Interdisciplinary Journal of Civil Engineering

Interdisciplinary Journal of Civil Engineering

Optimization of Intercity Water Transmission Pipeline Routing Using High-Resolution Digital Terrain Modeling Based on UAV Photogrammetry

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Selecting the optimal route in linear water transmission projects requires high-spatial-resolution topographic data due to its direct impact on (CAPEX ), (OPEX ), and structural stability of the pipes. Aiming to provide an alternative methodology to traditional methods, this study focuses on route design based on UAV imagery and close-range photogrammetry processing. The 3D reconstruction of the environment was performed in Agisoft Metashape software using the (SfM ) algorithm, precise camera calibration, and the application of 6 (GCPs ). Processing with 80% longitudinal and 70% lateral overlap resulted in a (DEM ) with a (GSD ) of 2.4 cm and a total (RMSE ) of 23.38 cm (horizontal error of 13 cm and vertical error of 19.39 cm). By importing the layers into GIS and defining cost functions based on allowable slope, earthwork volume, and obstacles, the (LCPA ) was implemented. This level of accuracy reduced the standard deviation of cut and fill calculations to less than 5%, providing an efficient solution for the smart and sustainable management of water transmission infrastructure.
Keywords

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