I've tentatively chosen Mt. Bierstadt (14,060') as the initial 14er to map. Compared with the Matterhorn, it's nearby, has easy access and is relatively easy to climb. Mt. Bierstadt, however, has a more complex topology than the simple pyramid of the Matterhorn. I've put together a series of images that cover a 2 mile X 2 mile square centered on the summit. The first image above is a satellite photo from google maps.

The second image is a textured topographic map, also from google maps:

Looking at the topology of the mountain and assuming ground stations at the bottom of the mountain, it looks like it would require 7 different vantage points to cover the mountain while maintaining line-of-sight with the plane.

Assuming ground stations at the top of the mountain would seem to require 3 different vantage points to cover the mountain while maintaining line-of-sight with the plane.

This is all theoretical, of course, so I'd love to get some feedback on how to choose a flight plan for a complex mapping task like this.

The most straightforward option is the out-of-the-box solution provided by the SenseFly eBee. The system is easy-to-use, well-tuned and specifically designed for this sort of application. The recent 3D mapping of the Matterhorn using this system was the original inspiration for this project. I have contacted SenseFly and hope to have information to share soon. Does anyone have experience with this system?

www.sensefly.com

Hi, I’m in the planning stage of an ambitious project to create a website of high-resolution 3D maps of some of Colorado’s highest peaks: the 14ers. The 14ers are the 53 peaks, scattered around the state, with an elevation over 14,000’. The best maps currently available are the standard USGS topographic maps. These maps only give a general idea of the terrain and hikers, climbers, skiers, search and rescue teams and many others would benefit from having better maps of these peaks.

Here’s a good example of why this important. The USGS 1:24,000 map of Longs Peak (14,259') provides very little useful information to a hiker or climber who must navigate the same terrain shown in the photo. The contour interval is 40’, the height of a 4 story building, and there is no photographic information. A higher-resolution 3D map, of course, would provide much more detail.  

The recent mapping of the Matterhorn (using drones by SenseFly) shows that high-quality (20cm resolution) maps can be produced with a small team and at relatively low cost. The devil, of course, is in the details and that’s why I’m here. I’d like to learn as much as possible and solicit advice from the group about how to generate similar maps of the Colorado 14ers. It certainly seems possible since the Matterhorn is roughly the same size as a 14er.

I’d like to produce and share a plan that compares both the SenseFly and DIY options. The 14ers present many challenges like high altitude, rough terrain, wind, lightning, storms, and cold, but if the project is feasible, I would like to launch a Kickstarter project with the goal of raising funds to begin mapping some of these beautiful peaks.