Combining Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning for DEM Generation in Steep High-Mountain Areas

Abstract

This study presents the processing of both aerial and oblique images as well as LiDAR data of the Monte Rosa east face, an extremely challenging environment in the European Alps due to the height, steepness and ice coverage of the rock wall. New techniques of airborne LiDAR data acquisition are combined with established photogrammetric processing methods of aerial imagesto develop high-resolution DEMs for different epochs since 1956. Furthermore, a novel approach for DEM generation from helicopter-based oblique photos is introduced. Different software solutions for image processing and DEM generation are used and evaluated for applications in such steep high-mountain terrain. Reliability and accuracy as well as usability of the different data sets is shown and finally DEM subtractions give an insight in the strong topographic changes in the Monte Rosa east face within the investigated timeframes.