2
measuring methods. However, the increasing availability of
modern technologies such as photogrammetry by structure
from motion (SFM) and laser scanning (LiDAR) opens new
possibilities for comprehensive cavity registration. The aim
of the research projects presented in the following is there-
fore to develop an integrated approach to cavity registra-
tion that uses photogrammetric methods and is specifically
designed for underground storage applications. In contrast
to already popular LiDAR, which can be used to record
cavities without a complex analysis process, photogramme-
try is mainly known from surface applications.
In the ongoing research, conventional photogramme-
try is innovatively adapted for underground use by incor-
porating image alignment algorithms and the optimization
of photographic imaging parameters for challenging opera-
tion conditions like in mines with low light and dust. [2],
[3]
Upcoming Challenges
In the field of underground spatial planning, several tradi-
tional disciplines of engineering and geosciences intersect
while simultaneously considering applicable legal aspects.
This is particularly the case regarding the acquisition, man-
agement and assessment of geodata. Photogrammetric
methods, such as SFM, are well suited to applications where
high accuracy is required. Thanks to the high-resolution
measurement images and the possibility to reproduce the
evaluation results, this technology is suitable for recording
three-dimensional cavities and preserve long-term memory
of underground activies. In addition to the more traditional
areas of application in mining, such as the measurement in
and mapping of underground mines, there are numerous
other fields of application that extend beyond the domain
of traditional mining.
The potential for using image-based and 3-D survey
methods was extensively investigated as part of a doctoral
project. The core of the research was the question of the
extent to which modern image alignment algorithms from
SFM can be used in underground applications. Mainly
hand-held mirrorless cameras, but also smartphones with
high-resolution image sensors, were used for this purpose.
The results showed promising accuracies in the single-digit
centimeter range in underground use, which is comparable
to the usual accuracies of conventional survey points. [4]
practical conditions. In contrast to conventional geotechni-
cal surveying methods, this image-based surveying method
employs high-resolution measurement images to record the
entire cavity. This study aims to develop an interdisciplin-
ary approach to cavity registration using the structure from
motion (SFM
Furthermore, the planning of underground space
encompasses other forms of mining, such as borehole min-
ing for deep geothermal energy production or storage in
caverns. When planning such projects, it is essential to give
specific attention to existing or planned, competing activi-
ties in underground space. This constitutes a traditional
field of geodata management.
Framework Conditions of the European and German
Energy and Raw Materials Industry
The use of underground space in Germany is strongly influ-
enced by structural changes in the European energy market.
Since the turn of the last century, there has been a gradual
shift from fossil and nuclear energy sources to renewable
energies. This development is demanded for globally by
international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997)
and the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), which aim to
limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
[5]
In Europe, the European Commission is promot-
ing this transformation through the European Green Deal,
which aims to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050.
An interim target is a 55% reduction in net greenhouse
gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. [6] In
Germany, this development is supported by the Federal
Climate Action Act, which sets greenhouse gas neutrality
by 2045 and interim targets of 65% by 2030 and 88% by
2040. [7]
The political guidelines already introduced at European
and national level are thus also indirectly related to the 17
sustainability development goals defined as part of the
United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. [8]
Underground Storage Facilities
These political framework conditions lead to parallel devel-
opments of far-reaching importance for the underground
space. One of them concerns the increase in renewable
energy sources such as wind and solar. As a result, the pro-
portion of fluctuating components in the German electric-
ity grid is steadily increasing. Therefore, large and capable
storage solutions are necessary to ensure a reliable base load
power supply during periods of undersupply of fluctuating
components in the power grid.
For this reason, the National Hydrogen Strategy was
launched to build up electrolysis capacities of 10 GW by
2030. An annual hydrogen requirement of 90 to 110 TWh
is assumed for this target. [9]
Given the capacity requirements and competition for
land use above ground, underground space is particularly
suitable for this purpose. In addition to the storage of
measuring methods. However, the increasing availability of
modern technologies such as photogrammetry by structure
from motion (SFM) and laser scanning (LiDAR) opens new
possibilities for comprehensive cavity registration. The aim
of the research projects presented in the following is there-
fore to develop an integrated approach to cavity registra-
tion that uses photogrammetric methods and is specifically
designed for underground storage applications. In contrast
to already popular LiDAR, which can be used to record
cavities without a complex analysis process, photogramme-
try is mainly known from surface applications.
In the ongoing research, conventional photogramme-
try is innovatively adapted for underground use by incor-
porating image alignment algorithms and the optimization
of photographic imaging parameters for challenging opera-
tion conditions like in mines with low light and dust. [2],
[3]
Upcoming Challenges
In the field of underground spatial planning, several tradi-
tional disciplines of engineering and geosciences intersect
while simultaneously considering applicable legal aspects.
This is particularly the case regarding the acquisition, man-
agement and assessment of geodata. Photogrammetric
methods, such as SFM, are well suited to applications where
high accuracy is required. Thanks to the high-resolution
measurement images and the possibility to reproduce the
evaluation results, this technology is suitable for recording
three-dimensional cavities and preserve long-term memory
of underground activies. In addition to the more traditional
areas of application in mining, such as the measurement in
and mapping of underground mines, there are numerous
other fields of application that extend beyond the domain
of traditional mining.
The potential for using image-based and 3-D survey
methods was extensively investigated as part of a doctoral
project. The core of the research was the question of the
extent to which modern image alignment algorithms from
SFM can be used in underground applications. Mainly
hand-held mirrorless cameras, but also smartphones with
high-resolution image sensors, were used for this purpose.
The results showed promising accuracies in the single-digit
centimeter range in underground use, which is comparable
to the usual accuracies of conventional survey points. [4]
practical conditions. In contrast to conventional geotechni-
cal surveying methods, this image-based surveying method
employs high-resolution measurement images to record the
entire cavity. This study aims to develop an interdisciplin-
ary approach to cavity registration using the structure from
motion (SFM
Furthermore, the planning of underground space
encompasses other forms of mining, such as borehole min-
ing for deep geothermal energy production or storage in
caverns. When planning such projects, it is essential to give
specific attention to existing or planned, competing activi-
ties in underground space. This constitutes a traditional
field of geodata management.
Framework Conditions of the European and German
Energy and Raw Materials Industry
The use of underground space in Germany is strongly influ-
enced by structural changes in the European energy market.
Since the turn of the last century, there has been a gradual
shift from fossil and nuclear energy sources to renewable
energies. This development is demanded for globally by
international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997)
and the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), which aim to
limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
[5]
In Europe, the European Commission is promot-
ing this transformation through the European Green Deal,
which aims to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050.
An interim target is a 55% reduction in net greenhouse
gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. [6] In
Germany, this development is supported by the Federal
Climate Action Act, which sets greenhouse gas neutrality
by 2045 and interim targets of 65% by 2030 and 88% by
2040. [7]
The political guidelines already introduced at European
and national level are thus also indirectly related to the 17
sustainability development goals defined as part of the
United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. [8]
Underground Storage Facilities
These political framework conditions lead to parallel devel-
opments of far-reaching importance for the underground
space. One of them concerns the increase in renewable
energy sources such as wind and solar. As a result, the pro-
portion of fluctuating components in the German electric-
ity grid is steadily increasing. Therefore, large and capable
storage solutions are necessary to ensure a reliable base load
power supply during periods of undersupply of fluctuating
components in the power grid.
For this reason, the National Hydrogen Strategy was
launched to build up electrolysis capacities of 10 GW by
2030. An annual hydrogen requirement of 90 to 110 TWh
is assumed for this target. [9]
Given the capacity requirements and competition for
land use above ground, underground space is particularly
suitable for this purpose. In addition to the storage of