Accuracy Comparison of Aerial Lidar, Mobile-Terrestrial Lidar, and UAV Photogrammetric Capture Data Elevations over Different Terrain Types

Abstract

Lidar and other remotely sensed data such as UAV photogrammetric data capture are being collected and utilized for roadway design on an increasing basis. These methods are desirable over conventional survey due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness over large areas. A high degree of relative accuracy is achievable through the establishment of survey control. In this case study, elevations (z-values) derived from mobile-terrestrial lidar, aerial lidar, and UAV photogrammetric capture collected with survey control were statistically compared to conventionally surveyed elevations. A cost comparison of the methods is also included. Each set of z-values corresponds to a discrete horizontal point originally part of the conventional survey, collected as cross-sections. These cross-sections were surveyed at three approximate tenth-mile sample locations along US-30 near Georgetown, Idaho. The cross-sections were collected as elevational accuracy verification, and each sample location was selected as an area where the mobile-terrestrial lidar in particular was expected to have more difficulty achieving accuracy off the road surface. Processing and analysis were performed in Esri ArcMap 10.6, and all data were obtained from the Idaho Transportation Department, District 5. Overall, the aerial lidar elevations were found to be closest to conventionally surveyed elevations; on road surface and level terrain, mobile-terrestrial and UAV photogrammetric capture elevations were closer to the conventionally measured elevations.

Perceived Usefulness of Airborne LiDAR Technology in Road Design and Management: A Review

“…Surveying using the UAV method, according to M. Khanal et al and K.L.A. El-Ashmawy [19,20], has a lower measurement cost because of the smaller number of workers required compared to the number of workers required by TS measurement. According to M. Khanal [19], UAV saves measurement time in the field especially in terms of the DEM data generated automatically by UAVs.…”

“…There are also a great deal of missing spot height data, particularly in areas which workers with TS have failed to enter or observe [19,20]. Furthermore, if inexperienced surveyors undertake the surveys, the acquired data are vulnerable to human error [21], such as the instruments being in poor condition, obstacles from steep slopes [22] and a lack of entrance access to the field measurement site [20].…”

Disturbance Analysis in the Classification of Objects Obtained from Urban LiDAR Point Clouds with Convolutional Neural Networks

“…Point density is one of the main characteristics to consider for each point cloud [2]. The average density and the point distribution vary according to the type of laser scanning [3]. The density defines the number of points in a specific space and it limits the measurement and detection of the elements.…”

Suitability of Aerial Photogrammetry for Dump Documentation and Volume Determination in Large Areas

“…The methodology of the work consists of geodetic measurements in the field, data processing, and calculation. When choosing a surveying method, it is essential to consider the specific size and shape of the measured object, its accessibility in terms of personnel safety while surveying, and the time period in which it is necessary to make measurements in the field [1]. An important aspect is the required accuracy of the determined volume, which depends mainly on the precision and detail of the resultant 3D model, i.e., primarily the amount and precision of measured points [2].…”