3D Model of Halema'uma'u Crater (Jan 7, 2021)

Visual photographs taken during a helicopter overflight of Halema'uma'u crater on January 7, 2021 (at Kīlauea Volcano) are used to create a 3D model of the crater. This technique is called structure-from-motion photogrammetry and uses the multiple perspectives captured in dozens of photos to reconstruct the crater shape on a computer. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists use these models to help calculate erupted volume, eruption rate, and measure the size of features in the crater. This video is a computer-generated fly-through of the January 7 model, and focuses on the main island in the lava lake. The height of the island’s edges was measured at 8 m (26 ft), and the island’s high point above the lake surface was measured at 23 m (75 ft). Also pictured are small island on the east end of the lake and the location of the active west vent and the inactive north vent.