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.
Comments
FYI, be very careful flying any RC craft near Mount Morrison. The radio tower up there plays havoc with RC controllers. I once had a nasty crash when I flew too close to that tower and it caused all my controls to lock up, sending my first Deep Reaper plummeting straight into a rock formation at Red Rocks.
Can't offer help on a flight plan but I do live in Denver area so it's great to see this. Most of my outings in the mountains have been on 4wd trails with my Jeep. The highest being in Ouray area on Imogene Pass. That whole area has ready access to mountain tops. :)
I think you're right about the wind being the greatest challenge - even with a good autopilot. I imagine it will take multiple trips and a fair bit of luck to cover the area.
This would be quite a feat to map for the first time. I like your idea. I've camped down at Scott Gomer's creek and then climbed Bierstadt (with about 1,000 other folks!) one weekend this past summer. Absolutely gorgeous, but busy - might want to do this during the week and on a shoulder season. I've noticed my biggest challenge is the wind in Colorado. I live near Morrison/470. I thought of mapping Mt. Morrison for a start - easy accessibility and only 7,881 summit with Red Rocks view too.
I think that even if it ends up being too difficult to pull off, there's great value in sharing the planning process.
I live in Boulder. Long's Peak would be a closer option, but it's a much larger mountain and a more difficult climb. Mt. Bierstadt is ~2 hrs away.
Here's a link to the main blog post: 3D Mapping of Colorado's High Peaks
Nothing yet - it's just a planning exercise at the moment. I was inspired by SenseFly's mapping of the Matterhorn (which has a similar elevation) and wondered what it would take to do the same for some of Colorado's 14ers. I have no flying experience but, if it looks feasible (either by volunteers with experience or a foolproof package), I'd like to organize a Kickstarter project to do it for at least one of the 14ers. In this blog I'm comparing the SenseFly eBee package with a DIY package and soliciting input on all aspects - I have much to learn!
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