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LIDAR Aerial Survey
Laser or Lidar scanning is a technology for obtaining and processing information using active optical systems (lasers - lidars) that utilize the phenomenon of light reflection from objects to conduct high-precision measurements of X, Y, Z coordinates.
LIDAR Aerial Survey is a type of survey that allows creating a digital 3D model of an object or building by representing it as a set of points with high-precision spatial coordinates. This technology employs laser scanners (lidars) that measure the coordinates of surface points of the object at high speed (up to several tens of thousands of points per second). The obtained set of points is called a "point cloud." For each point in the laser scan, X, Y, Z coordinates, and the intensity value of the reflected signal are determined. The "point cloud" is colored based on the intensity of the reflected signal, resulting in a 3D digital photo-like representation after scanning. Nearly all modern laser scanner models (lidars) have an integrated video or photo camera, which allows coloring the point cloud with real colors.
LIDAR Aerial Survey is a type of survey that allows creating a digital 3D model of an object or building by representing it as a set of points with high-precision spatial coordinates. This technology employs laser scanners (lidars) that measure the coordinates of surface points of the object at high speed (up to several tens of thousands of points per second). The obtained set of points is called a "point cloud." For each point in the laser scan, X, Y, Z coordinates, and the intensity value of the reflected signal are determined. The "point cloud" is colored based on the intensity of the reflected signal, resulting in a 3D digital photo-like representation after scanning. Nearly all modern laser scanner models (lidars) have an integrated video or photo camera, which allows coloring the point cloud with real colors.
LIDAR aerial survey can be divided into aerial, terrestrial, and mobile scanning methods.
Uses of Laser Scanning (Lidar aerial survey):
Aerial Laser Scanning (ALS) is a technology that involves high-frequency laser beam irradiation of the Earth's surface, including ground objects, from any aerial vehicle (airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, UAV) to obtain a "point cloud" of coordinates. ALS is used to create topographic plans of linear and planar objects in scales of 1:500 to 1:5000, digital terrain models (DTM), and digital elevation models (DEM). Usually, ALS is accompanied by simultaneous aerial imagery with a resolution of 5-15cm in the visible and near-infrared ranges. It is mainly used for engineering surveys of infrastructure objects, urban planning, volume calculation of moved earth (quarries, waste disposal sites, etc.), and monitoring various types of objects.
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is used to obtain detailed 3D models of objects, create facade plans, and large-scale topographic plans from 1:50 to 1:500. Terrestrial laser scanners allow capturing objects as small as 0.5cm with an accuracy of up to 0.5mm, enabling the determination of spatial coordinates of object points. TLS can be performed at any time of the day. Productivity can reach up to 4000m2 for facade scans at a scale of 1:50 and up to 20 hectares for topographic plans at a scale of 1:500. TLS is carried out from ground-level objects or from a tripod in a discrete mode (with device repositioning). This laser scanning method is successfully used in closed spaces and environments (tunnels, caves, etc.) and is ideal for complex structures and interior scans.
Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) is performed from a ground or waterborne platform in continuous mode (moving platforms). The method allows for limited short-term operation in closed environments (passing under bridges, short tunnels). MLS is ideal for urban areas.
This type of laser scanning is typically used for comprehensive mapping and 3D modeling of linear infrastructure objects (roads, railways, power lines, streets in settlements, pipelines, etc.), complex and highly detailed planar objects (settlements, interchanges, multi-level viaducts, rocky shores, lower dam abutments with watercraft, etc.). The accuracy ranges from 5 to 8cm, object detailing from 1 to 5cm, and productivity can reach up to 500 kilometers of scanning per day (scanning swath width from 50 to 250 meters). A drawback is the inaccessibility to scan the roofs of objects, and objects close to the platform (fences, bushes) may hinder the scanning process.
The mobile laser scanning technology combines the speed and data volumes of aerial scanning with the accuracy and detail of terrestrial scanning. The technology of conducting scans while in motion is used for creating cartographic materials, inventory, monitoring, and recording the condition of extensive infrastructure objects.
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is used to obtain detailed 3D models of objects, create facade plans, and large-scale topographic plans from 1:50 to 1:500. Terrestrial laser scanners allow capturing objects as small as 0.5cm with an accuracy of up to 0.5mm, enabling the determination of spatial coordinates of object points. TLS can be performed at any time of the day. Productivity can reach up to 4000m2 for facade scans at a scale of 1:50 and up to 20 hectares for topographic plans at a scale of 1:500. TLS is carried out from ground-level objects or from a tripod in a discrete mode (with device repositioning). This laser scanning method is successfully used in closed spaces and environments (tunnels, caves, etc.) and is ideal for complex structures and interior scans.
Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) is performed from a ground or waterborne platform in continuous mode (moving platforms). The method allows for limited short-term operation in closed environments (passing under bridges, short tunnels). MLS is ideal for urban areas.
This type of laser scanning is typically used for comprehensive mapping and 3D modeling of linear infrastructure objects (roads, railways, power lines, streets in settlements, pipelines, etc.), complex and highly detailed planar objects (settlements, interchanges, multi-level viaducts, rocky shores, lower dam abutments with watercraft, etc.). The accuracy ranges from 5 to 8cm, object detailing from 1 to 5cm, and productivity can reach up to 500 kilometers of scanning per day (scanning swath width from 50 to 250 meters). A drawback is the inaccessibility to scan the roofs of objects, and objects close to the platform (fences, bushes) may hinder the scanning process.
The mobile laser scanning technology combines the speed and data volumes of aerial scanning with the accuracy and detail of terrestrial scanning. The technology of conducting scans while in motion is used for creating cartographic materials, inventory, monitoring, and recording the condition of extensive infrastructure objects.
Goals and Objectives of LIDAR Aerial Survey
- Creating a topographic base for project exploration and geological exploration works;
- Producing drawings for construction companies;
- Creating executive schemes;
- Analysis of an object's behavior during operation;
- High-precision measurements of engineering structures;
- Creating and updating large-scale maps and plans;
- Generating digital terrain models (DTM) and digital elevation models (DEM) (raster - GRID, vector - TIN);
- Building mathematical models using the intensity of laser pulse reflections;
- Generating orthophoto plans based on classified ground points;
- Developing project and technical documentation;
- Creating 3D models for complex construction projects (bridges, interchanges, ports, stations, airports, quarries, etc.);
Thus, laser scanning is mainly required in:
- Construction;
- Oil and gas industry;
- Mining industry;
- Highway and railway sectors;
- Archaeology and architectural heritage restoration;
- Documentation of emergency situations.
Advantages of Using Laser Scanning Data
The laser scanning technology is not dependent on the intensity of illumination in the environment and can be used both during the day and at night. It offers high image resolution compared to other methods and practically no geometric distortions. This technology easily integrates with other remote sensing methods and allows:
- Thorough examination of objects from a distance;
- Creating high-resolution 3D terrain models with precision up to 1 cm. Laser scanning results in a dense "point cloud" (hundreds and thousands of measurements per 1 m²), enabling detailed analysis of object features. The accuracy of laser scanning is comparable to ground geodetic measurements and far exceeds the precision of aerial imagery;
- Obtaining true terrain relief;
- Creating topographic plans and maps in areas with no ground reference points (tundra, completely snow-covered territories, deserts, sandy beaches, etc.);
- Creating vegetation classification, including recognition of its species and condition.
Advantages of MLS:
- Three-dimensionality of data (all collected data have three-dimensional coordinates);
- Variety of result representations (from 3D point clouds to plans and 3D models);
- High accuracy and detail (0.5 cm accuracy);
- High productivity of scanning operations (much faster than instrumental surveys). Substantial reduction in fieldwork time and costs;
- High mobility of the system;
- No need for obtaining permits for scanning;
- The system can be installed on various types of transport (car, railway car, boat, etc.), eliminating the need for expensive aircraft rental in aerial scanning.
Disadvantages of MLS:
Presence of shadow zones during the scanning of certain objects (relief elements, such as ditches, roadside curbs, buildings, etc.), which can be mitigated through field inspections or integration of scanning data (aerial, mobile, and terrestrial) and previously conducted surveys.
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