May 17, 2022
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Article
Hybrid Gold

3D model generated from UAV photogrammetry and semi-automated rock mass characterization

Publicated to: COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES. 163 105121- - 2022-06-01 163(), DOI: 10.1016/j.cageo.2022.105121

Authors:

Herrero, Maria J; Perez-Fortes, A Patricia; Escavy, Jose I; Insua-Arevalo, Juan M; Horra, Raiul De la; Lopez-Acevedo, Francisco; Trigos, Laura
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Affiliations

Univ Complutense Madrid, Fac CC Geol, Dept Geodinam Estratig & Paleontol, Madrid, Spain - Author
Univ Complutense Madrid, Fac Geol, Dept Mineral & Petrol, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, Dept Ingn & Morfol Terreno, ETSICCP, Madrid, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, Dept Ingn Civil Construcc, ETSICCP, Madrid, Spain - Author
Universidad Complutense de Madrid - Author
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid - Author
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Abstract

This work develops a rock mass characterization of a limestone quarry in northern Spain based on a 3D model obtained by using photographs taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight and structure-from-motion algorithms. This methodology permits to obtain photogrammetric information in a rapid and low-cost way. Geological planar facets (stratification, faults) are related to the tectonic history of a geological formation and permit assessing slope stability. The spatial orientation of planar features is usually measured with a compass and clinometer, which requires experience and knowledge, it is space limited, and sometimes hazardous. Geological 3D models can mitigate these limitations. A 3D point cloud generated from a series of images obtained using an UAV is included in the open-access applications DSE and FACET, which serve to determine the main discontinuity planes within a limestone quarry. Comparison of the results from software analyses with data hand-measured directly in the field reveals the effectiveness of the use of UAV to develop a virtual outcrop model that permits to obtain accurate measurements. The resultant quarry 3D model has been included in Sketchfab, an open access platform that permits easy and quick access and availability for a wide audience. This study shows that the use of UAV combined with structure-from-motion algorithms is of great interest for geosciences as well as other related disciplines such as mining or civil engineering, and can facilitate decision-making for policy makers and authorities. In addition, it is a technique of great use to develop rock mass characterization in a low-cost, rapid, and easy way, and permits to reach areas with difficult accessibility. This way, this methodology can also be very useful for geosciences teaching purposes, as a complement to traditional field lectures, or to develop virtual field trips and laboratories.
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Keywords

3d modelsbeltdiscontinuitieslidarorientationsphotogrammetryrecognitionsemi-automated rock-mass characterizationslopesystemtectonicsthrust3d modelsPhotogrammetrySemi-automated rock-mass characterizationStability assessmentUav

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2022, it was in position 40/202, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Geosciences, Multidisciplinary.

From a relative perspective, and based on the normalized impact indicator calculated from World Citations provided by WoS (ESI, Clarivate), it yields a value for the citation normalization relative to the expected citation rate of: 4.85. This indicates that, compared to works in the same discipline and in the same year of publication, it ranks as a work cited above average. (source consulted: ESI Nov 13, 2025)

This information is reinforced by other indicators of the same type, which, although dynamic over time and dependent on the set of average global citations at the time of their calculation, consistently position the work at some point among the top 50% most cited in its field:

  • Weighted Average of Normalized Impact by the Scopus agency: 4.92 (source consulted: FECYT Mar 2025)

Specifically, and according to different indexing agencies, this work has accumulated citations as of 2026-04-25, the following number of citations:

  • WoS: 53
  • Scopus: 62
  • Google Scholar: 55
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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-25:

  • The use, from an academic perspective evidenced by the Altmetric agency indicator referring to aggregations made by the personal bibliographic manager Mendeley, gives us a total of: 101.
  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 98 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

  • The Total Score from Altmetric: 1.
  • The number of mentions on the social network X (formerly Twitter): 1 (Altmetric).

It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

  • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
  • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/92868/

As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

  • Views: 31
  • Downloads: 34
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Leadership analysis of institutional authors

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: Last Author (TRIGOS LUQUE, LAURA).

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Project objectives

Los objetivos perseguidos en esta aportación son analizar la caracterización del macizo rocoso de una cantera de piedra caliza mediante un modelo 3D generado por fotogrametría con UAV y algoritmos structure-from-motion; evaluar la eficacia de modelos geológicos 3D para mitigar limitaciones de medición tradicionales en campo; determinar los planos de discontinuidad principales utilizando aplicaciones de acceso abierto como DSE y FACET; comparar resultados obtenidos por software con mediciones manuales para validar la precisión del modelo virtual; facilitar el acceso público al modelo 3D mediante su inclusión en la plataforma Sketchfab; y promover el uso de esta metodología como herramienta rápida, económica y segura para geociencias, minería, ingeniería civil y docencia.
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Most relevant results

El estudio presenta una caracterización del macizo rocoso en una cantera de caliza mediante un modelo 3D generado con fotogrametría UAV y algoritmos structure-from-motion. Los resultados más relevantes son: i) la obtención rápida y económica de información fotogramétrica precisa; ii) la identificación y análisis de planos discontinuos principales mediante aplicaciones DSE y FACET; iii) la validación de mediciones virtuales frente a datos manuales de campo, demostrando alta efectividad; iv) la inclusión del modelo 3D en la plataforma de acceso abierto Sketchfab, facilitando su difusión; y v) la demostración de la utilidad de esta metodología para geociencias, minería, ingeniería civil y docencia, especialmente en áreas de difícil acceso.
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