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Abstract:

This paper is an attempt to compare digital elevation models obtained through aerial LiDAR and Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques in order to record microtopographic changes on hiking trails within a 4-year period. For this purpose, two separate test fields were selected based on topographic change potential in the form of a near 0-degree trail slope alignment angle. The test fields are located in a forested area of Kielce city on a "red" hiking trail. The findings show that the microtopographic changes caused by natural processes and human use of the trail can be recorded by applying the techniques mentioned above. A comparison between the DEMs was done with the help of 24 cross-section transects and a raster calculation. Calculated values of absolute differences in hight ranged from 0.01 ± 0.01 m to 0.09 ± 0.01 m for a first test field and from 0 ± 0.01 m to 0.13 ± 0.01 m for second test field. Although the results have been presented, many challenges, such as error estimation, DEM creation obstacles, and accuracy difference, have been overcome to do so. Therefore, this approach must be used with caution. Potential improvements to the comparing techniques can be employed for further research to match the specific needs of an analysis of hiking trails.