DigiParks, an innovative project by DTG, ROMSILVA-Iron Gates Natural Park Administration Romania and Vrachanski Balkan Natural Park Administration Bulgaria

The Danube Region boasts natural treasures of unique beauty, often unexplored by tourists. The DigiParks project unveils these wonders, connecting two spectacular natural parks: Iron Gates Natural Park, Romania and Vrachanski Balkan Natural Park, Bulgaria.

The DigiParks online platform provides useful information for planning a real visit to Iron Gates Natural Park, including detailed maps, recommended trails, caves, historical monuments, and other natural attractions, as well as accommodation options. Interactive virtual tours and detailed information about the region’s flora, fauna, and history complete the virtual adventure, offering a comprehensive and captivating perspective. Visitors can discover the beauty of nature directly by hiking on picturesque mountain trails, exploring fascinating caves, and admiring the spectacular landscapes of the Danube.

DTG, in collaboration with its partner 3D CAD SOLUTIONS, was responsible for the 3D scanning and photogrammetry of Iron Gates Natural Park. This process involved utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to create a detailed and accurate digital representation of the park.

How did this process unfold?

Venturing into the depths of Romania’s Iron Gates Natural Park, a team from DTG, in collaboration with 3D CAD, embarked on an ambitious mission to collect photogrammetric data using drones. This task, however, was not without its challenges. The dense, rugged terrain and lack of GSM signal and internet connectivity posed significant obstacles.

Undeterred, the team devised a resourceful approach, employing a combination of strategies to overcome these hurdles. In the absence of high-resolution satellite imagery, they turned to 1:25000 scale military maps from the 1970s as their guide. Additionally, the invaluable expertise of the Iron Gates Natural Park rangers proved instrumental in mission planning and logistical organization.

The team meticulously divided the park’s 56,000 hectares into 118 quadrangles, each measuring 2500 meters by 2500 meters. With unwavering determination, they set a daily target of covering at least 1000 hectares.

To successfully capture photogrammetric data in the remote and challenging terrain of the Iron Gates Natural Park, our team employed a comprehensive suite of equipment, drawing from both our own fleet and resources provided by the project beneficiary. This extensive arsenal included:

– 2 DJI Matrice M300 RTK UAV systems
– Trinity QS-F90+ UAS aircraft:,
– Lidaretto PUCK Velodyne 3D LiDAR scanner: – mobile and stationary installation
– Leica RTC360 laser scanner
– 2 Zenmuse P1 photogrammetric cameras with 35/24mm lenses and 45MP Full-Frame sensors
– Sony RX1R II photogrammetric camera with 42 MP Full-Frame CMOS sensor and 35mm lens
– 3 GNSS RTK/PPK equipment
– StarLink satellite internet system
– 3 workstation graphics stations
– 2 4×4 utility vehicles
– 1 ATV 6*6
– A dozen batteries, charging stations, accessories, tripods, range poles, and 2 gasoline generators

The Iron Gates Natural Park project encompassed a wide range of activities aimed at meticulously documenting and preserving the park’s rich natural and cultural heritage through digitalization. These activities included:

✅ Digitalization of Natural Heritage Sites (Cazanele Dunării, Ciucaru Mare, Bahna reservation, Eibenthal village), creating detailed digital models of compact natural landmarks like Trescovăț Peak, creating detailed digital models of caves (Ponicova, Veterani).

✅ Generating a comprehensive digital representation of the tourist route that seamlessly connects these diverse natural heritage sites.

✅ Digitalization of Cultural Heritage Sites: preserving the historical significance of architectural landmarks (Museum of Iron Gates Drobeta Turnu Severin), documenting the cultural and architectural heritage of monasteries such as Vodita Monastery, St. Ana Monastery, and the Zămislirea Cathedral through digitalization.

✅ Generating a high-precision 3D model of the entire natural park, with a remarkable resolution of 5-10 centimeters per pixel.

✅ Providing a comprehensive 3D point cloud representation of the park’s topography and features. Delivering an orthomosaic, a seamless composite image of the park’s surface, created from high-resolution aerial photographs. Generating a detailed Digital Surface Model (DSM) that accurately represents the elevation and terrain variations across the entire park.

DTG team’s challenges:

• Rugged terrain with significant elevation changes
• Dense forest coverage and limited access
• Vast project area and numerous digitalization targets
• Absence of GSM Signal and Internet Connectivity
• Navigating border zone regulations (obtaining necessary permits, ensuring compliance with all safety and security protocols)
• Reliance on distant GNSS stations
• Unpredictable weather conditions – four distinct seasons and frequent fog or rain; these could disrupt flight operations, leading to delays and potential safety concerns.

A significant challenge in capturing data using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in areas with dense vegetation and significant elevation differences is maintaining connectivity with the drone and keeping it within VLOS (Visual Line of Sight). To address this challenge, the DTG team employed a strategic approach: the pilot was positioned at a high-altitude vantage point, typically the highest accessible location within the area. This elevated position extended the range of the radio signal, enhancing communication with the drone. By positioning the pilot at a higher elevation, the team aimed to minimize signal obstructions caused by dense vegetation and terrain features, ensuring a reliable connection with the drone.

Venturing into the depths of Iron Gates Natural Park, the DTG team faced a formidable challenge: gaining access to remote work sites amidst dense vegetation, rugged terrain, and significant elevation changes. Deteriorated or non-existent forest roads posed a logistical hurdle, demanding a combination of technological, organizational, and physical resilience from the team. The team utilized 4×4 utility vehicles and ATVs to traverse challenging terrain, overcoming obstacles and reaching remote locations. For work sites accessible only by water, the team utilized a boat, demonstrating their adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating diverse environments. Where vehicles could not reach, the team embarked on lengthy hikes, carrying essential equipment on their backs. This physical endurance and determination were crucial for completing the project.

Project results

The DTG team embarked on a meticulous aerial data collection mission, conducting extensive photogrammetric flights over the course of approximately 300 hours. This endeavor resulted in a treasure trove of approximately 175,000 images that required careful processing and analysis. Leveraging the exceptional processing capabilities of DJI Terra software, the team streamlined the data processing workflow, completing the task within 1500 hours. The processed digital information, encompassing orthophoto plans, mosaics, point clouds, individual photographs, and digital surface models, exceeded an impressive 10 terabytes in size.

Additional software utilized: Novatel Inertial Explorer, 3Dsurvey, Leica Cyclone Register 360, Global Mapper, AutoCad, Carlson survCE.

DigiParks Project: Irin Gates Natural Park in numbers:

Surface Area – 56 000 ha
Flight Hours > 300
Images Captured > 175 000
Processing Hours > 1500
Tiles Generated – 118 (2500mx2500m)
Digital Data > 10 TB

The DigiParks project transcends geographical boundaries, forging a strong collaborative alliance between Romania and Bulgaria. This groundbreaking tourism initiative is poised to elevate the two nations’ most prominent protected areas. The Iron Gates Natural Park, now digitally enhanced through DigiParks, is poised to unveil a unique visitor experience where technology seamlessly blends with nature. Through interactive digital platforms and immersive experiences, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the park’s intricate ecosystems, historical significance, and cultural tapestry.

Discover DigiParks project, click here.

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