Generating a three-dimensional measuring scene for the forest sector as based on modern geodetic technologies

Abstract

Modern geodetic technologies of gathering three-dimensional spatial data incorporate terrestrial laser scanning and aerial photo survey from unmanned aerial vehicles. The combination of these technologies and joint result of survey provide the data of 3D point model and accurate information on trunks and crowns of individual trees. The paper examines the experiment with the application of method of formation of 3D measuring scene in the form of dense cloud of points combining the results of terrestrial laser scanning and materials of photogrammetric processing of UAV-provided data. The method eliminates basic shortcomings of each technology, enhances their advantages, and opens the way to the compilation of more representative 3D measuring scenes. A specific advantage of the method is the outcropping of detailed information on the form, size and condition of individual tree crowns. This option finds a practical application in landscape evaluation and design, remote measuring of trunk parameters excluding the felling of model trees for the compilation of regional timber account tables. The closest perspectives of method development are related to increasing the accuracy of combined survey by specifying flight missions and working with the light regime under forest canopy.