Complex terrain, dense vegetation, and large areas create significant challenges for surveying and engineering work. Integrating aerial LIDAR scanning with ground-based handheld systems enables the rapid acquisition of precise 3D data on terrain, infrastructure, and natural features, providing a reliable foundation for analysis, planning, and decision-making.
Preparation and Work Stages
Fieldwork for creating a topographic map of a forested area involved the combined use of drones equipped with LIDAR and handheld ground-based SLAM scanners. The goal was to generate an accurate point cloud, a digital elevation model, and an orthophoto map, all essential for further analysis.
The main stages of work included setting up temporary and permanent control reference points to georeference the data and verify survey accuracy, performing aerial LIDAR scans with drones integrated with RTK/IMU systems to capture terrain, vegetation, and structural details, and conducting ground-based scanning of hard-to-reach areas where drones cannot access, such as narrow paths, dense woodland, or complex terrain. All GNSS and IMU data were synchronized to ensure precise georeferencing and alignment of the datasets.
Data Processing
Once fieldwork was completed, the collected images and point clouds were processed in Pix4Dmatic.
1. Images were imported and aligned to automatically generate an initial point cloud, georeferenced and verified against control points, with trajectory corrections applied for maximum precision.
2. Advanced algorithms classified the data into terrain, vegetation, buildings, power lines, and other features.
3. The final processing step included cleaning the point cloud of noise, removing irrelevant objects, and preparing digital elevation models and orthophoto maps.
The resulting datasets allow for the creation of highly accurate topographic maps of forested areas and provide detailed 3D visualizations for engineering and architectural projects.
Research Findings
1. The integrated approach of combining aerial and ground-based LIDAR scanning produces a complete 3D model of the area, capturing natural terrain, built structures, vegetation, and engineering elements. This 3D point cloud fully recreates the physical space in a digital environment and supports detailed planning and analysis.
2. Orthophotos derived from the 3D point cloud provide accurate 2D representations, enabling assessment of object placement, monitoring of vegetation coverage, and integration into GIS systems or technical documentation. High-precision 3D models allow vectorization for digital twins of buildings, power lines, or community planning, supporting real-world decision-making with minimal errors.
3. Additionally, LiDAR and point cloud classification algorithms allow for rapid and precise determination of tree count, location, diameter, and height — critical for assessing forest density, planning forest management, and evaluating risks such as tree-to-power-line interactions. Automation significantly saves time and enhances accuracy, particularly over large forested areas.
4. By combining drone-based LIDAR with ground-based scanning, even complex and densely vegetated areas can be surveyed comprehensively. This approach is not just a technological upgrade — it represents a new standard for data collection, planning, monitoring, and analysis, maximizing efficiency and precision for engineering applications.
DroneUA Services Include:
- Aerial photography with UAVs
- Creation of orthophotos, digital terrain models, and 3D object models
- Topographic map creation
- Land survey data collection
- LIDAR scanning services
- LiDAR data processing and classification
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