ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the outlook of obtaining topographic data from different viewpoints. Since remote sensing technologies have emerged, quality of topographic data has dramatically improved. It further examines three advanced small-format surveying platforms, i.e. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for aerial-based surveys; mobile mapping systems (MMS) for land-based surveys; and unmanned surface vehicles (USV) for aquatic-based surveys. Large improvements in topographic data acquisitions can also be found in many smaller and cheaper surveying tools. Some surveying tools these days can be multi-installed into the same small-format platforms. Amongst these tools, some new cameras can reveal their hidden capability for performing in low-light situations, which could be helpful for some difficult surveying conditions. Almost all new digital camera sensors are sensitive for not only visible spectrums but also near infrared (NIR) spectrums. Apart from the research, two Nikon D5100 digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras were modified for night-vision surveys.
