Digital Camera Nikon D300 in Support of High Mountain Studies in the Langtang Valley, Central Himalaya, Nepal

This paper describes two different mapping projects in the upper Langtang Valley, Central Himalaya, Nepal, applying close-range photogrammetry using a non-metric consumer-grade digital camera Nikon D300. Data acquisition (terrestrial photographs, and additional handheld GPS and laser distance measurements) was carried out during a field campaign in April 2010. The first mapping project aimed to document the present extent of the glacier tongue of Kyimoshung Glacier, Langtang Himal, and to compare this glacial stage with an earlier one (1992). The second mapping project intended to produce a large-scale map of Kyanjin Gompa for socio-economic studies. Kyanjin Gompa is a small settlement with a fast growing tourism infrastructure. Photogrammetric work was supported by commercial software, such as ImageStation of Intergraph and/or PhotoModeler. The results obtained are presented graphically using maps and numerically.