, November 26-27,2015.

Photogrammetric Mission Planner for RPAS

F. Gandor; M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

2015. UAV-g, Toronto, Canada, August 30-September 2, 2015. p. 61-65. DOI : 10.5194/isprsarchives-XL-1-W4-61-2015.

Fixed-wing Micro Aerial Vehicle for Accurate Corridor Mapping

M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

2015. UAV-g, Toronto, Canada, August 30-September 2, 2015. p. 23-31. DOI : 10.5194/isprsannals-II-1-W1-23-2015.

Prediction of phase ambiguity resolution based on signal intensity and geometry

J. Skaloud; D. Willli 

Gps Solutions. 2015. Vol. 19, num. 3, p. 467-474. DOI : 10.1007/s10291-014-0406-4.

Ein Mikroflugzeug zur genauen Kartierung ohne Passpunkte am Boden

J. Skaloud; M. Rehak; P. Clausen 

Géomatique Suisse. 2014. num. 9, p. 376-380. DOI : 10.5169/seals-389509.

A Micro Aerial Vehicle with Precise Position and Attitude Sensors

M. Rehak; R. Mabillard; J. Skaloud 

Photogrammetrie, Fernerkundung, Geoinformation (PFG). 2014. Vol. 4, p. 0239-0251. DOI : 10.1127/1432-8364/2014/0220.

Sensor Orientation on Micro Aerial Vehicles

M. Rehak; J. Skaloud 

Swiss GEOSummit meeting, Workshop “Facts & Trends: Nutzung von Drohnen in der Schweiz, Bern, Switzerland, June 6, 2014.

Mapping with MAV: Experimental Study on the Contribution of Absolute and Relative Aerial Position Control

J. Skaloud; M. Rehak; D. Lichti 

2014. European Calibration and Orientation Workshop, Castelldefels, Spain, February 12-14, 2014. p. 123-129.

Spatial extent and ecotoxicological risk assessment of a micropollutant-contaminated wastewater plume in Lake Geneva

C. C. Hoerger; Y. Akhtman; L. Martelletti; R. Rutler; F. Bonvin et al. 

Aquatic Sciences. 2014. Vol. 76, num. 1, p. 7-19. DOI : 10.1007/s00027-013-0315-6.

A micro-UAV with the capability of direct georeferencing

M. Rehak 

Fall Meeting of The Swiss Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (SSPT), EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, November 28, 2013.

Challenges & solutions in sensor orientation

J. Skaloud 

Fall Meeting of The Swiss Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (SSPT), EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, November 28, 2013.

A Micro-Uav with the Capability of Direct Georeferencing

M. Rehak; R. Mabillard; J. Skaloud 

2013. UAV-g, Rostock, Germany, September 4-6, 2013. p. 317-323. DOI : 10.5194/isprsarchives-XL-1-W2-317-2013.

SamBada in Uganda: landscape genomics study of traditional cattle breeds with a large SNP dataset

S. Stucki; P. Orozco-terWengel; L. Colli; F. Kabi; C. Masembe et al. 

2013. The IALE 2013 European Congress, Manchester, UK, September 9-12, 2013.

Soil Moisture & Snow Properties Determination with GNSS in Alpine Environments: Challenges, Status, and Perspectives

C. Botteron; N. Dawes; J. Leclère; J. Skaloud; S. V. Weijs et al. 

Remote Sensing. 2013. Vol. 5, num. 7, p. 3516-3543. DOI : 10.3390/rs5073516.

Morphology of pillow-hollow and quilted-cover bedforms in Lake Geneva, Switzerland

N. Le Dantec; Y. Akhtman; D. Constantin; U. Lemmin; D. A. Barry et al. 

2013. Marine and River Dune Dynamics – MARID IV, Bruges, Belgium, 15 – 16 April 2013. p. 159-166.

Automated approach for rigorous light detection and ranging system calibration without preprocessing and strict terrain coverage requirements

A. P. Kersting; A. F. Habib; K-I. Bang; J. Skaloud 

Optical Engineering. 2012. Vol. 51, num. 7, p. 076201-1-19. DOI : 10.1117/1.Oe.51.7.076201.

SEARCHING LOST PEOPLE WITH UAVS: THE SYSTEM AND RESULTS OF THE CLOSE-SEARCH PROJECT

P. Molina; I. Colomina; T. Victoria; J. Skaloud; W. Kornus et al. 

2012. XXII Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, , Melbourne, Australia, August 25 – September 1, 2012. p. 441-446.

Drones to the Rescue!

P. Molina; I. Colomina; P. Victoria; J. Skaloud; W. Kornus et al. 

Inside GNSS. 2012. Vol. July/August.

Collaborative Web-GIS platform for systematic exploration of Lake Geneva

Y. Akhtman; L. Martelletti; O. Grandjean; U. Lemmin 

2012. XXII Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Melbourne, Australia, August 25 – September 1, 2012. p. 1-6.

Cell-based Automatic Deformation Computation by Analyzing Terrestrial LIDAR Point Clouds

J. Wu; P-Y. Gilliéron; B. Merminod 

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. 2012. Vol. 78, num. 4, p. 317-329. DOI : 10.14358/PERS.78.4.317.

Data Capture and Geosensor Networks

J. Skaloud; M. Cramer; N. Haala 

Springer Handbook of Geographic Information; Springer, 2012. p. 8.1-8.88.

MAV-based real-time localisation of terrestrial targets with cm-level accuracy: Feasibility study

Y. Akhtman; A. Garg; J. Skaloud 

2011. UAV-g 2011 – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Geomatics, Zurich, Switzerland, September 14-16, 2011.

Optimiser la performance de calcul pour la cartographie en temps réel avec un Laser Scanner aéroporté

J. Skaloud; P. Schär; B. Merminod 

Géomatique Suisse. 2011. num. 6, p. 284-289. DOI : 10.5169/seals-236796.

An Integrated Methodology for Change Detection via Terrestrial Laserscanning: Case Study of the Landslide in Flamatt

J. Wu; P-Y. Gilliéron; B. Merminod 

2010. 8th Swiss Geoscience Meeting, Fribourg, Switzerland, November 19-20, 2010.

A Split/Merge Approach for Change Detection via Terrestrial LIDAR

J. Wu; B. Merminod 

2010. Workshop on Remote Sensing Methods for Change Detection and Process Modeling, Cologne, Cologne, Germany, November 18-19, 2010.

Optimizing Computational Performance for Real-Time Mapping with Airborne Laser Scanning

J. Skaloud; P. Schär 

2010. 

Registration and Calibration

D. Lichti; J. Skaloud 

Airborne and Terrestrial Laser Scanning; Whittles Publishing, 2010. p. 83-133.

In-flight Accuracy Estimation for Airborne Lidar Data

P. Schaer; Y. Stebler 

2009. ION GNSS 2009, Savannah, GA, USA, September 22 – 25, 2009. p. 434-441.

Image-based indoor tracking device for detection and mitigation of NLOS effects

F. Tappero; B. Merminod 

Navigation. 2009. Vol. Submitted.

Airborne LiDAR In-flight Accuracy Estimation

P. Schaer; J. Skaloud; Y. Stebler; P. Tomé; R. Stengele 

GPS World. 2009. Vol. 20, num. 8, p. 37-41.

Towards in-flight quality assessment of airborne laser scanning

P. Schaer; J. Skaloud; P. Tomé 

2008. XXI ISPRS Congress, Beijing (China), July 3-11, 2008.

On the calibration strategy of medium format cameras for direct georeferencing

D. Lichti; J. Skaloud; P. Schaer 

International Calibration and Orientation Workshop EuroCOW, Castelldefels, Spain, 30.1.-1.2. 2008.

Vers une analyse de qualité des données de laser aéroporté en temps réel

P. Schaer; J. Skaloud; P. Tomé 

Geomatik Schweiz. 2008. Vol. 9, p. 460-464. DOI : 10.5169/seals-236536.

Vision-aided inertial navigation system for robotic mobile mapping

F. Bayoud; J. Skaloud 

Journal of Applied Geodesy. 2008. Vol. 2, p. 39-52. DOI : 10.1515/JAG.2008.005.

Theory and Reality of Direct Georeferencing in National Coordinates

J. Skaloud; K. Legat 

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. 2008. Vol. 63, p. 272-282. DOI : 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2007.09.002.

Accuracy Estimation for Laser Point Cloud Including Scanning Geometry

P. Schaer; J. Skaloud; S. Landtwing; K. Legat 

2007. 5th International Symposium on Mobile Mapping Technology, Padova (Italy), May 29-31, 2007.

Towards Automated LiDAR Boresight Self-calibration

J. Skaloud; P. Schaer 

2007. 5th International Symposium on Mobile Mapping Technology, Padova (Italy), May 29-31, 2007.

An eye for landscape – rapid aerial mapping with handheld sensors

J. Skaloud; J. Vallet; G. Veyssiere; O. Kölbl 

GPS World. 2006. Vol. 5, num. May, p. 27-33.

Reliability of Direct Georeferencing Phase 2: A Case Study on Practical Problems and Solutions., Checking and Improving of Digital Terrain Models / Reliability of Direct Georeferencing.

K. Legat; J. Skaloud; R. Schmidt 

2006

Reliability of Direct Georeferencing Phase 1: An Overview of the Current Approaches and Possibilities., Checking and Improving of Digital Terrain Models / Reliability of Direct Georeferencing.

J. Skaloud 

2006

Real-time processing of GPS/INS data for on-the-fly quality control in airborne mobile mapping.

K. Legat; J. Skaloud; P. Schaer 

2006. European Navigation Congress, Manchester, 7-10 May. p. 14.

Rigorous approach to bore-sight self-calibration in airborne laser scanning

J. Skaloud; D. Lichti 

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing. 2006. Vol. 61, num. 1, p. 47-59. DOI : 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2006.07.003.

An Eye for Landscapes – Rapid Aerial Mapping with Handheld Sensors

J. Skaloud; J. Vallet; K. Keller; G. Veyssière; O. Kölbl 

GPS World. 2006. Vol. May 2006, num. 17 (5), p. 26-32.

Requirements for an orientation and calibration standard for digital aerial cameras and related sensors

W. Kresse; J. Skaloud; L. Hinsken 

2006. Symposium of ISPRS Commission 1, Paris, July 3-6, 2006.

Open-source software-operated CMOS camera for real-time mapping

H. Gontran; J. Skaloud; N. Janvier 

2006. ISPRS Commission 1 Symposium, Paris, July 3-6, 2006.

Réalisation d’un serveur de corrections GPS accessible par GPRS

H. Gontran; M. Lehmann 

Géomatique Suisse. 2006. num. 4, p. 220-223. DOI : 10.5169/seals-236322.

Integrating Photogrammetry and Inertial Sensors for Robotics Navigation and Mapping

F. A. Bayoud; J. Skaloud; B. Merminod 

2005. Integrating Photogrammetry and Inertial Sensors for Robotics Navigation and Mapping, Vienna (Austria), October 3-5.

HELIMAP: Rapid Large Scale Mapping Using Handheld LiDAR/CCD/GPS/INS Sensors on Helicopters.

J. Skaloud; J. Vallet; K. Keller; G. Veyssière; O. Kölbl 

2005. ION GNSS 2005, Long Beach, California, September 12-13, 2005.

Photobus on its Way to Real-time Mapping

H. Gontran; J. Skaloud; P-Y. Gilliéron 

GIS Development Middle East. 2005. Vol. 1, num. 1.

Photobus: Towards Real-Time Mapping

H. Gontran; J. Skaloud; P-Y. Gilliéron 

2004. XXth ISPRS Congress, Istanbul (Turkey), July 12-23.

Development and Experiences with A Fully-Digital Handheld Mapping System Operated from A Helicopter

J. Vallet; J. Skaloud 

2004. XX ISPRS Congress, Istanbul (Turkey), July 12-23, 2004.

Photobus: en route vers la cartographie mobile en temps réel

H. Gontran; J. Skaloud; P-Y. Gilliéron 

Géomatique Suisse. 2004. num. 9, p. 568-571. DOI : 10.5169/seals-236163.

A mobile mapping system for road data capture via a single camera

H. Gontran; J. Skaloud; P-Y. Gilliéron 

2003. 4th International symposium on mobile mapping technology, Kunming (China), August 25-27.8.2003.

A Mobile Mapping System for Road Data Capture via A Single Camera

H. Gontran; J. Skaloud; P-Y. Gilliéron 

2003. Optical 3D Measurement Techniques VI, Zurich, September 23-25, 2003.

Towards A More Rigorous Boresight Determination: Theory, Technology and Realities of Inertial/GPS Sensor Orientation

J. Skaloud; P. Schaer 

2003. 

Two different methodologies for geoid determination from ground and airborne gravity data

F. A. Bayoud; G. Sideris 

Geophysical Journal International. 2003. Vol. 155, num. 3, p. 914-922. DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2003.02083.x.

Intégration d’un odomètre optique dans un système de mobile mapping

D. Eberhart; H. Gontran 

Géomatique Suisse. 2003. num. 7, p. 394-397. DOI : 10.5169/seals-236039.

Géoréférencement direct des images par GPS/INS Approche rigoureuse pour le calibrage des excentricités angulaires (boresight calibration)

P. Schaer; J. Skaloud; J. Vallet 

Géomatique Suisse. 2003. num. 8, p. 440-445. DOI : 10.5169/seals-236044.

High Efficiency Road Status Monitoring System

T. Cunha; P. Tomé; S. Cunha; L. Bastos 

2002. ION GPS 2002, Oregon, USA, 24-27 September 2002.

Direct Georeferencing in Aerial Photogrammetric Mapping

J. Skaloud 

Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing. 2002.  p. 207-210.

Development of a low cost mobile mapping system for road data base management

P-Y. Gilliéron; J. Skaloud; B. Merminod; D. Brugger 

2001. 

A mobile mapping system for automating road data capture in real time

P-Y. Gilliéron; J. Skaloud; Y. Levet; B. Merminod 

2001. 

Direct Versus Indirect Methods of Sensor Orientation

J. Skaloud 

Journal ION-CH. 2000. 

Development of a helicopter-based integrated system for avalanche mapping and hazard management

J. Vallet; J. Skaloud; O. Kölbl; B. Merminod 

2000.  p. 565-572.

Accurate orientation for airborne mapping systems

J. Skaloud; K. P. Schwarz 

Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing. 2000. Vol. 66, num. 4, p. 393-402.

Problems in Direct-Georeferencing by INS/DGPS in the Airborne Environment

J. Skaloud 

1999. 

Levé en milieu forestier – une géomatique au service de l’environnement

C. Favre 

Mensuration, Photogrammétrie, Génie rural. 1997. Vol. 95, num. 7, p. 449-452. DOI : 10.5169/seals-235356.

Qualité des données spatiales

M. Azouzi; B. Merminod 

Mensuration, Photogrammétrie, Génie rural. 1996. Vol. 94, num. 12, p. 645-649. DOI : 10.5169/seals-235278.