PhD Research Opportunity: Low-Altitude Drone-based 3D Reconstructions for Precision Hedgerow Analysis and Biomass Estimation(MATX-09)

Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

  • Galway
  • €22,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
Job Information Organisation/CompanyAtlantic Technological University (ATU) DepartmentResearch Research FieldComputer science » OtherComputer science Researcher ProfileFirst Stage Researcher (R1) CountryIreland Application Deadline29 Apr 2024 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of ContractNot Applicable Job StatusNot Applicable Hours Per WeekFull Time Study Offer Starting Date2 Sep 2024 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?European Union / Next Generation EU Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?NoOffer DescriptionThe Higher Education Authority (HEA) Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise, Scheme (TU RISE) is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) via the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021- 27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.Funding for this Project includes:
  • A student stipend (usually tax-exempt) valued at €22,000 per annum
  • Annual waivers of postgraduate tuition fee
  • Extensive research training programme
  • Support for travel, consumables and dissemination expenses
The Postgraduate Research Programme MedAgriTech AI eXcellence (MATX) funded under TU RISE, 12 PhD research scholarships to commence in 2024. Each project will include an enterprise placement of minimum 12 weeks duration.Project title, MATX-09: Low-Altitude Drone-based 3D Reconstructions for Precision Hedgerow Analysis and Biomass EstimationThis research is centred on hedgerows in Ireland, essential for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and improving the agricultural landscape. Hedgerows are linear plant arrangements with various shrubs, trees, and vegetation. Hedgerows serve various purposes, including marking property boundaries, providing shelter for wildlife, and contributing to biodiversity. Current data collection often includes manual estimation, use of satellite data, or by drones flying at over 10 meters. Manual inspection is tedious and time consuming, while satellite and high-altitude drone imagery lacks accuracy in assessing hedgerow canopy. Our project addresses this by capturing low-altitude images using structure-from-motion and multiple-view stereo techniques to create detailed hedgerow canopies. The first challenge lies in drone navigation, needing obstacle detection for comprehensive coverage from different angles. The data captured from different angles ensures 3D reconstruction from structure-from-motion for a high-quality 3D point cloud and colour information. The subsequent challenge involves accurately segmenting the hedgerow from other environmental objects. Finally, the 3D point cloud can be used to estimate the volume of the canopy or envelope of the hedgerow. This information is invaluable for assessing the biomass and carbon sequestration potential of hedgerows. It aids in formulating more accurate calculations of the ecological benefits hedgerows contribute to the environment.Objectives of the research project :
  • Develop drone algorithm to navigate at low altitudes and avoid obstacles.
  • Implement low-altitude image capture utilize drones for capturing low-altitude images from multiple views to assess hedgerow canopies.
  • Apply structure-from-motion and multiple-view stereo techniques for accurate 3d hedgerow canopy reconstructions.
  • Design algorithms for precise segmentation of hedgerows from other environmental objects.
  • Utilize 3d point cloud data to estimate the volume of hedgerow canopies.
  • Use volume estimation for evaluating hedgerow biomass and carbon sequestration potential.
A minimum of 2.1 honours degree (Level 8) in a relevant discipline.Project Duration:48 months (PhD)Preferred Location:ATU Galway, CampusApplications:Application Form / Terms of Conditions can be obtained on the website:The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, (GMT) Monday 29th April, 2024.Only selected applicants will be called for an online interview (shortlisting may apply).RequirementsResearch Field Computer science Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalentSpecific RequirementsEssential Qualifications:
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence or relevant discipline.
Skills:
Software development, Computer Vision based Machine Learning, 3D image modellingLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodAdditional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Country Ireland GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityGalway WebsiteE-Mailmuslimjameel.syed@atu.ieSTATUS: EXPIRED

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