Terrestrial LiDAR sensor modeling towards optimal scan location and spatial density planning for 3D surveying

Abstract

Terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) are being used for acquisition of 3D data in real time at much faster speed as compared to conventional surveying techniques and thus are considered as a technology making paradigm shift in 3D surveying. Use of TLS by surveyors in large scale surveying is limited due to non-availability of standardized technological guiding principles for deciding the scanning geometry elements like range, resolution, and scanner location beforehand. Resolution is the more critical element because it dictates the others. In order to achieve optimal use of TLS for surveying applications, mathematical models has been proposed for different topographic surface configurations for determining the most appropriate inter point spacing which is a prerequisite for mapping at required level of detail (LOD), which renders an optimized scanner location and resolution. The mathematical models have been tested by field experimentations on different surface configurations and results presented for different scenarios. The results validate the mathematical models; hence, these can be used in discovering best suitable locations beforehand conforming to the required spatial density and thus economizing the overall surveying efforts and related costs.