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Backpack 360° panoramic camera for erosion monitoring
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A 360° panoramic camera
A 360° panoramic camera
Image source: Schmalzl © 2025 All rights reserved

Mobile ground-based spherical imaging performed with a 360° photogrammetric sensor carried by an operator along a selected trail to map the terrain.

Key characteristics

Work step
Data collection
Data analysis
Tool purpose
Photo/Video Data
Properties
Experimental
Keywords
Terrestrial - aboveground
HUMANITA
Photogrammetry
Spherical imaging

Tool description

Terrestrial spherical photogrammetry relies on 360° cameras operated from the ground to acquire immersive imagery along trail corridors. The method is particularly suitable for areas with dense vegetation where aerial photogrammetry or satellite imagery is ineffective. Images can be processed to extract geometric information, trail width and structure, vegetation conditions, and obstacles, providing a detailed and repeatable record of trail morphology and use conditions.

Constraints

  • Limited spatial coverage compared to aerial methods.
  • Accuracy depends on camera positioning and operator movement.
  • Requires post-processing workflows that are still semi-standardized.

Requirements

  • 360° camera with sufficient image quality and GNSS receiver
  • Appropriate support to carry the equipment (i.e., backpack)
  • Software for spherical image processing

Tool Impact

Terrestrial spherical photogrammetry has a very low direct impact on surrounding ecosystems, as data acquisition is carried out by operators moving along existing trails. Physical disturbance to vegetation and soil is minimal and comparable to standard ranger or monitoring activities.

Best Practices

  • Bruno, N., Valletta, A., Segalini, A., and Roncella, R. (2024.: Low-cost techniques for soil erosion monitoring on mountain trails. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., XLVIII-2/W8-2024, 53–60, https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-2-W8-2024-53-2024.

    This study, developed within the Interreg Central Europe HUMANITA project, explores cost-effective geomatics techniques for monitoring soil erosion on mountain trails. Among the tested approaches, ground-based spherical photogrammetry using 360° cameras proved particularly suitable for surveying narrow, vegetated trails where aerial methods are limited. The research demonstrates how portable and relatively low-cost monitoring technologies can provide detailed and repeatable data to support erosion assessment and sustainable trail management in conservation areas.    

Helpful hints to use the tool proficiently

  • Operators should adapt their walking pace to the image capture rate of the panoramic camera to ensure uniform spatial coverage and consistent data quality.
  • Adjust camera parameters, such as shutter speed, according to the technical characteristics of the device and the desired area coverage and image clarity.
  • Verify the availability of suitable mounting or carrying systems for transporting the panoramic camera during field surveys. Depending on the camera size, weight, and stabilization requirements, it may be necessary to design or adopt custom-made supports (e.g., modified backpack) to ensure safe handling and consistent data acquisition.

Specification

Category Device / Key
Properties
Measurement device
Sensor
Small/light
Range
ground
local

Linked tools

Category Tool title and description
Study object
Study focus
Work step
Tool purpose
 Classic Professional Free to use Experimental
Backpack LiDAR scanner for erosion monitoring

Mobile ground-based LiDAR system for high-resolution 3D mapping of terrain and small-scale surface changes.
Mobile Laser Scanner (MLS)

portable 3D scanning technology for data capture and point cloud generation
Onboard LiDAR sensor

Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) sensor to scan the environment.
Photogrammetry

Technology to obtain information about physical objects and the environment through recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images.
UAV-based LiDAR scanning for erosion monitoring

UAV-based LiDAR scanning for erosion monitoring enables detailed, high-resolution mapping of terrain changes over time. It allows accurate detection and quantification of erosion processes across large areas without the need for extensive field surveys.
UAV-based photogrammetry for erosion monitoring

Aerial photogrammetric survey aimed at determining soil erosion on existing trails and identifying unofficial paths due to trampling.

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Legend

Study objects

Microbiota
Humans
Animals
Vegetation, Funghi & Lichen
Habitats

Study focus

Anthropogenic factors and impacts
Biodiversity (Species populations and Community Composition)
Ecosystem State, Structure and Functioning

Work steps

Presentation
Data collection
Plot establishment
Data analysis
Data archiving

Tool categories

TBD
Device
Software
Manual / Guideline / Framework

Tool purposes

Spatial Data
Numeric and Alphanumeric Data
Audio Data
Genetic Data
Photo/Video Data
Non Data generative
Chemical Compound Data