Received: 11 Jun 2018 – Discussion started: 27 Jul 2018
Abstract. Terrestrial time-lapse photogrammetry is a rapidly growing method for deriving measurements from glacial environments because it provides high spatio-temporal resolution records of change. However, glacial photogrammetry toolboxes are limited currently. Without prior knowledge in photogrammetry and computer coding, they are used primarily to calculate ice flow velocities or to serve as qualitative records. PyTrx (available at https://github.com/PennyHow/PyTrx) is presented here as a Python-alternative toolbox to widen the range of photogrammetry toolboxes on offer to the glaciology community. The toolbox holds core photogrammetric functions for point seeding, feature-tracking, image registration, and georectification (using a planar projective transformation model). In addition, PyTrx facilitates areal and line measurements, which can be detected from imagery using either an automated or manual approach. Examples of PyTrx's applications are demonstrated using time-lapse imagery from Kronebreen and Tunabreen, two tidewater glaciers in Svalbard. Products from these applications include ice flow velocities, surface areas of supraglacial lakes and meltwater plumes, and glacier terminus profiles.
How to cite. How, P., Hulton, N. R. J., and Buie, L.: PyTrx: A Python toolbox for deriving velocities, surface areas and
line measurements from oblique imagery in glacial environments, Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst. Discuss. [preprint], https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2018-28, 2018.
Terrestrial photogrammetry is the approach by which measurements are derived from images. It is a rapidly growing method in glaciology, providing detailed records of glacier change. However, glacial photogrammetry toolboxes are limited currently. PyTrx (freely available online) has been developed here as a Python-alternative toolbox with wider capabilities for deriving velocities, areas, and line measurements. Examples are presented throughout using time-lapse imagery from glaciers in Svalbard.
Terrestrial photogrammetry is the approach by which measurements are derived from images. It is...