Improving LiDAR height precision in urban environment

Low-cost GNSS ranging prototype for post-mission airborne laser scanning enhancement

Journal article (2024)

Authors

Milad Salehi-Dorcheabedi University of Isfahan
Jamal Asgari University of Isfahan
A. Amiri Simkooei Control & Operations , Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects - Aerospace Engineering , University of Isfahan
Sayyed Bagher Fatemi Nasrabadi University of Isfahan
Research Group
Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) Airborne laser scanning system accuracy assessment Network real time kinematic (NRTK) Ultrasonic distance measuring
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Published Date

2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Control & Operations

Research Group

Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects

Abstract

Although Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is currently one of the most efficient methods for acquiring high-density point cloud, there are still challenges in terms of data reliability. In particular, the accuracy assessment of LiDAR data, especially in the height component, is one of the main issues in this context. This study introduces a rapid and cost-effective platform to improve the accuracy and precision of LiDAR data by integrating high-density GNSS-Ranging measurements with LiDAR data. The platform offers the capability to rapidly collect a significant number of network real time kinematic (NRTK) points with centimetric precision. A continuous correction surface is proposed to integrate the platform and LiDAR data, resulting in improved accuracy for all ground-class LiDAR data. Evaluation using GNSS benchmarks and NRTK checkpoints showed a significant reduction in LiDAR height errors after applying the correction surface. The root mean squares error (RMSE) decreased from 18.5 cm to 8.2 cm when compared to GNSS benchmarks and from 17.4 cm to 5.3 cm for approximately 1000 NRTK control points. The results indicate that collecting a large number of high-density GNSS ground targets and applying a correction surface to LiDAR height data significantly enhance the accuracy and precision of the LiDAR extracted products.