Modelli Digitali del Terreno (DTM) ad alta risoluzione per il monitoraggio dei ghiacciai alpini

Digital Terrain Models of a high resolution for monitoring alpine glaciers

Abstract

The aim of the research is the 3D reconstruction of a glacier surface through the use of satellite stereoscopic images and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The project's double goal is to improve Digital Terrain Model (DTM) extraction techniques in morphologically highly complex areas and to obtain a high resolution DTM for studying, monitoring, and quantifying the glacial resource. The extraction of the high-resolution glacial surface DTM faces different challenges due to the extreme physical variability of the surface. Glacier ice is a continuously moving deformable material that can locally generate morphologically complex structures such as seracs and crevasses. These features show a seasonal variability linked to meteorological conditions. An additional reason of complexity is the presence of debris (surface moraines) and snow cover: they can apparently alter the spatial shape of the glacier as well as its own elevation. The aim of the research is to identify a fast, reproducible, and reliable method to support the traditional glacier survey and monitoring techniques. From the technological point of view, we also want to verify the chances offered by new remote sensing acquisition systems and relevant elaboration software. This first part of the research has been of value in proving the reliability of the aerial and satellite images plane/elevation data elaboration system, in checking the acquisition difficulties and costs, and in testing the utilization limits of the remote sensed data.