Tuesday, December 15, 2015

6 Myths about HD-LIDAR


Today we will dispel the following Myths and Rumors which once were facts in our industry:
  • LiDAR is only useful in planning applications
  • LiDAR is inaccurate
  • Photogrammetry is more accurate/better than LiDAR
  • LiDAR requires photogrammetry (imagery)
  • Requires separate flights for Imagery and LiDAR
  • Not suitable for design-scale civil engineering applications
LiDAR is only useful in planning applications
HD-LiDAR (Hi-Def LiDAR) is currently being used for hi-accuracy mapping.  This design-scale ready data provides better value through more data serving more applications with one effort.

LiDAR is inaccurate
We are currently obtaining vertical accuracies averaging .05' from altitudes of 1,200' to 2,500' AMT.  This is from fixed-wing aircraft, no helicopter is required.

Photogrammetry is more accurate/better than LiDAR
Unlike photogrammetry, LiDAR is not reliant on ground control for accuracy and precision.  LiDAR requires significantly less ground control points with more flexibility in placement.

LiDAR requires photogrammetry (imagery)
Design scale ready HD-LiDAR achieves detail logistically unobtainable through any other survey, technological means.  HD-LiDAR needs only one, precision ground control point for absolute positions; the remaining points are for QA/QC.

Requires separate flights for Imagery and LiDAR
HD-LiDAR and Imagery is adjusted and ready for use within 24-48 hours from flight.

Not suitable for design-scale civil engineering applications
The LiDAR point cloud/surface is more useful than contours.  HD-LiDAR provides a more comprehensive, detailed terrain and landscape surface for engineering.

See these facts live with a HD-LiDAR demo by clicking below.

http://www.axisgeospatial.com/hd-lidar-dataset/