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Image enhancement is the process of improving the quality of a digital image. Improved image quality is one of the goals of the ongoing effort to improve the information content and interpretability of satellite images. Two sets of remote sensing data were collected for this region: one from the SPOT-4 (2018) satellite and the other from the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) Landsat 7 (2020) satellite. This study used two images taken at various spatial resolutions of the same location. Two images are shown here: one with a 30 m spatial resolution and the other with a 5 m resolution with multispectral processing. The results indicate that integrating spatial and spectral resolution using geomatics techniques significantly benefits various applications. Before merging the images, it was root mean square error (RMSE) 11.55 Easting, 5.77 Northing and became 1.52 Easting, 1.45 Northing after merging the images. After implementing the approach, the resulting fusing image exhibits enhanced spatial resolution, and the resulting multispectral image has excellent spatial as well as spectral resolution. Finally, the improved combined image with great spatial and spectral resolution is prepared for analysis and classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the features of the internal structure of the geological layers adjacent to the Polychrome Hall ceiling of the Cave of Altamira (Spain) and their link to the distribution of moisture and geological discontinuities mainly as fractures, joints, bedding planes and detachments, using 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) mapping. In this research, 3D GPR data were collected with 300 MHz, 800 MHz and 1.6 GHz center frequency antennas. The data recorded with these three frequency antennas were combined to further our understanding of the layout of geological discontinuities and how they link to the moisture or water inputs that infiltrate and reach the ceiling surface where the rock art of the Polychrome Hall is located. The same 1 × 1 m2 area was adopted for 3D data acquisition with the three antennas, obtaining 3D isosurface (isoattribute-surface) images of internal distribution of moisture and structural features of the Polychrome Hall ceiling. The results derived from this study reveal significant insights into the overlying karst strata of Polychrome Hall, particularly the interface between the Polychrome Layer and the underlying Dolomitic Layer. The results show moisture patterns associated with geological features such as fractures, joints, detachments of strata and microcatchments, elucidating the mechanisms driving capillary rise and water infiltration coming from higher altitudes. The study primarily identifies areas of increased moisture content, correlating with earlier observations and enhancing our understanding of water infiltration patterns. This underscores the utility of 3D GPR as an essential tool for informing and putting conservation measures into practice. By delineating subsurface structures and moisture dynamics, this research contributes to a deeper analysis of the deterioration processes directly associated with the infiltration water both in this ceiling and in the rest of the Cave of Altamira, providing information to determine its future geological and hydrogeological evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenological data observed on Earth, along with satellite data, are crucial tools for identifying the growing season of vegetation. Using a geostatistical approach, this study aimed to determine the seasonal dynamics of sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] in Chihuahua and their relationship with climate variability. The metrics of the start (SOS) and end (EOS) of the growing season of this species in the state of Chihuahua were calculated. In addition, the effect of air temperature and precipitation on the dynamics of SOS and EOS during the 2000-2010 and 2011-2019 periods was evaluated. The treatments considered the three ecological regions (desert, central valleys, and mountain) and the years of recording. The state was studied through three ecological zones: desert (D), central valleys (CV), and sierra (S) for comparison. The SOS and EOS of sideoats grama in each zone were defined annually from Landsat data during the 2000-2019 period based on the dynamics of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The SOS ranged from May to June [average Julian day (doy)=174], while the EOS ranged from October to November [average Julian day (doy)=283]. There was a delay in SOS in zone D; the stunted growth of sideoats grama in the spring season may be due to a relative scarcity of water; however, the higher temperature in spring makes it easier to meet the thermal requirements for the species’ growth. These findings suggest that climate variability significantly impacts the seasonal dynamics of sideoats grama, which may influence the management strategies of these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid technological development that geomatics has been experiencing in recent years is leading to increasing ease, productivity and reliability of three-dimensional surveys, with portable laser scanner systems based on Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology, gradually replacing traditional techniques in certain applications. Although the performance of such systems in terms of point cloud accuracy and noise level has been deeply investigated in the literature, there are fewer works about the evaluation of their use for surface reconstruction, cartographic production, and as-built Building Information Model (BIM) creation. The objective of this study is to assess the suitability of SLAM devices for surface modeling in an urban/architectural environment. To this end, analyses are carried out on the datasets acquired by three commercial portable laser scanners in the context of a benchmark organized in 2023 by the Italian Society of Photogrammetry and Topography (SIFET). In addition to the conventional point cloud assessment, we propose a comparison between the reconstructed mesh and a ground-truth model, employing a model-to-model methodology. The outcomes are promising, with the average distance between models ranging from 0.2 to 1.4 cm. However, the surfaces modeled from the terrestrial laser scanning point cloud show a level of detail that is still unmatched by SLAM systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between August and November 2016, three major earthquake events occurred in Central Italy. The first event, with M6.1, took place on 24 August 2016, the second (M5.9) on 26 October, and the third (M6.5) on 30 October 2016. As part of the Italy-US GEER team investigation, we recorded the amplitude and character of offset on the Mount Vettore Fault Zone (MVFZ) using traditional manual field recording and mapping techniques and advanced state-of-the-art geomatics methods of LIDAR and Structure From Motion.Extensive field surveys by INGV geologists and the GEER team were performed on the flanks of Mt Vettore after the 24 August and 30 October events, and a limited survey was done between the two October events by INGV. These surveys indicated normal offset on several strands of the MVFZ, along the upper flanks of Mount Vettore and on the Piano Grande basin floor. The primary trace of the fault had measurable offset up to 215 cm in the northern section of the fault (42.810N-42.818N), and lesser offsets in the southern and central portion of the fault (42.796N-42.810N). In tandem with the traditional field recording of offset, we collected TLS-LIDAR at several locations and flew approximately 5 km of the fault with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to image the offsets. Lidar and Structure-from-Motion point cloud models were merged to construct a virtual topographic model of the fault. Comparison between the virtual offsets in the point cloud data and the field measurements at the same location found close agreement within 20% of the measured field values. The results indicate that LIDAR and UAS-based methods for collecting and analyzing topographic fault offsets are accurate and potentially greatly improve the magnitude of fault offset data sets from events with measurable surface rupture.

Although the field of geomatics has seen multiple technological advances in recent years which enabled new applications and simplified the consolidated ones, some tasks remain challenging, inefficient, and time- and cost-consuming. This is the case of accurate tridimensional surveys of narrow spaces. Static laser scanning is an accurate and reliable approach but impractical for extensive tunnel environments; on the other hand, portable laser scanning is time-effective and efficient but not very reliable without ground control constraints. This paper describes the development process of a novel image-based multi-camera system meant to solve this specific problem: delivering accurate, reliable, and efficient results. The development is illustrated from the system conceptualization and initial investigations to the design choices and requirements for accuracy. The resulting working prototype has been put to the test to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porches, as defined by the Art & Architecture Thesaurus, serve as vital transitional spaces linking indoor and outdoor environments. Despite their historical and contemporary significance, porches lack explicit representation in prevalent standards like CityGML and IndoorGML, posing challenges for comprehensive spatial modeling and its application. This paper proposes a method for modeling porches that aligns with the existing OGC standard CityGML 3.0, ensuring accuracy and compatibility. Drawing upon geomatics techniques, the method aims to bridge the gap in representing these spaces, critical for applications such as navigation systems, urban planning, and energy simulations. By integrating geometric, machine learning, and informative modeling approaches, this method seeks to provide a robust foundation for various practical applications. The paper outlines a comprehensive state-of-the-art review, describes the proposed method from digitalization to random forest (RF)-based point cloud classification and vectorization, presents case studies and results, and offers critical discussions and conclusions. Through this endeavor, the paper contributes to enhancing the representation and understanding of porches within the digital spatial landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the fundamental role of integrating different geomatics and geophysical imaging technologies in understanding and preserving cultural heritage, with a focus on the Pavilion of Charles V in Seville (Spain). Using a terrestrial laser scanner, global navigation satellite system, and ground-penetrating radar, we constructed a building information modelling (BIM) system to derive comprehensive decision-making models to preserve this historical asset. These models enable the generation of virtual reconstructions, encompassing not only the building but also its subsurface, distributable as augmented reality or virtual reality online. By leveraging these technologies, the research investigates complex details of the pavilion, capturing its current structure and revealing insights into past soil compositions and potential subsurface structures. This detailed analysis empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions about conservation and management. Furthermore, transparent data sharing fosters collaboration, advancing collective understanding and practices in heritage preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While public land ownership represents a significant lever for controlling and regulating land development, our understanding of this subject remains partial, as only a portion is recorded in cadastral data. Notably, the non-registered domain, primarily encompassing public land, is not taken into account in the main databases on land ownership. This article proposes a method for identifying the public domain and tracking its evolution trough a geomatic processing chain. The method enhances historicized cadastral data, thus providing a better match between non-registered space and the public domain. Case studies conducted in Bordeaux Metropole and Rennes Metropole reveal that the public domain, despite being theoretically inalienable and imprescriptible, is undergoing significant changes. Although the trends may seem minor, urbanization dynamics are emerging on public land, evading the current institutional assessments of space consumption. Furthermore, this research indicates a yearly reduction in the public domain’s area, particularly in favor of housing development. This highlights an overlooked dimension of the privatization of public land ownership.

Summary: China’s pursuit of photovoltaic (PV) power, particularly rooftop installations, addresses energy and ecological challenges, aiming to reduce basic energy consumption by 50% by 2030. The northwest region, with its solar potential, is a focal point for distributed PV growth, which has already exceeded 50% of the energy mix by 2021. This study assesses the rooftop PV potential in five northwestern capitals, finding favorable conditions such as ample space, dense populations, and high sunlight exposure. Cities like Yinchuan and Xining are highlighted for their high projected annual PV yields. Although there is a negative correlation between surface temperature and vegetation coverage, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) numerical simulation found that large-scale deployment of rooftop photovoltaics will not have a significant impact on the vegetation ecology of the area. The research underscores the significant role of rooftop PV in achieving China’s energy and climate goals in its northwestern urban centers.

Landslides represent a growing threat among the various morphological processes that cause damage to territories. To address this problem and prevent the associated risks, it is essential to quickly find adequate methodologies capable of predicting these phenomena in advance. The following study focuses on the implementation of an experimental WebGIS infrastructure designed and built to predict the susceptibility index of a specific presumably at-risk area in real time (using specific input data) and in response to extreme weather events (such as heavy rain). The climate data values are calculated through an innovative and experimental atmospheric simulator developed by the authors, which is capable of providing data on meteorological variables with high spatial precision. To this end, the terrain is represented through cellular automata, implementing a suitable neural network useful for producing the desired output. The effectiveness of this methodology was tested on two debris flow events that occurred in the Calabria region, specifically in the province of Reggio Calabria, in 2001 and 2005, which caused extensive damage. The (forecast) results obtained with the proposed methodology were compared with the (known) historical data, confirming the effectiveness of the method in predicting (and therefore signaling the possibility of an imminent landslide event) a higher susceptibility index than the known one and one provided (to date) by the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), validating the result obtained through the actual subsequent occurrence of a landslide event in the area under investigation. Therefore, the method proposed today is not aimed at predicting the local movement of a small landslide area, but is primarily aimed at predicting the change or improving the variation of the landslide susceptibility index to compare the predicted value with the current one provided by the relevant bodies (ISPRA), thus signaling an alert for the entire area under investigation.

Mount Meager is a deeply eroded quaternary volcanic complex located in southwestern British Columbia (BC) and is known for its frequent large landslides. In 2010, the south face of Mount Meager collapsed, generating a long-runout debris avalanche that was one of the largest landslides (50 × 106 m3) in Canadian history. Over the past 14 years, the landslide deposit has been reworked by stream action, delivering large amounts of sediment to Lillooet River, just downstream. In this study, we investigate 10 years of geomorphic evolution of the landslide deposit using orthophotos and digital elevation models (DEMs) generated using Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry on aerial photographs acquired during unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) surveys. The SfM products were used to produce a series of precise maps that highlight the geomorphological changes along the lower Meager Creek within the runout area of the landslide. Comparison of DEMs produced from 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2019 imagery allowed us to calculate deposit volume changes related to erosion, transport, and redeposition of landslide material. We estimate that about 1.1 × 106 m3 of sediment was eroded from the landslide deposit over the period 2015–2019. About 5.2 × 105 m3 of that sediment was redeposited inside the study area. About 5.8 × 105 m3 of sediment, mainly sand, silt, and clay, were exported from the study area and are being carried by Lillooet River towards Pemberton, 40 km from Mount Meager, and farther downstream. These remobilized sediments likely reduce the Lillooet River channel capacity and thus increase flood hazards to the communities of Pemberton and Mount Currie. Our study indicates a landslide persistence in the landscape, with an estimated 47-year half-life decay, suggesting that higher flood hazard conditions related to increased sediment supply may last longer than previously estimated. This study shows the value of using SfM in tandem with historic aerial photographs, UAV photos, and high-resolution satellite imagery for determining sediment budgets in fluvial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate cave surveying is crucial for understanding their genesis, current state, and potential hazards, especially in challenging environments marked by limited accessibility and poor visibility. This study applies geomatics techniques, including Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), SLAM-based Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS), and digital photogrammetry, to create three-dimensional models of artificial caves in Gravina in Puglia, Apulia region, southern Italy. The research aims to assess these methodologies' accuracy, reliability, and performance for structural monitoring and hazard assessment. Despite challenges such as rough conditions, limited accessibility and poor visibility, the study reveals promising insights into the capabilities of these techniques for efficient surveying in complex underground environments. While highlighting the potential of MMS for cost-effective and rapid data acquisition, digital photogrammetry using spherical cameras also emerges as a viable alternative, offering comprehensive data collection capabilities with minimal capture time. Further research is warranted to optimize these techniques for enhanced hazard assessment and structural monitoring in challenging underground environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogeological risks that are associated with rivers have emerged as a significant concern worldwide, impacting both natural ecosystems and human settlements. This contribution presents an interdisciplinary project that leverages many technologies for data-acquisition and modeling to comprehensively analyze and manage risks in riverine environments. The project integrates geomatics, geological, and hydrological techniques to provide a holistic understanding of river dynamics and their associated hazards. As a central component of this project, geomatics plays a pivotal role in instrumental field surveying through the deployment of photogrammetry and LiDAR instruments. Remote-sensing data from satellite imagery further enriches the project's temporal analysis capabilities. By analyzing this data over time, researchers can monitor changes in river patterns, land use, and climate-related variables; this helps identify trends and potential triggers for hydrological events. To manage and integrate the vast amount of geospatial information that is generated, a geodatabase within a geographic information system (GIS) has been established. It enables efficient data storage, retrieval, and analysis, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary researcher teams. This system offers tools for risk-assessment, modeling, and scenario planning; these allow for proactive measures for mitigating hydrological risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides represent a growing threat among the various morphological processes that cause damage to territories. To address this problem and prevent the associated risks, it is essential to quickly find adequate methodologies capable of predicting these phenomena in advance. The following study focuses on the implementation of an experimental WebGIS infrastructure designed and built to predict the susceptibility index of a specific presumably at-risk area in real time (using specific input data) and in response to extreme weather events (such as heavy rain). The climate data values are calculated through an innovative and experimental atmospheric simulator developed by the authors, which is capable of providing data on meteorological variables with high spatial precision. To this end, the terrain is represented through cellular automata, implementing a suitable neural network useful for producing the desired output. The effectiveness of this methodology was tested on two debris flow events that occurred in the Calabria region, specifically in the province of Reggio Calabria, in 2001 and 2005, which caused extensive damage. The (forecast) results obtained with the proposed methodology were compared with the (known) historical data, confirming the effectiveness of the method in predicting (and therefore signaling the possibility of an imminent landslide event) a higher susceptibility index than the known one and one provided (to date) by the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), validating the result obtained through the actual subsequent occurrence of a landslide event in the area under investigation. Therefore, the method proposed today is not aimed at predicting the local movement of a small landslide area, but is primarily aimed at predicting the change or improving the variation of the landslide susceptibility index to compare the predicted value with the current one provided by the relevant bodies (ISPRA), thus signaling an alert for the entire area under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this present study is to classify and map the landscape of Zawita, Iraq. Different classification methods of the slope characteristics were considered such as slope degree, slope arching, slope direction, slope direction, hills shade, young classification, Demek classification. Digital Elevation Model was downloaded from USGS (2022) and applied as input data to classify and analyze the slope. The finding out that the area is identified as an elevated area. The elevation of the area is ranged between 520-1500 meters above sea level, which indicate the intensity and effectiveness of the alpine movements. Among analyzing the maps, the area is considered as arisky and sensitive to geomorphological hazards which made the area unstable. Most of the slopes of the study area is ranged from 2-34.9 degrees and this different degree of slopes is a consequent risk of high erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) is an irreplaceable resource with intrinsic value that requires preservation, documentation, and safeguarding. Documentation is fundamental to increasing UCH resilience, providing a basis for monitoring, conservation, and management. Advanced UCH documentation and virtualization technologies are increasingly important for dissemination and visualization purposes, domain expert study, replica reproduction, degradation monitoring, and all other outcomes after a metric survey of cultural heritage (CH). Among the different metric documentation techniques, underwater photogrammetry is the most widely used for UCH documentation. It is a non-destructive and relatively inexpensive method that can produce high-resolution 3D models and 2D orthomosaics of underwater sites and artifacts. However, underwater photogrammetry is challenged by the different optical properties of water, light penetration, visibility and suspension, radiometric issues, and environmental drawbacks that make underwater documentation difficult. This paper introduces some of the recent applications of photogrammetric techniques and methods for UCH documentation, as well as the needs and shortcomings of the current state of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands, like any other ecosystem, have important characteristics (hydrology, soil, vegetation) that distinguish them from other ecosystems and allow them to provide vital habitats for insects, fish, birds, and other wildlife. Wetlands in the Wilaya of Oran, Algeria, include the Great Sebkha, the marshes of Macta, Lake Telamine, and the salt pans of Arzew, all known for their rich diversity of fauna and flora, are known worldwide for their ecological importance. The objective of this work is to develop an operational geomatic approach for the delineation, evaluation and use of information on North African wetlands. The Digital Atlas made it possible to highlight another aspect of this significant diversity of wetlands in western Algeria, through a new technique for presenting the results used in a web mapping. In the context of global changes driving a steep erosion of biodiversity, this study shows the importance of wetlands in western Algeria and allows citizens to learn about the richness, beauty and extent of their natural heritage. It contributes to public awareness and provides a valuable assessment and evaluation tool available to decision makers and professionals in the field of nature management and conservation. The findings of this study demonstrate, among other things, that considerable scientific advances of a practical kind may be made in the field of remote sensing. These can potentially be linked to managers' needs for tools to inventory and delineate wetlands and to monitor wetland development and conservation status. The Digital Atlas made it possible to discover another aspect of the consequent diversity of North African wetlands, through a new technique of presenting results in the context of web mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Space geodetic and optical imaging techniques are employed to assess the coastal vulnerability index (CVI) in order to adapt to the contemporary approach to coastal classification. Satellite altimeter, Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) and integrated multi-satellite retrievals for GPM (IMERG) were among the satellite data used. The variables were deemed adequate based on the spatiotemporal estimates, then were quantified through expert-weighted scores and integrated into a single index over the Terengganu coastal area. The CVI findings performed better with eight variables, showing higher overall accuracy (70.83%), Kappa coefficient (59.02%), and area under curve (AUC) (0.8) than the conventional six variables. Vulnerability rankings are distributed relatively evenly across the Terengganu coast, with the moderate (2) ranking being the most predominant at 27.2% of the total area. Space geodetic and optical imagery techniques prove highly beneficial to CVI assessment, offering a viable alternative to traditional methods, especially for broader-scale coastal management.

Noise simulations are an important part of noise studies that investigate the impact of noise sources on the environment. In noise simulation, noise levels at receiver points are calculated based on the noise propagation paths between the receiver and source points. These paths are derived from the height of the terrain. In current calculation approaches implemented in noise simulation software, 3D polylines are used as input to describe the height of the terrain. These 3D polylines are semi-automatically generated to meet the highly demanding computing performance of simulation software. In addition, previous research showed that the reconstruction of appropriate height lines as used in noise simulation is very difficult to automate, if not impossible As a solution, this research investigates how noise propagation paths between receiver and source points can directly be generated from a Triangulate Irregular Network (TIN) without creating the height lines. This would allow us to use the automatically generated TIN as input for noise simulation instead of the height lines. In addition, a TIN enables better control of the quality of the data than height lines do. This study uses the 3D noise modeling guidelines of Common Noise Assessment Methods in Europe (CNOSSOS-EU). Algorithms have been developed and implemented in a prototype to generate and validate the paths between receiver and source points using a TIN that includes the buildings as well as the noise absorption properties of the terrain. The prototype is successfully tested on two scenarios from the Netherlands. Since CNOSSOS-EU guidelines were used, the prototype is applicable to the entire European Union and can be the first step in improving the automation of 3D noise modeling using currently available techniques and data.

This work presents the results of a geomatic survey conducted on the Anatomical Machines within the Sansevero Chapel in Naples, Italy. These anatomical artifacts have the unique characteristics of being upright standing skeletons with nearly intact circulatory systems. Previous research revealed that the intricate vascular systems, once believed to be natural, are instead elaborate reconstructions made using materials such as beeswax and dyes.In response to the lack of metric data of these models, a series of geomatic surveys has been conducted to create the Machines' 3D models. This study discusses the theoretical and practical challenges associated with surveying these complex and fragile artifacts, emphasising the need for accurate extraction techniques to overcome the limitations imposed by the wooden cases in which they are encased. Two distinct approaches were used: a photogrammetric reconstruction and a laser scanning survey to overcome some logistical difficulties encountered. Despite the challenges, the 3D models' analysis gave satisfactory results.This work addresses the palaeopathological and anatomical questions related to the Anatomical Machines by leveraging non-invasive geomatic methodologies, shedding light on the complexities of surveying historically significant artifacts and aiming at further establishing a valuable foundation for improving these modelling techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital and spatial techniques, such as reality-based surveying and 3D modelling, have long been used in archaeology. However, in recent years the use of these techniques has gained importance also in the history of architecture, a discipline in which these data can help to interpret traditionally used, but often incomplete, written sources (Tucci et al. 2021; Fiorini et al. 2023).This paper is about an aspect of the eighteenth-century renovations of Palazzo Vecchio. It focuses attention on a small terrace that runs alongside the exterior facade of the Sala dei Cinquecento and to which there is no entrance. The question this paper seeks to answer is: why during eighteenth-century renovations it was decided to exclude the existing entrance to the terrace from the accessible spaces? Using geomatics techniques, it has been possible to identify the location of the enclosed spaces in relation to other parts of the building (Tucci, 2017).In accordance with the criteria of Spatial Humanities, the present research is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach based on the analysis and interpretation of data obtained from archival sources (Archivio Storico Comunale di Firenze, Fototeca Comunale di Firenze, Archivio Centrale di Stato di Roma, Archivio di Stato di Firenze, Gabinetto fotografico degli Uffizi, Catalogo Generale Beni Culturali, Biblioteca Nazionale), the consultation of relevant published iconographic sources in libraries, and the interpretation of 3D data and architectural elements discovered during the onsite survey of the area between the inner and outer southern façades of the Sala dei Cinquecento.The first part of this essay focus on the southern façade of the Sala dei Cinquecento and aims to demonstrate to what extent the Carlo Falconieri's modification altered the general appearance of the façade. The second part, aims to clarify the architectural phases or aspects of the southern façade of the Sala dei Cinquecento before Falconieri's works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Coastal zones are characterized by a complex interaction between continental and marine ecosystems. They are often subject to anthropogenic and natural pressures such as urbanization, pollution, erosion, storms, and the impact of climate change. It is an environment that requires sustainable management to preserve its biodiversity and ecosystem services. This study focuses on assessing coastal vulnerability to erosion in the Bay of Agadir, one of Morocco's main tourist attractions. The methodology adopted is based on geomatic science such as GIS and geospatial remote sensing. This approach involved the preparation of a database for the study area, relating mainly to geomorphological parameters, topography, sea level rise, and shoreline change data. The latter was assessed using DSAS (Digital Shoreline Analysis System) tools and then all data were integrated into a GIS software to evaluate the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI). The first result shows that the EPR (endpoint rate) index reveals an erosion trend over the 8.3 km studied area. Over the 262 transects analyzed, the variations show a predominant erosion (92%) with rates of up to -13.5 m/year over 46 years. This justifies the use of the LRR (Linear Regression Rate-of-Change) index rather than the EPR for kinematic analysis of the coastline. The results of the CVI index show that 2.58 km of the coastal zone, and 1.68 km of the Bay are successively highly and very highly vulnerable to coastal erosion (20-60%). This study can be considered as a basic document, providing crucial information to guide decision-makers and planners in the implementation of effective coastal conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the conservation problems of the cave of Altamira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Spain, due to the effects of moisture and water inside the cave. The study focuses on the description of methods for estimating the trajectory and zones of humidity from the external environment to its eventual dripping on valuable cave paintings. To achieve this objective, several multisensor remote sensing techniques, both aerial and terrestrial, such as 3D laser scanning, a 2D ground penetrating radar, photogrammetry with unmanned aerial vehicles, and high-resolution terrestrial techniques are employed. These tools allow a detailed spatial analysis of the moisture and water in the cave. The paper highlights the importance of the dolomitic layer in the cave and how it influences the preservation of the ceiling, which varies according to its position, whether it is sealed with calcium carbonate, actively dripping, or not dripping. In addition, the crucial role of the central fracture and the areas of direct water infiltration in this process is examined. This research aids in understanding and conserving the site. It offers a novel approach to water-induced deterioration in rock art for professionals and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock glaciers are one of the most representative elements of mountain permafrost. Their study can contribute to modelling climate change and its effect on natural and anthropogenic environments. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the evolution and quantify the changes in these periglacial landforms at a global level. This study aims to present the monitoring work carried out on the Pyrenean rock glacier of La Paúl (42°39′40″N, 0°26′34″E) from 2013 to 2020, employing in situ geomatics techniques to determine the landform surface kinematics accurately. For this purpose, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), terrestrial laser scanners (TLS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) photogrammetry techniques were used simultaneously to evaluate their compatibility in quantifying displacements. Based on 2D and 3D analyses, the results demonstrate the high surface activity of the rock glacier, with mean variations reaching 36 cm/year (GNSS) and a distribution of deformations that, although intensified on its western side, are present on the entire surface of La Paúl. This study uses state-of-the-art geomatics techniques to present dependable and updated quantitative data on a periglacial landform's recent development in under-researched areas, such as the Pyrenean temperate high mountain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on handheld LiDAR data has recently been proliferated due to the emergence of digital twins and indoor mapping. However, most of the existing studies cannot be reproduced in another computational environment. Computational reproducibility requires data, code/software, and computational environment (e.g. versions, settings, etc.) to be openly available. Although there are an increasing number of researches that contribute towards open data, there are still few studies investigating the remaining two aspects. One of the common tasks in digital twin research is the estimation of indoor space areas. This paper contributes to the computational reproducibility of estimating the area of indoor spaces on a handheld LiDAR dataset using the DBSCAN algorithm. The collected dataset -representing the Geomatics Engineering Department of Hacettepe University, code, and the computational environment was made openly available to satisfy the requirements of computational reproducibility. Three different experiments have been carried out: i) identification of the optimal DBSCAN parameter values for a single indoor space, ii) evaluating to what extent these values are applicable to other rooms, and iii) investigating the effect of room enter/exit times on the estimated room sizes. The main finding of this paper is that the simple consideration of an open-door, which reduces data collection time, the uncertainty of a wall's coordinates, and imperfect choice of DBSCAN parameters, may substantially increase the estimated indoor space size ranging between approximately 40% to 300%. Consequently, relying solely on the DBSCAN algorithm for indoor space area estimation should not be considered as a valid approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomatics Engineers acquire, manage, analyse, model and present the geo-spatially referenced data quickly, accurately and reliably. They can classify the derived data with geographic information systems and produce many models according to needs. This study focuses on the role of the geomatics discipline in combatting climate change, the capability of measuring climate change parameters and the determination of the causes of the parameters change. Basic information about the latest developments in the Geomatics discipline for climate change studies is given. Geomatics Engineer's studies for understanding Earth's system and its response to climate change and models created for the solution are explained. Geomatics Engineering provides a wide range of geospatial data and produces applications for understanding climate change. They take place in climate change analyses by measuring various climate parameters, and by processing the atmosphere, land, glaciers and waters in various spatiotemporal analyses. The obtained results have shown the significantly important role of the geomatics discipline in obtaining, monitoring and analysing the data used for climate change effects' mitigation. In conclusion, Geomatics Engineering contributes to the decision-makers who have a duty in struggling with climate change and all stakeholders of the subject together with practitioners at all levels to create a road map for the studies to be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a topographical survey was carried out and the resulting data were processed for the development of the Zănoaga area in Bran, as a multifunctional sports complex. For the existing ski slope, all field data were collected, and a corresponding database was constructed. For the rest of the area, a comprehensive survey was conducted to establish the routes for a summer toboggan run, a tubing installation, and a bike trail (with multiple variants). A ComNav T300 GNSS equipment was used. Field data were initially processed in AutoCAD Civil 3D and then imported into ArcGIS. In this latter program, the initial 3D profile, and the possible profiles for optimal operation of the mentioned facilities were created. A program model was built in GIS through which the user can choose the suitable slope according to their experience, and the construction mode of the summer slope was simulated, based on projected speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By combining geomatics techniques and remote sensing data, this paper gives a thorough investigation of the forest fires that occurred close to Berkane, Morocco, from July 16 to July 18, 2023. The goals of the study included spatiotemporally tracking the propagation of active forest fires during the fire season, and to accurately map the burned area and detect changes in vegetation cover caused by the fire. A detailed fire severity mapping of the impact of the fire on the forest was made by this integrated approach. We used remote sensing data from various sources, including NASA FIRMS data for the fire period and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery acquired two days before and one day after the fire, to accomplish these goals. In terms of estimating the burned area, our study produced important findings. We were able to estimate 3508.12 hectares, 3517.98 hectares, and 3113.63 hectares using satellite imagery with dNBR, dNDVI, and supervised classification, respectively. These results offer considerable potential for directing post-fire management plans and preserving this critically important forest area. The integration of FIRMS data, Sentinel-2 images, and GIS in our research highlights the need of using this coordinated strategy to conduct an accurate and thorough evaluation of forest fires in the area. In addition to improving our understanding of forest fire dynamics, this study emphasizes the value of using cutting-edge geospatial and remote sensing techniques in attempts to manage wildfires and save the environment. The findings of this study will contribute significantly to guiding post-fire management strategies, thus promoting the conservation of the vital forest area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remote sensing technique is crucial for creating maps showing land use and land cover from a procedure known as image classification. For the process of image classification to be successful, many aspects must be taken into consideration; one of these factors is the availability of high-quality Landsat images. This study aims to classify and map the studied area's land use and cover using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques. This study is divided into two parts: part one focuses on classifying land use and land cover, while part two evaluates how accurate the classification is. Several classification methods are compared for their efficacy in this study. Some image classification methods have shown promising results when used to remote sensing data. An efficient classifier is necessary for extracting data from remote-sensing images. The maximum likelihood classification was the most effective classifier in our study. In this study, the Maximum Likelihood classification accuracy has achieved an overall accuracy of 91% and an overall kappa accuracy of 86.83%. This study provides essential data for planners and decision-makers to design sustainable environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When it was created around the 1980s, Kimpese was a small commercial crossroads and a transit zone for foodstuffs coming from the Bas-Fleuve district, the territory of Luozi and the villages of the territory of Songololo, towards Kinshasa. Due to its geostrategic position and the presence of cement companies, it saw its demography explode between 2003 and 2020. This demographic growth has led by corollary to the growth of its urban surface between 1979 and 2020. Unfortunately, this growth is is done spontaneously, beyond any form of state control, to the extent that the city has exceeded its administrative limits and encroached on rural areas, with dreadful repercussions on the environment and health. The methodology used consisted of circumscribing the old town, monitoring and mapping the spatio-temporal evolution of its urban agglomeration between 1979 and 2020 using geomatics techniques, including spatial analysis, the Information System Geographic and remote sensing. The results showed that the urban area of Kimpese increased from 2.17 Km2 in 1979 to 12.6 Km2 in 2020, representing an average annual growth of 0.25 Km2; and this is done mainly in the outskirts, despite their steep slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]