title: A measurement system applicable for landslide experiments in the field.
abstract: Observation of gravity erosion in the field with strong sunshine and wind poses a challenge. Here, a novel topography meter together with a movable tent addresses the challenge. With the topography meter, a 3D geometric shape of the target surface can be digitally reconstructed. Before the commencement of a test, the laser generator position and the camera sightline should be adjusted with a sight calibrator. Typically, the topography meter can measure the gravity erosion on the slope with a gradient of 30°-70°. Two methods can be used to obtain a relatively clear video, despite the extreme steepness of the slopes. One method is to rotate the laser source away from the slope to ensure that the camera sightline remains perpendicular to the laser plane. Another way is to move the camera farther away from the slope in which the measured volume of the slope needs to be corrected; this method will reduce distortion of the image. In addition, installation of tent poles with concrete columns helps to surmount the altitude difference on steep slopes. Results observed by the topography meter in real landslide experiments are rational and reliable.
authors.affiliation: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
authors.forename: Wen-Zhao
authors.initials: WZ
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
authors.forename: Xiang-Zhou
authors.initials: XZ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
authors.forename: Wen-Long
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Process and Control of Soil Loss on the Loess Plateau of MWR, Yellow River Institute of Hydraulic Research, Zhengzhou 450003, China.
authors.forename: Ji-Shan
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
authors.forename: Ya-Kun
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
authors.forename: Fei-Long
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Xu