Camera Trap Photogrammetry Dataset, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, Sept. 2021

The dataset and images provided here were used to evaluate a method of using pixel measurements in an image to estimate animal size or distance from the camera using a conceptual model in photogrammetry known as the “pinhole camera model". Our objectives were to 1) determine whether the pinhole camera model can produce reliable estimates of animal size or distance using different camera traps, models, and image settings under ideal conditions using stationary life-like animal targets and 2) evaluate performance of the pinhole camera model in a practical field setting using live captive reindeer. Images of captive reindeer were collected at the Large Animal Research Station at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Alaska, United States of America, in 2021. We found this approach addressed limitations of current methods while remaining conceptually simple, easy to implement, and generalizable to different camera trap models and installations.

本数据集及配套图像用于评估一种基于图像像素测量值，借助摄影测量学中的概念模型——针孔相机模型（pinhole camera model）——估算动物体型及其与相机间距的方法。本研究的目标分为两点：1）在理想环境下，采用静止的仿真动物靶标，测试针孔相机模型在搭配不同相机陷阱（camera trap）、相机型号及图像参数设置时，能否生成可靠的动物体型或间距估算结果；2）借助活体圈养驯鹿，在实际野外场景中评估针孔相机模型的应用性能。本次研究的圈养驯鹿图像于2021年在美国阿拉斯加州费尔班克斯分校大型动物研究站采集完成。研究结果表明，该方法不仅弥补了现有方法的局限性，同时在概念上简洁直观、易于实现，且可推广适配不同型号的相机陷阱及布设场景。