Curated and written by Adam Clark. Adam has spent the past 13 years exploring the world from above by using drones, satellites, and mapping tools to better understand our landscapes.
Full size cave 3D modelling using close range photogrammetry and comparison with laser scanning
Although underground topography methods have advanced over the past two decades, generating comprehensive 3D cave models remains complex and costly. Traditional speleological techniques using laser-pointer-derived “skeletal” surveys offer broad coverage but lack detail. Meanwhile, LiDAR systems can deliver sub-millimeter accuracy but are often prohibitively expensive and cumbersome in harsh underground environments. This study explores an alternative: using low‑cost action cameras with close‑range photogrammetry to model entire caves. The method proved faster and more adaptable in the field, significantly reducing artifacts and shadows. Post‑processing demands are higher, but accuracy limits are comparable to LiDAR, making this a promising, cost‑effective option
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New Research Suggests Maya Population May Have Topped 16 Million
A recent study led by Tulane University re-estimates the ancient Maya population during the Late Classic period (A.D. 600–900) at over 16 million, about 5 million higher than previous estimates. This substantial revision stems from analysis of new LiDAR data spanning 36,700 square miles of the Maya Lowlands, encompassing parts of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Researchers combined public and private archaeological surveys with reprocessed environmental LiDAR datasets applying enhanced structure-visibility algorithms to detect subtle architectural and agricultural features beneath dense canopy. The LiDAR approach not only expanded spatial coverage beyond major centers but also produced a clearer, uniform model of Classic Maya urban–rural organization.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352409X25003219?via%3Dihub
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LiDAR-based topographic data for the coastline of Port Foster
The study introduces FosterCoast, an unprecedented UAV-based LiDAR and RGB photogrammetry dataset capturing the entire inner coastline (~35 km) of Port Foster Bay on Deception Island, Antarctica, collected during the 2024–2025 Spanish Antarctic Campaign. UAV flights produced high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs), orthomosaics, and point clouds. Hosted publicly on Figshare, the FosterCoast dataset offers a highly detailed, accessible resource valuable for polar science, navigation, rescue operations, tourism planning, and volcanology.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-05726-x
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Slope inspection under dense vegetation using LiDAR-based quadrotors
Landslide-prone slopes, especially those shrouded in dense vegetation, present challenges for traditional, manual inspections of debris-resistant barriers. This study introduces an autonomous LiDAR-equipped quadrotor drone engineered for complex slope environments. The innovative system integrates advanced localization, high-precision mapping, assisted obstacle avoidance, and navigation capabilities beneath canopy cover. Field trials in collaboration with Hong Kong’s Civil Engineering and Development Department demonstrated the quadrotor’s ability to dodge small, dynamic obstacles and navigate dense foliage, showing an ability to successfully perform slope inspections where manual methods are costly and hazardous.
