Riccardo Rivola

Recent approaches in geodesy and geomatics for structures monitoring

AbstractMonitoring the time history of structures and infrastructures has always been an important area of application of geodetic and geomatic methods. Here we shall concentrate on the item of monitoring ancient buildings because, beyond its intrinsic interest, it provides a good illustration of some of the most recent monitoring techniques. Identifying the overhang, progressive changes of inclination, differential movements of the structure and detailing the study of structural elements are just some examples of the many fundamental and necessary information for structural engineers. Those data are required to study and analyze the behavior of a structure with the purpose to assess the stability. Looking at the several methods offered by Geomatics, laser scanning appears to be the best technology to provide an effective 3D solution to those requirements. Surveying by means of a terrestrial laser scanner, allows to detect a huge number of 3D information with high accuracy in a relatively short time and high accuracy. Just analyzing the point clouds, interesting information along with useful products can be obtained in order to draw some considerations about the investigated structure. This research aims at suggesting a new philosophy for using 3D models in a diagnostic perspective in order to study structures along with their actual dimensions, their stability and so on. Traditionally, indeed, laser scanning is chosen for artistic and architectural studies and the resulting three-dimensional model represents what often is of concern. Furthermore, the use of more classic techniques, such as total station and digital leveling, and LST is fundamental as an integrated approach for the monitoring of ancient buildings. The integration of different techniques allow a redundancy of observation and the possibility to verify the results obtained form independent techniques as is shown throughout some experimental applications.

A reliable methodology for monitoring unstable slopes: the multi-platform and multi-sensor approach

High resolution topography, by involving Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and further accurate techniques for a proper displacement identification, is a valuable tool for a good and reliable description of unstable slopes. By comparing multitemporal surveys, the geomorphology of a landslide may be analyzed as well as the changes over time, the volumes transportation and the boundaries evolution. Being aware that a single technique is not sufficient to perform a reliable and accurate survey, this paper discusses the use of multi-platform, multi-source and multi-scale observations (both in terms of spatial scale and time scale) for the study and monitoring of unstable slopes. The final purpose is to highlight and validate a methodology based on multiple sensors and data integration, useful to obtain a comprehensive GIS (Geographic Information System) which can successfully be used to manage natural disasters or to improve the knowledge of a specific phenomenon in order to prevent and mitigate the hydro-geological risk. The novelty of the present research lies in the spatial integration of multiple remote sensing techniques such as: integration of Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) to provide a comprehensive and accurate surface description (DTM) at a fixed epoch (spatial continuity); continuous monitoring by means of spatial integration of Automated Total Station (ATS) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to provide accurate surface displacement identification (time continuity). Discussion makes reference to a rockslide located in the northern Apennines of Italy from 2010 to 2013.

Contribution of Geomatics Engineering and VGI Within the Landslide Risk Assessment Procedures

This paper presents a literature review on the methodology called Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and its use for Landslide Risk Assessment (LRA). General risk assessment procedures are discussed and the potential contributions of VGI are identified, in particular when quantitative characterization of factors such as Hazard, Vulnerability and Exposure is required. The review shows that the standard LRA procedures may benefit from input given by surveyors when performing hazard assessments, while crowdsourced data would be a valuable support in vulnerability/damage assessment studies. The review also highlights several limitations related to the role of VGI and crowdsourcing in LRA.