3D Geologic Mapping and Characterization Using Digital Outcrop Models Generated from Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles and Structure-From-Motion Photogrammetry
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University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies The Vault: Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020-07-17 3D Geologic Mapping and Characterization Using Digital Outcrop Models Generated from Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles and Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry Nesbit, Paul Ryan Nesbit, P. R. (2020). 3D Geologic Mapping and Characterization Using Digital Outcrop Models Generated from Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles and Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry (Unpublished doctoral thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/112321 doctoral thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY 3D Geologic Mapping and Characterization Using Digital Outcrop Models Generated from Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles and Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry by Paul Ryan Nesbit A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY GRADUATE PROGRAM IN GEOGRAPHY CALGARY, ALBERTA JULY, 2020 © Paul Ryan Nesbit 2020 Abstract Outcrops are a primary source of geologic information and key in developing knowledge for teaching, training, and research. Observations from outcrop exposures provide opportunities to directly characterize detailed sedimentological composition, architectural characteristics, and link observations across various scales. Conventional field mapping techniques have remained largely unchanged for the past two centuries and are commonly limited in their ability to quantitatively constrain measurements, extend observations laterally, and document features at multiple scales. Recently, technological advances in uninhabited/unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have prompted wide use in various geoscience disciplines to supplement field data with quantifiable digital information. However, application of UAVs to geologic mapping has been limited, due to unique challenges in data collection, processing, analysis, and visualization predominantly associated with intricate 3D exposures in complex topographic settings. This dissertation is focused on detailed investigation of 3D mapping, analysis, and dissemination from UAV-derived digital outcrop models (DOMs) that can potentially provide multi-scale perspectives and quantitative measurements that were previously difficult, or impossible to achieve with conventional field methods alone. ii Preface This thesis is the original work of the author, Paul Ryan Nesbit, with the exception of contributions from co-authors as explicitly described below. Where appropriate, the terms 'we’ and 'our' are used throughout chapters (published manuscripts) comprising this thesis. Chapter 2 has been reproduced with minor modifications from Nesbit et al. (2018) titled '3-D stratigraphic mapping using a digital outcrop model derived from UAV images and structure- from-motion photogrammetry', published in the Geological Society of America peer-reviewed journal Geosphere [doi:10.1130/GES01688.1], with permission from the Geological Society of America and written consent of each co-author (Appendix B). Research design, methodology, analysis, and writing of this manuscript were performed by the author under the supervision of Christopher H. Hugenholtz. Paul R. Durkin and Stephen M. Hubbard provided expert assistance in understanding facies and stratigraphic architecture within the Dinosaur Provincial Park field area. Digital datasets were collected (with assistance from Paul R. Durkin and Maja Kucharczyk), processed, and analyzed by the author. Original field datasets used for comparison were collected by Paul R. Durkin and Stephen M. Hubbard with field assistance from Zennon Weleschuk, Daniel Niquet, and Reid van Drecht. The manuscript was greatly improved through several revisions from Christopher H. Hugenholtz, Paul R. Durkin, Stephen M. Hubbard, and Maja Kucharczyk. Chapter 3 has been reproduced in this thesis with minor modifications from Nesbit and Hugenholtz (2019) titled 'Enhancing UAV-SfM 3D model accuracy in high-relief landscapes by incorporating oblique images', published in the peer-reviewed journal Remote Sensing iii [doi:10.3390/rs11030239], with permission from Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) and written consent of co-authors (Appendix B). This research was conceptualized, designed, and written by the author under the supervision of Christopher H. Hugenholtz. Datasets were collected by the author with field assistance from Paul R. Durkin and Maja Kucharczyk. Processing and analysis of all datasets were performed by the author. This original manuscript was written and prepared by the author with input on analysis, content review, and editing by Christopher H. Hugenholtz. Chapter 4 is in preparation for submission to a peer-reviewed internationally reputable journal as Nesbit, P.R., Hubbard, S.M., Daniels, B.G., Englert, R.G., Bell, D., and Hugenholtz, C.H., 'Digital re-evaluation of down-dip channel fill architecture in deep-water slope deposits: multi- scale perspectives from UAV-SfM.' Research design, methodology, analysis, and writing of this manuscript were performed by the author under the supervision of Christopher H. Hugenholtz. The author collaborated with Stephen M. Hubbard for research design and framing. Datasets were collected, processed, and analyzed by the author. Stephen M. Hubbard, Benjamin G. Daniels, Rebecca Englert, and Daniel Bell provided expertise in understanding digital observations of facies and stratigraphic architecture within the deep-water channel deposits of the Tres Pasos Formation. Conventional field-based datasets were collected and prepared by Benjamin G. Daniels. This manuscript has undergone review from several co-authors, including Stephen M. Hubbard, Benjamin G. Daniels, Rebecca G. Englert, and Daniel Bell whose suggestions and comments have improved the manuscript. iv Chapter 5 has been reproduced with minor modifications from Nesbit et al. (2020) titled 'Visualization and sharing of 3D Digital Outcrop Models to promote open science' published in the Geological Society of America peer-reviewed journal GSA Today [doi:10.1130/GSATG425A.1], with permission from the Geological Society of America and written consent of all co-authors (Appendix B). Contents of this chapter were designed and written by the author under the supervision of Christopher H. Hugenholtz. The author generated the content and user interfaces within the Unity platform with assistance from Adam D. Boulding. Data collection was performed by the author with field assistance from Paul R. Durkin and Mozhou Gao. Data processing was completed by the author. Interpretations and content included in final user visualization platforms was guided by experts in the Dinosaur Provincial Park field area, Paul R. Durkin and Stephen M. Hubbard. Christopher H. Hugenholtz, Stephen M. Hubbard, Paul R. Durkin, and Adam D. Boulding provided thoughtful revisions to written and graphical content that improved the manuscript and accompanying materials. v Acknowledgements I owe a great deal of gratitude to a number of people in my life who have made this personal achievement possible through funding opportunities, intellectual input, and moral support. First, I want to express my appreciation to the University of Calgary and my supervisor, Dr. Chris Hugenholtz, for making this research and relocation of my family possible through an Eyes High Doctoral Scholarship. I want to thank Chris for inspiring me to grow as a researcher, writer, and educator – I would not be here without your guidance, support, and encouragement. I am grateful to my supervisory committee, Dr. Steve Hubbard and Dr. Darren Sjogren, who provided counsel, insight, and care in my academic and professional development. I must thank a number of co-authors: Dr. Paul Durkin, Dr. Ben Daniels, Dr. Daniel Bell, Maja Kucharczyk, Rebecca Englert, and Adam Boulding, who provided expertise and were critical in completing this work. I am extremely fortunate to have amazing family and friends who have been there for me through my upbringing and during this endeavor. Many that have passed through Earth Sciences at U of C have made this journey truly enjoyable and have developed into lasting relationships. Lifelong friends and extended family in California have continued to provide the encouragement and love I needed to reach my goals and keep our family connected to home. I must send love to my family, who are my role models and have made this all possible. To my parents – thank you for being my biggest advocates, even for the tough decision to move to Calgary. To my sister – I continue to look up to you and your family, who bring me so much joy, though we are far away. Finally, to my partner, Elsa – I am forever indebted to you for your readiness to move abroad (though serendipitous) and for your optimism, selflessness, and love that have carried me through the toughest times. Truly, none of this would have been possible without you. ~ I sincerely thank you all vi Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Preface