High-Value LIDAR Applications

There are two schools of thought in the LIDAR mapping business: One group wants to commoditize LIDAR by flying as high and as fast as possible to collect low-res LIDAR data… covering very large areas at a very low cost … with little or no value-add. Then, there is a second group that recognizes the growing demand for higher accuracy, higher density, higher quality LIDAR data that can be acquired simultaneously with multispectral imagery to derive the full benefits of the technology and generate a greater return on their investment.

The TopoSys line of LIDAR/Imaging systems are engineered specifically to deliver high value applications such as engineering site development, road surveys, power and pipeline monitoring, hydrographic studies, coastal erosion, topographic mapping and 3D urban/city models.

Cities Recognize Value of LiDAR and True-Ortho Imagery for 3D Models

Unlike conventional ortho-images, true ortho-images correctly project vertical walls of buildings and rooflines are not offset. This is accomplished by simultaneous acquisition of digital image data along with high-point-density LiDAR … the blending of these datasets eliminates leaning edges and allows all captured objects to be computed in their proper positions.

The generation of a 3D city model involves the conversion of aerial LiDAR and image data to vector data as a means of generating 3D block models and roof forms. True ortho-imagery is a fundamental building block in the generation of 2D building footprints, which are then extruded to building height and roof shape as defined by LiDAR data.

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Electric Utilities Use LIDAR and Imagery for Vegetation Management

These technologies improve the efficiency and effectiveness of identifying dangerous trees, vegetation encroachments, as well as aiding in the predictive modeling of vegetation growth patterns. Additional information can be gleaned from LIDAR and image data:

Detailed and precise vectorized data of power lines, conductors and structures
Cross and longitudinal sections based on raster datasets and high-density point clouds.
3D Details of power lines such as sag, pylon centre lines, cable attachment points.
Determination of clearance distances for power lines, railways and motorways

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Forestry Companies Realize Multiple Benefits from Aerial LIDAR and Image Data

As the most expensive task forest companies face, harvest planning benefits most from LIDAR mapping with many holdings in hilly and steep terrain. The high resolution DTMs from Lidar provide harvest managers much better information for planning their operations, and utilizing appropriate machinery. Better knowledge of the terrain allows for more cost-effective road construction, design improvements and reduced environmental impact.

As well, the following stand- and tree-related parameters can be extracted directly from the LIDAR and image data:

Height of single trees and forest stands
Segmentation of single trees and crown diameter
Number of trees and density of stand
3D coordinates of tree tops
Classification of deciduous trees and conifers
Diameter at breast height
Timber volume and growth

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For more information on how the TopoSys line of LIDAR/Imaging systems can address high value LIDAR applications, please contact:

Roland Mangold

Director, Business Development

TopoSys North America Inc.

4600 South Ulster Street,

Denver CO 80237-2882

Phone: +1-888-438-1208

Mobile: 720-934-2482

r.mangold@TopoSys.com