Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1530
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1530
21 Jun 2024
 | 21 Jun 2024

Characterizing Spatial Structures of Field-Scale Snowpack using Unpiloted Aerial System (UAS) Lidar and SfM Photogrammetry

Eunsang Cho, Megan Verfaillie, Jennifer M. Jacobs, Adam G. Hunsaker, Franklin B. Sullivan, Michael Palace, and Cameron Wagner

Abstract. Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) lidar and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry have emerged as viable methods to map high-resolution snow depths (~1 m). These technologies enable a better understanding of snowpack spatial structure and its evolution over time, advancing hydrologic and ecological applications. In this study, a series of UAS lidar/SfM snow depth maps were collected during the 2020/21 winter season in Durham, New Hampshire, USA with three objectives: (1) quantifying UAS lidar/SfM snow depth retrieval performance using multiple in-situ measurement techniques (magnaprobe and field cameras), (2) conducting a quantitative comparison of lidar and SfM snow depths (< 35 cm) throughout the winter, and (3) better understanding the spatial structure of snow depth and its relationship with terrain features. The UAS surveys were conducted over approximately 0.35 km2 including both open fields and a mixed forest. In the field, lidar had a lower error than SfM compared to in-situ observations with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 3.0 cm for lidar and 5.0–14.3 cm for SfM. In the forest, SfM greatly overestimated snow depths compared to lidar (lidar MAE = 2.7–7.3 cm, SfM MAE = 32.0–44.7 cm). Even though snow depth differences between the magnaprobe and field cameras were found, they had only a modest impact on the UAS snow depth validation. Using the concept of temporal stability, we found that the spatial structure of snow depth captured by lidar was generally consistent throughout the period indicating a strong influence from static land characteristics. Considering all areas (forest and fields), the spatial structure of snow depth was primarily influenced by vegetation type (e.g., fields, deciduous, and coniferous forests). Within the field, the spatial structure was primarily correlated with slope and forest canopy shadowing effects.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

22 Sep 2025
Characterizing the spatial distribution of field-scale snowpack using unpiloted aerial system (UAS) lidar and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry
Eunsang Cho, Megan Verfaillie, Jennifer M. Jacobs, Adam G. Hunsaker, Franklin B. Sullivan, Michael Palace, and Cameron Wagner
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 4539–4556, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4539-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4539-2025, 2025
Short summary
Eunsang Cho, Megan Verfaillie, Jennifer M. Jacobs, Adam G. Hunsaker, Franklin B. Sullivan, Michael Palace, and Cameron Wagner

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1530', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Jul 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Eunsang Cho, 05 Nov 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1530', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Aug 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Eunsang Cho, 05 Nov 2024
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1530', Ross Palomaki, 29 Aug 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Eunsang Cho, 05 Nov 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1530', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Jul 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Eunsang Cho, 05 Nov 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1530', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Aug 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Eunsang Cho, 05 Nov 2024
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1530', Ross Palomaki, 29 Aug 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Eunsang Cho, 05 Nov 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (further review by editor and referees) (24 Nov 2024) by Markus Weiler
AR by Eunsang Cho on behalf of the Authors (04 Jan 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (further review by editor and referees) (07 Feb 2025) by Markus Weiler
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (07 Feb 2025) by Markus Weiler
RR by Ross Palomaki (27 Feb 2025)
RR by Joschka Geissler (10 Mar 2025)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (26 Mar 2025) by Markus Weiler
AR by Eunsang Cho on behalf of the Authors (07 Apr 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (17 Apr 2025) by Markus Weiler
AR by Eunsang Cho on behalf of the Authors (19 Apr 2025)  Author's response   Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

22 Sep 2025
Characterizing the spatial distribution of field-scale snowpack using unpiloted aerial system (UAS) lidar and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry
Eunsang Cho, Megan Verfaillie, Jennifer M. Jacobs, Adam G. Hunsaker, Franklin B. Sullivan, Michael Palace, and Cameron Wagner
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 4539–4556, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4539-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4539-2025, 2025
Short summary
Eunsang Cho, Megan Verfaillie, Jennifer M. Jacobs, Adam G. Hunsaker, Franklin B. Sullivan, Michael Palace, and Cameron Wagner
Eunsang Cho, Megan Verfaillie, Jennifer M. Jacobs, Adam G. Hunsaker, Franklin B. Sullivan, Michael Palace, and Cameron Wagner

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Short summary
Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) lidar and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry are effective methods for mapping high-resolution snow depths. However, there are limited studies comparing their performance across different surface features and tracking spatial patterns of snowpack changes over time. Our study found that UAS lidar outperformed SfM photogrammetry. With limited wind effects, the snow spatial structure captured by UAS lidar remained temporally stable throughout the snow season.
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