Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems

Artem V. Mareev; Aleksandr V. Makeev; Lidiya A. Kargina; Valentin R. Yangalyshev

doi:10.30533/GiA-2026-013

UDC 528.48

DISTANCE ESTIMATION BASED ON LASER BEAM DIVERGENCE IN GEODETIC MONITORING SYSTEMS Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems

АА Аа

Published in Izvestia Vuzov. Geodesy and Aerophotosurveying · Volume 70, Issue 2, 2026 · ELocator: 2 · Rubric: Geodesy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30533/GiA-2026-013

Received: 02.10.2025 Accepted: 24.04.2026 Published: 30.04.2026

Authors

Artem V. Mareev

Aleksandr V. Makeev

Lidiya A. Kargina

Valentin R. Yangalyshev

Artem V. Mareev

Siberian State University Geosystems and Technology associate professor · Novosibirsk

Siberian State University Geosystems and Technology associate professor · Department of Space and Physical Geodesy · Novosibirsk

Aleksandr V. Makeev

Siberian State University Geosystems and Technology senior lecturer · Department of Special Devices, Innovations and Metrology · Novosibirsk

Lidiya A. Kargina

Siberian State University Geosystems and Technology Department of Space and Physical Geodesy · Novosibirsk

Valentin R. Yangalyshev

Siberian State University Geosystems and Technology inzhener · Department of Space and Physical Geodesy · Novosibirsk

ABSTRACT

An assessment is presented of the applicability of computer vision algorithms and software in observation systems for continuously operating geodetic monitoring. A method for determining linear displacements based on the divergence effect of a laser beam is considered, implemented within a measurement unit comprising a semiconductor laser, an ESP32 CAM microcontroller module with an OV2640 digital camera, and a matte screen. Experimental results confirm the capability to estimate distance variations between the laser source and the screen with an error of 2 mm over a range of 30 to 50 m. Video processing is performed using open-source software designed to detect and analyze the position of the laser spot on the camera matrix. Experimental data obtained under controlled conditions are provided for the verification and refinement of technical vision algorithms. The proposed solution enables continuous displacement monitoring and can be integrated into structural deformation monitoring systems. The use of low-cost components and open software enhances the system’s accessibility for widespread deployment. The results contribute to improving the accuracy and autonomy of geodetic monitoring systems.

KEYWORDS

computer vision, geodetic monitoring, alignment monitoring systems, laser spot tracking, open source, laser beam divergence

Funding

The research was performed within the framework of the state assignment of the Ministry of Education ‘Automatic geodetic monitoring of the natural environment and engineering structures by means of low-budget high-precision sensors of vertical movements in the Far North’ (FEFS-2023-0003).

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Mareev A. V., Makeev A. V., Kargina L. A., Yangalyshev V. R. Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems // Izvestia Vuzov. Geodesy and Aerophotosurveying. 2026. no. 2. 2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30533/GiA-2026-013. (Date of access 08.10.2026).

MLA

Artem V. Mareev, Makeev A. V., Kargina L. A., Yangalyshev V. R.. "Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems." Izvestia Vuzov. Geodesy and Aerophotosurveying 70.2 (2026): 2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30533/GiA-2026-013.

APA

Mareev A. V., Makeev A. V., Kargina L. A., Yangalyshev V. R. (2026). Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems. Izvestia Vuzov. Geodesy and Aerophotosurveying, 70(2), 2. https://doi.org/10.30533/GiA-2026-013

Chicago

Artem V. Mareev, Makeev A. V., Kargina L. A., Yangalyshev V. R.. "Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems." Izvestia Vuzov. Geodesy and Aerophotosurveying 70, no. 2 (2026): 2. https://doi.org/10.30533/GiA-2026-013.

WIKI

{{cite journal | author = Mareev A. V., Makeev A. V., Kargina L. A., Yangalyshev V. R. | title = Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems | journal = Izvestia Vuzov. Geodesy and Aerophotosurveying | year = 2026 | volume = 70 | issue = 2 | pages = 2 | doi = 10.30533/GiA-2026-013 }}

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DISTANCE ESTIMATION BASED ON LASER BEAM DIVERGENCE IN GEODETIC MONITORING SYSTEMS Distance Estimation Based on Laser Beam Divergence in Geodetic Monitoring Systems

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