Hybrid georeferencing of images and LiDAR point clouds for deformation monitoring.
LiDAR point cloud captured at the ship lock test area with color coding representing the number of returns and labels displaying IDs of signalized targets.
LiDAR Magazine recently published an article on hybrid georeferencing of images and RIEGL LiDAR to demonstrate the potential of UAV-based data collection in providing dense 3D point clouds at sub-centimeter accuracy. This was demonstrated during a high accuracy data collection project for the deformation monitoring of a ship lock due to geological subsidence.
LiDAR points colored by reflectance and photogrammetric tie points (white) for the March 2019 flight (bottom) and the March 2021 flight (top).
With the use of a UAV platform fitted with a RIEGL VUX-1UAV Unmanned Scanner, Applanix AP20 IMU/GNSS unit and Phase One iXM-RS150F camera, hybrid georeferencing improved the vertical accuracy (RMS) from 9.9 mm to 5.9 mm in the March 2021 flight. This is a significant improvement from a previous flight in March of 2019 with a vertical accuracy (RMS) of 1.26 cm to 3.8 mm. This enables applications like deformation monitoring, which up to now were feasible only with terrestrial geodetic engineering techniques. In addition to high geometric accuracy of the respective point clouds, hybrid adjustment also provides precise co-registration of image and LiDAR data.
This project highlights how the combination of airborne RIEGL LiDAR and a dedicated medium-format photogrammetric mapping camera will increase in demand as more UAV platforms support this integration.
Read the full article: UAV Point Clouds at Millimeter Accuracy – LIDAR Magazine
About RIEGL:
RIEGL is an international leading provider of cutting-edge technology in airborne, mobile, terrestrial, industrial and unmanned laser scanning solutions for applications in surveying.
RIEGL has been producing LiDAR systems commercially for over 40 years and focuses on pulsed time-of-flight laser radar technology in multiple wavelengths.
RIEGL’s core Smart-Waveform technologies provide pure digital LiDAR signal processing, unique methodologies for resolving range ambiguities, multiple targets per laser shots, optimum distribution of measurements, calibrated amplitudes and reflectance estimates, as well as the seamless integration and calibration of systems.
RIEGL’s Ultimate LiDARTM 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing Innovation in 3D for the LiDAR industry.
From the first inquiry, to purchase and integration of the system, as well as training and support, RIEGL maintains an outstanding history of reliability and support to their customers.
Worldwide sales, training, support and services are delivered from RIEGL’s headquarters in Austria and in the USA; main offices in, Japan, China, Australia, Canada and the UK; and a worldwide network of representatives.