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In Chapter 1 the terms and the characteristics of an unmanned spatial data collection system were defined along with the fields of application, advantages, and disadvantages of different solutions and sensors. This chapter will present an overview of existing protocols and broad guidelines on environmental unmanned aerial system (UAS)-based monitoring, including study design with the general and possible use of the platform and sensor/camera settings, comprising quality assurance (QA) with all necessary steps (i.e., georeferencing, radiometric calibration for optical and thermal sensors, programming the flight mission, and data processing) to fulfill a complete survey mission for a given environmental application. Although the field of UAS-driven data collection represents a multidisciplinary system of rapidly developing science areas, there are many unifying elements and associations in their application. One of the key objectives of this chapter is to provide UAS users with general practical guidance in optimizing the collection and delivery of high-quality output for subsequent analysis and interpretation. Across diverse UAS applications, a general framework can describe work within five interconnected steps (Fig. 2.1) (Tmusic et al., 2020).

The space regarded as land, as the primary support of mankind has undergone continuous evaluations from the source of raw materials, means of agricultural production, forestry source to the location of social and urban activities being thus an invaluable asset. The land’s potential is invaluable, so that its efficient, correct, accurate management is a sine qua non condition for keeping it with all its benefits. Modern, its management can best be done through the Geographical Information System. The territorial arrangement combines the balanced development of the exhaustible geophysical elements, respecting the cultural, social, traditional (historical) elements of the environment and helps to harmonize them and to avoid the negative evolutions. Territorial planning is the basis of sustainable development policies. The theoretical notions that support the realization of the case study - creating the solar map of Timiș county, Romania using open source GIS programs - are thoroughly documented, including aspects regarding solar energy mapping and the methodology of solar irradiation calculation as well as the current global context in which emphasis is put on the use of renewable energy

The structural analysis of the civil infrastructure is vital in order to track the evolution of degradation in time, to prevent disasters, but also to document and conserve the sites of cultural heritage. This paper review�s the workflow on the acquisition of point clouds to Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) with those collected by photogrammetric 3D models based on images captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), analyzing the data sets on two diferent type of bridges located in western Romania. The obtained data can serve a wide range of applications and supports different studies, also providing new digital tools that help tracking the degradation in time, reducing the technical limitations in the cultural heritage preservation, and exploring alternative ways for shaping future steps associated with saftey inspection. Depending on the objective, the use of such integrated technologies brings a significant contribution as a support tool for decision making. Due to the geometric complexity of the structure, the accuracy of measurements was limited by the resolution of sensors (remote-sensing data) and areas without light, hard to reach by lens. The comparative analysis of the two techniques shows that both methods produced similar results with high precision but also presented disadvantages in terms of data associated with spatial features.

Stability in time of major and important objectives is vital and can be achieved by 3D scanners which follow changes in time with construction, respective of the natural or artificial hydrotechnical dams and the obtaining of 3D data in real time with the possibility of evaluating and making quick decisions. This scientific paper approaches a research topic of great importance and actuality in the field of Civil Engineering, Hydrotechnics, and Geomatics using the 3D scanning technologies for the hydrotechnical arrangements (Topolovăţu Mic, Coșteiu and Sânmartinu Maghiar) and hydroameliorative (Cruceni Pumping Station). In Romania, data collection was carried out for the first time using the mobile scanning technology (MMS), “Backpack” type, namely, Leica Pegasus Backpack. Data collection using terrestrial laser scanning technology (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) was carried out with the Leica C10 equipment. The processing of point clouds was carried out using the Inertial Explorer program, and the processing of point clouds was carried out with the Cyclone program. The collection of ground checkpoints used for checking, correcting, and analyzing point clouds was carried out using the GPS Leica GS08 equipment. Compared with traditional methods using classical measuring instruments, precise data was obtained (with an error of 2–4 cm) through 3D laser scanning technology in a short time and with multiple possibilities of processing and visualizing point clouds.

The aim of this paper refers to obtaining accurate satellite image data by remote sensing and image interpretation, regarding the cultivated agricultural land declared by farmers from the territory of Romania. The remote sensing control activity is structured on control areas, comprising of an area of 23.520km2, distributed into 28 zones, divided into 2 lots, covering the entire territory of Romania. The satellite images were obtained from three sets of measurements, respectively in March, June and August. For each set an image VHR (Very High Resolution) and 2 images HR (High Resolution) were obtained. On these satellite images, the limits of the parcels, the area, the type of crop, the cultivation mode with relation to the contour map have been established. In this paper, we will highlight the importance of new technologies and their impact on agriculture by presenting a practical application.

Small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) equipped with an optical camera are a cost-effective strategy for topographic surveys. These low-cost UASs can provide useful information for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction even if they are equipped with a low-quality navigation system. To ensure the production of high-quality topographic models, careful consideration of the flight mode and proper distribution of ground control points are required. To this end, a commercial UAS was adopted to monitor a small earthen dam using different combinations of flight configurations and by adopting a variable number of ground control points (GCPs). The results highlight that optimization of both the choice and combination of flight plans can reduce the relative error of the 3D model to within two meters without the need to include GCPs. However, the use of GCPs greatly improved the quality of the topographic survey, reducing error to the order of a few centimeters. The combined use of images extracted from two flights, one with a camera mounted at nadir and the second with a 20&deg, angle, was found to be beneficial for increasing the overall accuracy of the 3D model and especially the vertical precision.

Timisoara, the city with most numerous number of historical building from Romania has won the competition for European Cultural Capital in 2021. In this sense there is a complex and important program of rehabilitation of those buildings and also a large program of integrating the historical and geospatial information in webGIS platforms. This fact is in accordance with the European Commission recommendation regarding i2020 an informatics society. The aim of this paper is to present a model of creating 3D objects using laser scan technology (LiDAR) that is one of the most important techniques used to acquire spatial data. It scans quickly the architecture point by point; registers and joints point cloud to digitally simulate the object’s shape; finally, it reconstructs the 3D model accurately. It also produces construction drawing including ichnography, elevation, and cutaway. In addition, detailed structure and vignette can be acquired by close-range photogrammetry method, which produces orthoimages and linear drawings. This method is especially fit for surveying historical architecture that lacks construction records.

Small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) represent a cost-effective strategy for topographic surveys. These low-cost drones can provide useful information for 3D reconstruction even if they are equipped with a low-quality navigation system. To ensure the production of high-quality topographic models, careful consideration of flight mode and proper distribution of ground control points is required. To this end a commercial drone has been adopted to monitor a small earthen dam using different combinations of flight configurations and adopting a variable number of ground control points (GCPs). Results highlighted that both choice and combination of flight plans can reduce the relative error of the 3D model up to a few meters without the need of including GCPs. The use of GCPs allows the quality of topographic survey to be greatly improved, reducing error to the order of a few centimeters. In particular, the combined use of images extracted from two flights, one with a camera mounted at nadir and the second with a 20° angle, proves extremely beneficial to increase the overall accuracy of the 3D model and especially of the vertical precision.

New learning environments aim to developing abilities and skills for students through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The new strategies for restructuring the higher education system involve continuous improvement of the curriculum and educational programmes, in line with the evolution of technology and continually referring to similar institutions in the country (regional development) and in the European Union. Starting with the vision of acquiring in-depth knowledge of Geodesy and cadastre in the e-Learning System by students or anyone interested, an online network was implemented for university collaboration to develop the capacity of providing superior competences in Geodesy, mainly for harmonization and standardization of a training program at multi-regional level. This network constitutes an integrated informatics solution that consolidates existing relationships as well as their expansion, between universities, businesses and research centres, developing at the same time the capabilities of working in collaboration, highly acclaimed skill by employers. In the present paper, the authors present a comparative study regarding the overall results of students (development, skills acquired, theory assimilated, progress) using e-Learning technologies (platform mentioned above) versus the traditional method. The subjects belong to the 2nd and the 4th year of study, Bachelor cycle, as the study also focused on differences between students situated at the beginning of their studies and students that are close to graduation. The e-Learning platform used represents a smart additional tool to work, characterized by efficiency and capacity to adapt and is used successfully since 2012, facilitating collaboration between sets of graduates, students and teachers. It allows viewing and managing complex educational content types, such as interactive materials, tutorials, exercises, simulations, educational games and provides a user-friendly interface for all users, both professors and students.

The actual international context of developing people’s digital skills and competences imply using intelligent, adaptive and personalized e-Learning platforms. The latter should come in support of students and represent both an efficient alternative for the individual study and resources for team-work. The purpose of the present paper is to highlight the importance of using an e-Learning resource implemented by Politehnica University Timisoara through which students can load the results of their projects and work. The topicality is given by the novelty of the 3D models realized by students, both individually and by teamwork, for a touristic promotion of Timisoara municipality in the context of competing and winning the title for “European capital of culture” initiative. Moreover, the authors propose implementing a spatial data geoportal at Local Administration level using EU non‐refundable funds that could be a smart solution for managing secure and valuable property based on Internet of Things meant to reinforce Europe's cultural diversity by making our heritage and our cultural creations available to a wider number of citizens. One of the strategies developed by the European Commission refers to Digital Single Market and includes tasks such as investing on network and technologies by funding research that enables new technologies like 5G and IoT. The aim is to benefit European citizens with fast and accessible Internet for the future and make cities more sustainable in view of Europe's 2020 targets. Romania, as a member state, has aligned its priorities to the EU and is constantly trying to develop smart solutions in the interest areas that also permit funds attracting. In particular, Timișoara Municipality has set its goal to become one of Europe’s smart cities and communities, thus developing (among others) a cultural strategy for 2014 – 2024.

In line with the objectives established by the “European capital of culture” initiative, the entire community is involved in embarking socio-economic and infrastructure projects supported by an information platform which ensures efficient data management for the municipality. This platform should provide a good visibility of the candidate city in the context of enhancing the contribution of culture to its long-term development in accordance with its priorities and strategies. In particular, an important role is played by the implementation of a spatial data geoportal at Local Administration level (Timisoara City Hall) to streamline the data workflow and provide easy access to it in order to increase the visibility of cultural and historical heritage of the municipality. The need of this geoportal arises from the fact that Timisoara has the widest architectural heritage area in the country, of important value to both Romania and Europe. The preservation of this cultural heritage is a duty for the authorities and also for the owners. The present paper brings forward proposals and trends in implementation of a dedicated geoportal for the management of heritage objects to complete the existing urban GIS primarily aiming to contribute to fostering the urban planning and the sustainability of the “European capital of culture” project. This geoportal should include the 3D models of the cultural heritage objects for better preservation over time or restauration purposes and offer virtual tourism tours if they are made available by means of webGIS. That is why, the authors propose a webGIS solution in order to make the geoportal available on the City Hall's webpage. The actuality of the paper is given by the fact that preserving cultural heritage and historical sites represents an important issue that must be taken into account when urban planning projects are required for developing the model of urban growth.

The aim of this paper involves urban green spaces monitoring with a view to inventorying urban wooded areas and the trees inside the cities using LiDAR technology. As study area, a park near the “Dan Paltinisanu” stadium, Timisoara, Romania was chosen. The measurements have been realized using Trimble MX2, a mobile laser scanning system that combines high resolution laser scanning and precise positioning to collect georeferenced point cloud that is useful to projects with vast requirements. The platform used for data collection is composed of a Ford vehicle on which the Trimble MX2 scanner has been mounted. There were two sets of data collected at different speeds of approximately 10km/h, respectively 30km/h. For data processing, corrections are needed either given by a reference station either by a permanent GNSS station. In the second case, the correction are ordered and paid according to the number of hours requested to the Cadastre and Land Registration Office. For the present study, corrections from our own reference station have been used.

Cilj rada je upoznavanje s geodetskim istraživanjima koja su usko povezana s modeliranjem odrona zemlje i moraju se primijeniti za trajno nadziranje područja u kojima dolazi do geomorfoloških opasnosti. Iako se ponekad nedovoljno cijeni doprinos geodeta nekim projektima za nadziranje odrona u svrhu razvoja sustava za rano upozorenje ili izradu karata s prikazom mogućih opasnosti, kako je navedeno u FIG radnoj grupi (2006) [20], i promatra ih se jedino kao dobavljače izmjerenih geometrijskih podataka, njihov je doprinos važan u modeliranju dinamičkih sustava, kao što su strateške konstrukcije (brane, visoke zgrade itd.) ili odroni zemlje te u interpretaciji podataka. Istraživanje ponašanja tijekom vremena nekog objekta zahvaćenog odronom uključuje geodetska mjerenja obavljena u ranije utvrđenim vremenskim intervalima primjenom najsuvremenijih tehnologija, koje omogućuju obradu i pregled tako dobivenih podataka u trodimenzionalnom sustavu. Uz to, cilj je postaviti okvir za oblikovanje i optimizaciju mreža za nadziranje biranjem optimalnih istraživačkih metoda., This paper aims at presenting geodetic studies that are in close connection with landslide modelling and must be used for continuously monitoring the areas affected by geomorphological hazards. Although sometimes the geodesist’s contribution to certain projects for landslide monitoring meant to develop early-warning-systems or risk maps is not adequately appreciated as stated in FIG Working Group (2006) [20] and he is only seen as supplier of measured geometric data, the geodesist has a significant contribution through his abilities regarding the modelling of dynamic systems, like strategic constructions (dams, tall buildings etc.) or landslides and data interpretation The study of how an objective affected by landslides behaves in time implies geodetic measurements performed at pre-set time intervals using state of the art technologies, which allow processing and review of data thus obtained in a three-dimensional system. Moreover, the goal is to set the stage for the shaping and optimization of monitoring networks by choosing the optimal research methods to be used.

The main objective of architectural and patrimonial survey is to provide a precise documentation of the status quo of the surveyed objects (monuments, buildings, archaeological object and sites) for preservation and protection, for scientific studies and restoration purposes, for the presentation to the general public. Cultural heritage documentation includes an interdisciplinary approach having as purpose an overall understanding of the object itself and an integration of the information which characterize it. The accuracy and the precision of the model are directly influenced by the quality of the measurements realized on field and by the quality of the software. The software is in the process of continuous development, which brings many improvements. On the other side, compared to aerial photogrammetry, close range photogrammetry and particularly architectural photogrammetry is not limited to vertical photographs with special cameras. The methodology of terrestrial photogrammetry has changed significantly and various photographic acquisitions are widely in use. In this context, the present paper brings forward a comparative study of TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanner) and digital photogrammetry for 3D modeling. The authors take into account the accuracy of the 3D models obtained, the overall costs involved for each technology and method and the 4th dimension – time. The paper proves its applicability as photogrammetric technologies are nowadays used at a large scale for obtaining the 3D model of cultural heritage objects, efficacious in their assessment and monitoring, thus contributing to historic conservation. Its importance also lies in highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each method used – very important issue for both the industrial and scientific segment when facing decisions such as in which technology to invest more research and funds.

City is the important area of earth’s surface material, energy, and information exchanging; also it is the centre of national, regional political, economic, scientific and cultural aspects. A mere 10% of the global population were urban dwellers in 1900, but that percentage exceeds 50% now (Grimm et al. 2008). With the rapid economic development, city is suffering from a series of serious problems such as air pollution, solid waste pollution, vegetation reduction, deterioration of water quality and living environment. Threats to our environment represent a clear danger in the context of climate change, which is part of the “Global Change”, and it is obvious that action is needed right now to protect our quality of life, particularly for those most vulnerable to health threats from environmental and technological disasters. Therefore, our top priority should be to avoid human and material losses. The security area is not only defined by disaster management, but by a wide variety of events that could affect the environment and the population’s health. Following the rapid development of urban areas, a present tendency is represented by the study of those factors that place some areas in categories with high risk for natural and anthropic hazard.

The purpose of this paper is to support and promote the techniques and technologies based on e-learning system. Current trends in the university network require implementation of the policy for restructuring the higher education system, by focusing on the student's educational activities. The new methods involve experimentation learning based on scenarios, alternative solutions and direct interaction between the student, the subject of learning and the learning environment. In this context, when the institutional support is provided, improvement and diversification of educational offers for geodetic engineering and their correlation with the labour market are defined on two main directions. As regards the bachelor cycle, an online network was implemented for university collaboration to develop the capacity of providing superior competences in Geodesy, mainly for harmonization and standardization of a training program at multi-regional level. For the master cycle, emphasis is put on the use of the Virtual Campus of the Politehnica University Timisoara, system based on Moodle, an open-source platform which is an online educational environment of academic support for all faculties belonging to Politehnica University Timisoara. In the present paper, the authors aim to put forward issues such as: where the academic system is heading to (Quo Vadis Academia?) at the beginning of the 3rd millennium in a Europe that is supposed to be Globally Competitive; what are the requirements of the higher education system and of research seen as key positions in the EU strategy; what does quality in higher education mean, as well as presenting their own experiences regarding the implementation of e-Learning technologies in geodetic engineering, its impact on the development and mentality of students and proposals for enhancing the system by offering Open Educational Resources.

A coordinate transformation is the mathematical operation of a coordinates set expression from a reference system into another reference system, based on different datum, with an algorithm using a number of parameters of stability processing [1]. The purpose of transformation is to convert the coordinates from one system to another. First, the coordinates in both systems must be known, in geocentric system WGS ’84 and in local system, for at least 4 common points. The more common points are included in the conversion, more opportunities to reduce redundancy and error checking will be available. This paper aims to present three-dimensional point’s transformation, determined by satellite measurements using different datum, using specialty software.

Threats to our environment represent a clear danger in the context of climate change, which is part of the “Global Change”, and it is obvious that action is needed right now to protect our quality of life, particularly for those most vulnerable to health threats from environmental and technological disasters. Therefore, our top priority should be to avoid human and material losses. The security area is not only defined by disaster management, but by a wide variety of events that could affect the environment and the population’s health. Following the rapid development of urban areas, a present tendency is represented by the study of those factors that place some areas in categories with high risk for natural and anthropic hazard such as landslides. This paper highlights the advantages of using state-of-the-art geodetic technology and specialized software in the study of landslides with a view of generating 3D models of the affected area. The 3D modeling process based on triangulation is a very elaborate on...

Climate change is expected to alter average temperature and precipitation values and to increase the variability of precipitation events, which may lead to even more intense and frequent water hazards. Water hazards engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the application of scientific and engineering principles for protection of human populations from the effects of water hazards; protection of environments, both local and global, from the potentially deleterious effects of water hazards; and improvement of environmental quality for mitigating the negative effects of water hazards. An integrated approach of water hazards engineering based on mapping, nature-based and technical solutions will constitute a feasible solution in the process of adapting to challenges generated by climate changes worldwide. This paper will debate this concept also providing some examples from several European countries.

3D modeling of cultural heritage objects is an expanding application area. This paper aims to present and create a 3D model for historical artefacts using low cost programs and technologies. It also brings forward the stages that must be followed when using specialized photogrammetric software in order to obtain the 3D model of an artefact, efficacious in assessment and monitoring of cultural heritage, thus contributing to historic conservation. The method presented can be easily combined with laserscan technologies. All over the world and also in Romania, three-dimensional documentation methods have begun to be used in archaeology, but these methods are generally expensive. Three-dimensional documentation for archaeological studies needs not so much the use of a highly technical or expensive technology as a realistic and feasible methodology for documenting artefacts [1].

Increasingly more, on the government agenda meetings is the environmental pollution caused by the large industrialists. In this category, a high percentage, are represented by the existing Power Plants. A new approach in reducing the environmental pollution is producing energy and heat trough cogeneration. At small scale, cogeneration with high efficiency can be achieved with reciprocating internal combustion engines. The following paper highlights the possibility of running a small scale cogeneration plant with reciprocating internal combustion diesel engine with biobutanol blends. Results regarding the efficiency, emissions and energy cost calculations are presented. Final conclusions and discussions are closing the paper., Zagađenje okoliša od strane velikih industrijskih postrojenja je sve češće na dnevnom redu vlada u čitavom svijetu. Veliki postotak ovih industrijskih postrojenja predstavljaju postojeće termocentrale. Novi pristup koji ima kao rezultat smanjenje zagađenja predstavlja kogeneracija toplinske i električne energije. U pilot instalaciji u laboratorijskim uvjetima kogeneracija sa visokim stupnjem iskorištenja može se postići s motorom s unutarnjim izgaranjem. Rad stavlja u prvi plan pilot instalaciju za kogeneraciju s dizel motorom i mješavinom biobutanola kao osnovnim gorivom. Rezultati su predstavljeni kroz stupanj iskorištenja, emisije štetnih plinova i proračun troškova. Na kraju rada su predstavljeni zaključci i završna diskusija.