Terrestrial Laser Scanning and UAV Laser Scanning: Comparing Point Cloud Accuracy for Digital Elevation Model

9 pages•Published: May 26, 2024

Rana Muhammad Irfan Anwar, Shadi Alathamneh and Junshan Liu

Abstract

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Laser Scanning (ULS) are both emerging technologies for rapidly capturing detailed 3D data of structures and environments. This study provides a comparative analysis between these two scanning techniques in terms of the accuracy and differences of the resulting 3D point clouds. A case study was conducted where TLS data was collected from ground-level scan positions while ULS data was captured through automated flights around the facility exterior. The point clouds from each platform were evaluated based on point density, geometric accuracy assessments, and ability to capture fine details. The TLS scans produced a highly accurate and detailed point cloud which was used as a benchmark in this study. The UAV scans exhibited less accuracy when compared to static TLS. However, the UAV was better able to capture hard-to-reach areas and provide a more complete model of the study site exterior. This research provides quantitative and qualitative comparisons between these scanning platforms to help determine the best approach based on requirements. The results will help professionals select the optimal scanning technology for generating the Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) depending on the application and accuracy requirements of the targeted DEMs.

Keyphrases: digital elevation model, point cloud, reality capture, terrestrial laser scanning, uav laser scanning

In: Tom Leathem, Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 5, pages 423-431.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/5wwV
	https://doi.org/10.29007/jqwh

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2024:Terrestrial_Laser_Scanning_UAV,
  author    = {Rana Muhammad Irfan Anwar and Shadi Alathamneh and Junshan Liu},
  title     = {Terrestrial Laser Scanning and UAV Laser Scanning: Comparing Point Cloud Accuracy for Digital Elevation Model},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference},
  editor    = {Tom Leathem and Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {5},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/5wwV},
  doi       = {10.29007/jqwh},
  pages     = {423-431},
  year      = {2024}}

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