I'm trying to work out a method to create a DEM to serve as a base map for an archaeological project in a relatively small area (a property surrounding a historic home). Normally, I use a Total Station to shoot in the coordinates for GCPs, but I likely won't have access to one for this project. These coordinates not only help to georeference the resulting orthomosaics and DEMs, but they provide the x,y plane. To get around this, I was wondering if I could do something relatively simple: get a bubble level with some measurements on it. I would attach a couple targets at known distances for scale, then use the bubble levels to ensure that it was level. The resulting scale bar could also serve as the x,y plane for creating orthomosaics.
The second issue is how to get the proper coverage and image overlap without the use of a drone. I'm guessing that a pole would do the trick, since taking photos from my standing height, even in a relatively small project area, would probably not work.
Would this work? Am I missing anything or making any unintentional mistakes?