Paolo Fallavollita - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Paolo Fallavollita

Research paper thumbnail of ARS: elderly people ict Assistance and life Renovation and Stimulation

Research paper thumbnail of Airship-based LiDAR and multi-sensor forest monitoring

Research paper thumbnail of Remote sensing in archaeology. The state of the art and presentation of metadata research project's preliminary results

Revue Française de Photogrammétrie et de Télédétection, 2018

Depuis la genèse des techniques modernes de télédétection au moyen de drones, les applications se... more Depuis la genèse des techniques modernes de télédétection au moyen de drones, les applications se multiplient dans tous les domaines pour parfois devenir des outils indispensables de la recherche et de l'industrie actuelle. Cependant, dans le domaine des Sciences Humaines et tout particulièrement en archéologie ancienne (Préhistoire, Protohistoire), malgré un dynamisme indéniable, certaines techniques dites « classiques » ne cèdent pas véritablement le pas aux techniques plus modernes, pourtant plus efficaces et sources d'innovations. Certaines techniques intermédiaires, comme l'usage de théodolites ou plus récemment de GPS RTK associé aux Systèmes d'Information Géographique, se sont pourtant relativement bien implantées dans les problématiques de relevés topographiques, d'architectures et de structures archéologiques de divers types. L'incroyable bon avant que constituent les drones équipés de LiDAR, de matériel photogrammétrique et thermique, tout comme cel...

Research paper thumbnail of Single-tree detection in high-density LiDAR data from UAV-based survey

European Journal of Remote Sensing, 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicle-based LiDAR survey provides very-high-density point clouds, which involve... more Unmanned aerial vehicle-based LiDAR survey provides very-high-density point clouds, which involve very rich information about forest detailed structure, allowing for detection of individual trees, as well as demanding high computational load. Single-tree detection is of great interest for forest management and ecology purposes, and the task is relatively well solved for forests made of single or largely dominant species, and trees having a very evident pointed shape in the upper part of the canopy (in particular conifers). Most authors proposed methods based totally or partially on search of local maxima in the canopy, which has poor performance for species that have flat or irregular upper canopy, and for mixed forests, especially where taller trees hide smaller ones. Such considerations apply in particular to Mediterranean hardwood forests. In such context, it is imperative to use the whole volume of the point cloud, however keeping computational load tractable. The authors propose the use of a methodology based on modelling the 3D-shape of the tree, which improves performance with respect to maxima-based models. A case study, performed on a hazel grove, is provided to document performance improvement on a relatively simple, but significant, case.

Research paper thumbnail of Obstacle Detection System Involving Fusion of Multiple Sensor Technologies

The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2017

Obstacle detection is a fundamental task for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as a part of a Sense ... more Obstacle detection is a fundamental task for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as a part of a Sense and Avoid system. In this study, we present a method of multi-sensor obstacle detection that demonstrated good results on different kind of obstacles. This method can be implemented on low-cost platforms involving a DSP or small FPGA. In this paper, we also present a study on the typical targets that can be tough to detect because of their characteristics of reflectivity, form factor, heterogeneity and show how data fusion can often overcome the limitations of each technology.

Research paper thumbnail of UAS imaging for archaeological survey and documentation

Photonics Applications in Astronomy, Communications, Industry, and High-Energy Physics Experiments 2013, 2013

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are extensively used in diverse fields, wherever inexpensive and ea... more Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are extensively used in diverse fields, wherever inexpensive and easy-to-deploy platforms are required for close-range remote sensing. Applications proposed in archaeology to date include ortho-photography and 3-D modeling. On the other hand, use of image processing and feature detection methods, well developed in other fields is hardly used. After reviewing technologies and methods for UAS-based surveying and surface modeling, we propose feature detection methods (e.g. line detection, texture segmentation) dedicated to extraction of structures in the images that are significant for archaeological survey, planning, and documentation and show results on selected case studies.

Research paper thumbnail of A new bio-inspired decision chain for UAV sense-and-avoid applications

SPIE Proceedings, 2012

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Uas for Archaeology – New Perspectives on Aerial Documentation

The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2013

In this work some Unmanned Aerial Systems applications are discussed and applied to archaeologica... more In this work some Unmanned Aerial Systems applications are discussed and applied to archaeological sites survey and 3D model reconstructions. Interesting results are shown for three important and different aged sites on north Sardinia (Italy). An easy and simplified procedure has proposed permitting the adoption of multi-rotor aircrafts for daily archaeological survey during excavation and documentation, involving state of art in UAS design, flight control systems, high definition sensor cameras and innovative photogrammetric software tools. Very high quality 3D models results are shown and discussed and how they have been simplified the archaeologist work and decisions.

Research paper thumbnail of Performance evaluation of UAV photogrammetric 3D reconstruction

2014 IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2014

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Active Infrared Technique for Landmine Detection: Numerical and Experimental Results

Research paper thumbnail of Experimental Validation of an Active Thermal Landmine Detection Technique

IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 2014

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Preliminary Archeological Site Survey by UAV-Borne Lidar: A Case Study

Remote Sensing

Preliminary analysis of an archaeological site requires the acquisition of information by several... more Preliminary analysis of an archaeological site requires the acquisition of information by several diverse diagnostic techniques. Remote sensing plays an important role especially in spatially extended and not easily accessible sites for the purposes of preventive and rescue archaeology, landscape archaeology, and intervention planning. In this paper, we present a case study of a detailed topographic survey based on a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV; also known as drone). The high-resolution digital terrain model, obtained from the cloud of points automatically labeled as ground, was searched exhaustively by an expert operator looking for entrances to prehistoric hypogea. The study documents the usefulness of such a technique to reveal anthropogenic structures hidden by vegetation and perform fast topographic documentation of the ground surface.

Research paper thumbnail of Remote sensing in Archaeology. The state of the art and presentation of METAdAtA research project's preliminary results

Revue Française de Photogrammétrie et de Télédétection (RFPT n°216) The application of modern rem... more Revue Française de Photogrammétrie et de Télédétection (RFPT n°216) The application of modern remote sensing technologies in archaeology is not yet widespread in all procedures. Current trends show that such technologies are still at the experimental stage and mixed solutions between classical and modern procedures are applied. The “reluctance” to move to a full implementation of these technologies demonstrates that today a step back is necessary in order to get a broader overview. In addition to these modern technologies, new technical means are being tested, such as the increasing use of drones. This article aims firstly at presenting the state of the art of such new technologies in archaeology and secondly at evaluating technical and methodological protocols through the research project “METAdAtA” and its preliminary results.

Research paper thumbnail of Performance Evaluation Of UAV Photogrammetric 3d Reconstruction

In this work we evaluate the performance of UAV-based photogrammetry for 3D building modeling, by... more In this work we evaluate the performance of UAV-based photogrammetry for 3D building modeling, by comparison with ground LiDAR data. In particular we show that accuracy of the photogrammetric model is in the order of 0.1m globally, and better than 0.05m for local measurements.

Research paper thumbnail of Perception and decision systems for autonomous UAV flight

Fundamentals, Methods and Applications, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Performance evaluation of lightweight LiDAR for UAV applications

2014 IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of A UAV-Based Thermal-Imaging Approach for the Monitoring of Urban Landfills

The monitoring of waste disposal sites is important in order to minimize leakages of biogas, prod... more The monitoring of waste disposal sites is important in order to minimize leakages of biogas, produced by anaerobic digestion and potentially explosive and detrimental to the environment. In this research, thermal imaging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been proposed as a diagnostic tool to monitor urban landfills. Since the anaerobic decomposition produces heat along with biogas, thermal anomalies recorded over the soil are likely to be associated with local biogas escaping from the landfill terrain and leaving a local thermal print. A simple and novel approach, based only on the processing of thermal maps gathered by the remote sensing surveys, has been proposed for the estimation of the fugitive methane emissions from landfills. Two case studies, concerning two Italian landfills, have been presented. For one of them (Mount Scarpino, Genoa), significant thermal anomalies were identified during several UAV flights and the relevant thermal images processed to obtain a rough ...

Research paper thumbnail of Optimal forward regression for landmine detection by thermal sensing

In this paper, starting from the GOFR algorithm, a new Forward Regression algorithm for landmine ... more In this paper, starting from the GOFR algorithm, a new Forward Regression algorithm for landmine detection and localization using thermal methods is presented. The efficiency of such algorithm is described by showing a valid representation of the typical temperature waveforms taken after heating the ground surface, and detection of temperature anomalies due to the presence of hidden objects. Optimizations to the algorithm are then showed, with the aim of a significant sampling density reduction in space and time.

Research paper thumbnail of ARS: elderly people ict Assistance and life Renovation and Stimulation

Research paper thumbnail of Airship-based LiDAR and multi-sensor forest monitoring

Research paper thumbnail of Remote sensing in archaeology. The state of the art and presentation of metadata research project's preliminary results

Revue Française de Photogrammétrie et de Télédétection, 2018

Depuis la genèse des techniques modernes de télédétection au moyen de drones, les applications se... more Depuis la genèse des techniques modernes de télédétection au moyen de drones, les applications se multiplient dans tous les domaines pour parfois devenir des outils indispensables de la recherche et de l'industrie actuelle. Cependant, dans le domaine des Sciences Humaines et tout particulièrement en archéologie ancienne (Préhistoire, Protohistoire), malgré un dynamisme indéniable, certaines techniques dites « classiques » ne cèdent pas véritablement le pas aux techniques plus modernes, pourtant plus efficaces et sources d'innovations. Certaines techniques intermédiaires, comme l'usage de théodolites ou plus récemment de GPS RTK associé aux Systèmes d'Information Géographique, se sont pourtant relativement bien implantées dans les problématiques de relevés topographiques, d'architectures et de structures archéologiques de divers types. L'incroyable bon avant que constituent les drones équipés de LiDAR, de matériel photogrammétrique et thermique, tout comme cel...

Research paper thumbnail of Single-tree detection in high-density LiDAR data from UAV-based survey

European Journal of Remote Sensing, 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicle-based LiDAR survey provides very-high-density point clouds, which involve... more Unmanned aerial vehicle-based LiDAR survey provides very-high-density point clouds, which involve very rich information about forest detailed structure, allowing for detection of individual trees, as well as demanding high computational load. Single-tree detection is of great interest for forest management and ecology purposes, and the task is relatively well solved for forests made of single or largely dominant species, and trees having a very evident pointed shape in the upper part of the canopy (in particular conifers). Most authors proposed methods based totally or partially on search of local maxima in the canopy, which has poor performance for species that have flat or irregular upper canopy, and for mixed forests, especially where taller trees hide smaller ones. Such considerations apply in particular to Mediterranean hardwood forests. In such context, it is imperative to use the whole volume of the point cloud, however keeping computational load tractable. The authors propose the use of a methodology based on modelling the 3D-shape of the tree, which improves performance with respect to maxima-based models. A case study, performed on a hazel grove, is provided to document performance improvement on a relatively simple, but significant, case.

Research paper thumbnail of Obstacle Detection System Involving Fusion of Multiple Sensor Technologies

The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2017

Obstacle detection is a fundamental task for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as a part of a Sense ... more Obstacle detection is a fundamental task for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as a part of a Sense and Avoid system. In this study, we present a method of multi-sensor obstacle detection that demonstrated good results on different kind of obstacles. This method can be implemented on low-cost platforms involving a DSP or small FPGA. In this paper, we also present a study on the typical targets that can be tough to detect because of their characteristics of reflectivity, form factor, heterogeneity and show how data fusion can often overcome the limitations of each technology.

Research paper thumbnail of UAS imaging for archaeological survey and documentation

Photonics Applications in Astronomy, Communications, Industry, and High-Energy Physics Experiments 2013, 2013

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are extensively used in diverse fields, wherever inexpensive and ea... more Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are extensively used in diverse fields, wherever inexpensive and easy-to-deploy platforms are required for close-range remote sensing. Applications proposed in archaeology to date include ortho-photography and 3-D modeling. On the other hand, use of image processing and feature detection methods, well developed in other fields is hardly used. After reviewing technologies and methods for UAS-based surveying and surface modeling, we propose feature detection methods (e.g. line detection, texture segmentation) dedicated to extraction of structures in the images that are significant for archaeological survey, planning, and documentation and show results on selected case studies.

Research paper thumbnail of A new bio-inspired decision chain for UAV sense-and-avoid applications

SPIE Proceedings, 2012

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Uas for Archaeology – New Perspectives on Aerial Documentation

The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2013

In this work some Unmanned Aerial Systems applications are discussed and applied to archaeologica... more In this work some Unmanned Aerial Systems applications are discussed and applied to archaeological sites survey and 3D model reconstructions. Interesting results are shown for three important and different aged sites on north Sardinia (Italy). An easy and simplified procedure has proposed permitting the adoption of multi-rotor aircrafts for daily archaeological survey during excavation and documentation, involving state of art in UAS design, flight control systems, high definition sensor cameras and innovative photogrammetric software tools. Very high quality 3D models results are shown and discussed and how they have been simplified the archaeologist work and decisions.

Research paper thumbnail of Performance evaluation of UAV photogrammetric 3D reconstruction

2014 IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2014

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Active Infrared Technique for Landmine Detection: Numerical and Experimental Results

Research paper thumbnail of Experimental Validation of an Active Thermal Landmine Detection Technique

IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 2014

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Preliminary Archeological Site Survey by UAV-Borne Lidar: A Case Study

Remote Sensing

Preliminary analysis of an archaeological site requires the acquisition of information by several... more Preliminary analysis of an archaeological site requires the acquisition of information by several diverse diagnostic techniques. Remote sensing plays an important role especially in spatially extended and not easily accessible sites for the purposes of preventive and rescue archaeology, landscape archaeology, and intervention planning. In this paper, we present a case study of a detailed topographic survey based on a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV; also known as drone). The high-resolution digital terrain model, obtained from the cloud of points automatically labeled as ground, was searched exhaustively by an expert operator looking for entrances to prehistoric hypogea. The study documents the usefulness of such a technique to reveal anthropogenic structures hidden by vegetation and perform fast topographic documentation of the ground surface.

Research paper thumbnail of Remote sensing in Archaeology. The state of the art and presentation of METAdAtA research project's preliminary results

Revue Française de Photogrammétrie et de Télédétection (RFPT n°216) The application of modern rem... more Revue Française de Photogrammétrie et de Télédétection (RFPT n°216) The application of modern remote sensing technologies in archaeology is not yet widespread in all procedures. Current trends show that such technologies are still at the experimental stage and mixed solutions between classical and modern procedures are applied. The “reluctance” to move to a full implementation of these technologies demonstrates that today a step back is necessary in order to get a broader overview. In addition to these modern technologies, new technical means are being tested, such as the increasing use of drones. This article aims firstly at presenting the state of the art of such new technologies in archaeology and secondly at evaluating technical and methodological protocols through the research project “METAdAtA” and its preliminary results.

Research paper thumbnail of Performance Evaluation Of UAV Photogrammetric 3d Reconstruction

In this work we evaluate the performance of UAV-based photogrammetry for 3D building modeling, by... more In this work we evaluate the performance of UAV-based photogrammetry for 3D building modeling, by comparison with ground LiDAR data. In particular we show that accuracy of the photogrammetric model is in the order of 0.1m globally, and better than 0.05m for local measurements.

Research paper thumbnail of Perception and decision systems for autonomous UAV flight

Fundamentals, Methods and Applications, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Performance evaluation of lightweight LiDAR for UAV applications

2014 IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of A UAV-Based Thermal-Imaging Approach for the Monitoring of Urban Landfills

The monitoring of waste disposal sites is important in order to minimize leakages of biogas, prod... more The monitoring of waste disposal sites is important in order to minimize leakages of biogas, produced by anaerobic digestion and potentially explosive and detrimental to the environment. In this research, thermal imaging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been proposed as a diagnostic tool to monitor urban landfills. Since the anaerobic decomposition produces heat along with biogas, thermal anomalies recorded over the soil are likely to be associated with local biogas escaping from the landfill terrain and leaving a local thermal print. A simple and novel approach, based only on the processing of thermal maps gathered by the remote sensing surveys, has been proposed for the estimation of the fugitive methane emissions from landfills. Two case studies, concerning two Italian landfills, have been presented. For one of them (Mount Scarpino, Genoa), significant thermal anomalies were identified during several UAV flights and the relevant thermal images processed to obtain a rough ...

Research paper thumbnail of Optimal forward regression for landmine detection by thermal sensing

In this paper, starting from the GOFR algorithm, a new Forward Regression algorithm for landmine ... more In this paper, starting from the GOFR algorithm, a new Forward Regression algorithm for landmine detection and localization using thermal methods is presented. The efficiency of such algorithm is described by showing a valid representation of the typical temperature waveforms taken after heating the ground surface, and detection of temperature anomalies due to the presence of hidden objects. Optimizations to the algorithm are then showed, with the aim of a significant sampling density reduction in space and time.