The DEMONITOR project team recently participated in the 14th International Conference on Contemporary Theory and Practice in Construction (STEPGRAD 2024), held in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from June 13 to 14, 2024.
This regional conference covered topics in architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, geodesy, and related scientific disciplines, with a particular focus on engineering education. The event served as a platform for scientists and experts from various fields of construction engineering to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss current trends and achievements in the industry.
Our team presented two research papers showcasing the initial results of the DEMONITOR project and its innovative approaches to monitoring erosion at Devils’ Town:
This paper introduced the regional scientific community to the DEMONITOR project and its early-stage surveying missions. Researchers reviewed previous monitoring efforts at Devils’ Town and compared the latest results obtained using photogrammetric methods and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS).
Key findings include:
- A new manual mission planning approach for photogrammetric drone surveys, improving efficiency and accuracy.
- Advantages of the resulting 3D models, which provide valuable insights into erosion patterns.
- A detailed comparison between photogrammetry and TLS, assessing their effectiveness in detecting landscape changes.
The second paper focused on detecting and quantifying erosion on a specific rock pillar using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). Researchers successfully localized and measured surface differences between two scanning missions, identifying erosion-prone areas and quantifying the material loss.
Findings from this study will:
- Help refine long-term erosion monitoring strategies for Devils’ Town.
- Contribute to the development of predictive models for pillar stability.
- Support conservation efforts by identifying the most vulnerable rock formations.
Presenting at STEPGRAD 2024 marks an essential step in building regional and international scientific partnerships. The DEMONITOR team is preparing for further monitoring missions and refining erosion detection techniques. The project’s next phase will focus on long-term monitoring, predictive modeling, and conservation strategies to protect Devil’s Town’s unique geological heritage.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our work to safeguard this natural wonder!