Cadastral Surveys Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning - Accuracy and Economy

Abstract

Due to the wide range of possible applications, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has long since found its way into monument protection and construction. The advantage of this technology is the resulting 3D image of the surroundings including all visible objects as a 3D point cloud. At the office, all necessary information can be derived from the data set using specialized software. In order to test the suitability of TLS to create partition plans according to the Ordinance on Cadastral Surveying (VermV), a case study was conducted using both, a total station and a TLS. Both recordings were evaluated and compared for accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and legality. The accuracy of a TLS mainly depends on the care taken in the evaluation. Deviations occur if geometries are misinterpreted, however, such mistakes can be corrected in the office. From an economic point of view, the TLS requires 14% less total working time. The workload is shifted from the field to the office, with a 68% reduction in field work time. This leads to a reduction in costs and less disruption in the surveyed area. The use of a TLS is legally covered by the VermV. A major advantage of the technology is the recording of the entire environment suited for documentation, preservation of evidence, and added value for planners. However, the decision on the use of a TLS needs to be done case-based.