Abstract Digital Elevation Models (DEM) are useful for solving various problems in civil works planning, risk assessment, hazard prediction, and spatial modeling. This research evaluated the accuracy of DEM generation produced from images obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in hovering mode (DEMf) and with eight Geodetic Control Points (DEMGCP), contrasted with the DEM generated from data from a Total Station - ST (DEMST) on the Bocanegra - Chachapoyas road, Peru. The photogrammetric images were processed with a spatial resolution of 50 cm. The mean, median, mode, mode, range, and standard deviation parameters were compared between DEMf, DEMGCP, and DEMST. In addition, statistical tests such as t-Student (α = 0.05) were applied for the difference of DEMs. The results showed a higher accuracy of the DEMGCP-derived vertical axis concerning DEMf with a combined error of 69.1 cm and an R2 of 0.999986; this is due to the use of GCPs to rectify the position on all axes of the generated DEM. Indeed, the use of UAVs is of great applicability in the generation of DEMs. They complement the data from a total station for the formulation, development, and implementation of civil works projects.

Abstract Drones, as well as ground-based and satellite platforms, offer the possibility to carry sensors able to obtain timely and precise indications about vegetation health conditions. These systems can serve as tools for agricultural monitoring and the management of crops. Nowadays, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) systems are equipped with sophisticated sensors, such as those operating in the Thermal InfraRed spectral range, which can provide indications about the water content of vegetation at very-high spatial resolution. This study explores the feasibility of exploiting drone-based thermal imagery and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry to derive 3-D representations in Precision Agriculture. The health condition of olive trees was evaluated using thermal observations collected by a UAV system over an olive orchard located in the Basilicata region (Southern Italy). Following the SfM pipeline, accurate 2-D/3-D thermal photogrammetric products have been created, and analyzed by means of the Normalized Relative Canopy Temperature (NRCT) index. The goal was to explore how 3D thermal volume analysis can enhance the detection and interpretation of early signs of water stress and related plant health descriptors. Although evident symptoms of stress were not yet visible during the survey, our preliminary results highlight the added value of 3D thermal information over traditional 2D approaches, particularly in capturing spatial variability within individual tree canopies. These findings demonstrate the potential of UAV-based 3D thermal analysis as a valuable tool for advanced monitoring in Precision Agriculture and Smart Farming practices.

Abstract The research examines and describes the interaction between the Pacific and North American Plates in Northwest Mexico using 12 years (2010–2021) of Global Positioning System (GPS) data from 33 continuously operating reference stations, processed by GAMIT/GLOBK. A bidimensional crustal deformation model was developed on a 15’ x 15’ grid, based on Green’s functions and elastic coupling. The proposed model NW-MEXVEL has been evaluated by direct point-to-point validation using the GEODVEL global model as a reference. The displacements obtained in the NW-MEXVEL model, adjusted to the ITRF14, are reliable for movements greater than 1.6 mm yr −1 based on the root mean square error (RMSE) of modeled velocities compared to measured velocities. The RMSE values are similar for each tectonic plate, including the Gulf of California Islands (Angel and Tiburon) and Guadalupe Island on the Pacific Plate. This consistency is attributed to the use of regional data from critical zones, in contrast to the global tectonic model. Finally, velocity fields revealed an average displacement of 44.72 ± 0.29 mm yr −1 in the Northwest direction for the Pacific Plate fixed to the North American Plate and 45.34 ± 0.18 mm yr −1 in the Southeast direction for the North American Plate fixed to the Pacific Plate. These velocity results are in agreement with previous studies.