Light Detection And Ranging Research Articles

A LiDAR-driven three-dimensional simulation model for far-red solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence in forests

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is a subtle but informative probe of plant photosynthesis. Quantifying the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of SIF benefits a better understanding of photosynthesis variations over heterogeneous canopies. Although radiative transfer models (RTMs) provide a solid theoretical basis for simulating the 3D SIF distribution, most RTMs use virtual scenes with complex reconstruction processes. This study aims to develop a 3D SIF simulation model (FluorLiDAR) directly driven by terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data using leaf and canopy RTMs, including a 3D PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) simulation model, the Fluspect model, the atmosphere radiative transfer module in SCOPE, and the multiple scattering coefficients of sunlit and shaded leaves from the 4-scale model. The results show that (1) the simulated and measured SIF patterns were consistent, with R2 (RMSE) values of 0.73 (0.17 mW/nm/m2/sr) and 0.76 (0.12 mW/nm/m2/sr) for 1-min sampling and 10-min averages, respectively. Moreover, the R2 between FluorLiDAR and the DART simulation reached 0.94. The R2 of FluorLiDAR and DART were both higher than 1D mSCOPE using every 10-min sampling data. (2) Point density, denoted by average NPD (nearest point distance), influenced the performance of our model mainly when it was smaller than 0.1 m. Chlorophyll content had less influence on the model accuracy (R2 and rRMSE), and the bias between simulation and measurement decreased as chlorophyll content increased. (3) The simulated 3D SIF distribution pattern closely resembled PAR within the canopy. Besides, FluorLiDAR can simulate the hot spot effect like DART and mSCOPE though the effect was not as obvious as the other two models. This study highlights the potential of a LiDAR-driven SIF model for 3D SIF simulation over a heterogeneous canopy, which may benefit the understanding of the structural impacts on forest photosynthesis in real forest scenes.

Non-uniform optical phased array based on dual-adaption genetic algorithm improved by chaos sequence

To address the issue of diminishing peak side lobe levels (PSLL) in non-uniform optical phased array (OPA) as steering angle increases, we introduce a dual-adaption genetic algorithm (DAGA) based on chaos sequence to optimize the antenna array layout. By leveraging chaos mapping traversal and randomness, this approach enhances the diversity of the initial antenna layout, thereby improving the algorithm's capacity to escape local optima. Concurrently, we also reduce background noise during the array steering process to enhance PSLL at large steering angle. In this study, we optimize non-uniform antenna arrays with 64-, 128-, and 256-channels. The results demonstrate that at a steering angle of 80°, the PSLL is improved by 2.18, 2.81, and 3.59 dB, respectively, compared to the conventional genetic algorithm (GA). Notably, for a 256-channel array, the PSLL can be optimized to an impressive -18.46 dB using this method. To our knowledge, this represents the lowest PSLL achieved for an equivalent number of channels. Our research offers valuable insights for the practical implementation of OPAs as transmitters in chip-scale frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems.

Aerial Hybrid Adjustment of LiDAR Point Clouds, Frame Images, and Linear Pushbroom Images

In airborne surveying, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) strip adjustment and image bundle adjustment are customarily performed as separate processes. The bundle adjustment is usually conducted from frame images, while using linear pushbroom (LP) images in the bundle adjustment has been historically challenging due to the limited number of observations available to estimate the exterior image orientations. However, data from these three sensors conceptually provide information to estimate the same trajectory corrections, which is favorable for solving the problems of image depth estimation or the planimetric correction of LiDAR point clouds. Thus, our purpose with the presented study is to jointly estimate corrections to the trajectory and interior sensor states in a scalable hybrid adjustment between 3D LiDAR point clouds, 2D frame images, and 1D LP images. Trajectory preprocessing is performed before the low-frequency corrections are estimated for certain time steps in the following adjustment using cubic spline interpolation. Furthermore, the voxelization of the LiDAR data is used to robustly and efficiently form LiDAR observations and hybrid observations between the image tie-points and the LiDAR point cloud to be used in the adjustment. The method is successfully demonstrated with an experiment, showing the joint adjustment of data from the three different sensors using the same trajectory correction model with spline interpolation of the trajectory corrections. The results show that the choice of the trajectory segmentation time step is not critical. Furthermore, photogrammetric sub-pixel planimetric accuracy is achieved, and height accuracy on the order of mm is achieved for the LiDAR point cloud. This is the first time these three types of sensors with fundamentally different acquisition techniques have been integrated. The suggested methodology presents a joint adjustment of all sensor observations and lays the foundation for including additional sensors for kinematic mapping in the future.

Grid-Based DBSCAN Clustering Accelerator for LiDAR’s Point Cloud

Autonomous robots operate on batteries, rendering power efficiency essential. The substantial computational demands of object detection present a significant burden to the low-power cores employed in these robots. Therefore, we propose a grid-based density-based spatial clustering of applications with a noise (DBSCAN) clustering accelerator for light detection and ranging (LiDAR)’s point cloud to accelerate computational speed and alleviate the operational burden on low-power cores. The proposed method for DBSCAN clustering leverages the characteristics of LiDAR. LiDAR has fixed positions where light is emitted, and the number of points measured per frame is also fixed. These characteristics make it possible to impose grid-based DBSCAN on clustering a LiDAR’s point cloud, mapping the positions and indices where light is emitted to a 2D grid. The designed accelerator with the proposed method lowers the time complexity from O(n2) to O(n). The designed accelerator was implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and verified by comparing clustering results, speeds, and power consumption across various devices. The implemented accelerator speeded up clustering speeds by 9.54 and 51.57 times compared to the i7-12700 and Raspberry Pi 4, respectively, and recorded a 99% reduction in power consumption compared to the Raspberry Pi 4. Comparisons of clustering results also confirmed that the proposed algorithm performed clustering with high visual similarity. Therefore, the proposed accelerator with a low-power core successfully accelerated speed, reduced power consumption, and effectively conducted clustering.

Range extended SP-iToF LiDAR with time-gated and spatially fused imaging

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems based on indirect time-of-flight (iToF) sensors have garnered considerable interest due to their all-solid-state design, high resolution, high reliability, and cost-effective nature. However, the challenge of extending the operational range of iToF LiDAR systems without compromising the range precision is a significant barrier to their broader application. This paper introduces what we believe to be a novel method to overcome these hurdles, which involves pre-setting the delay between the light pulse emission and the sensor’s transfer gates to extend the operational range and utilizing spatial overlap fusion techniques to enhance the range precision. In hardware, a pulsed current driver for the light source with adjustable peak power has been developed to accommodate the varying power budget demands across a longer range. Experimental results demonstrate that, under the same signal-to-noise (SNR), the proposed method exhibits enhanced performance in range error and range precision compared to the conventional method. Furthermore, the designed LiDAR achieves 3D imaging at a distance of up to 120 meters with centimeter-level precision.

Depth-prior-based LiDAR point cloud de-noising method leveraging range-gated imaging.

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has been widely adopted in modern self-driving vehicles and mobile robotics, providing 3D information of the scene and surrounding objects. However, LiDAR systems suffer from many kinds of noise, and its noisy point clouds degrade downstream tasks. Existing LiDAR point cloud de-noising methods are time-consuming or cannot deal with the noise caused by occlusions or penetrating transparent surfaces. In this paper, we introduce a depth-prior-based LiDAR point clouds de-noising method to deal with all types of noise in LiDAR point clouds in real time. The depth prior is derived from the fundamental principles of range-gated imaging and divides the depth of field into three parts, which can provide an effective depth signal. The LiDAR point cloud, which is acquired in synchronization with gated images, is projected into a depth map, and points whose depth is inconsistent with the depth prior can be regarded as noise and can be removed, finally. We conduct an ablation study and compare the proposed method with existing de-noising methods using the Gated2Depth dataset, which is to our knowledge the first long-range-gated dataset specifically designed for 3D detection in adverse weather conditions and includes all the necessary data. The results demonstrated that the proposed method achieves superior performance across all metrics.

Design of dark-colored acrylic coatings for increased LiDAR detection in autonomous vehicles

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is the major sensor for autonomous vehicles. It emits near-infrared (NIR) pulsed light at 905 nm and detects the reflected portion of this light from the surrounding objects. Location and surface determination of the surrounding objects is performed using the time-of-flight (the elapsed time from launch of a pulsed beam to detection of the reflected returned beam). Solvent borne acrylic paints gained wide currency for the exterior automotive coatings over the years and topcoats with conventional dark-colored pigment dispersions exhibit low reflectivity in the NIR region. The formulation of innovative topcoats with high reflectivity in this region is an urgent task for leading paint manufacturers. In this study, pigment dispersions to be incorporated in LiDAR-detectable solvent borne acrylic automotive topcoats were designed considering the surface charges of individual pigment particles for dispersant selection. Stability of designed dispersions was demonstrated and color matching studies were realized. Three dark colors encoded RAL 9011 (Graphite black), RAL 5017 (Traffic blue), and RAL 5015 (Sky blue) from the RAL 841-GL color chart were formulated as acrylic topcoats with NIR reflective pigments. Based on the surface properties of the dry films, such as gloss, haze and distinctness of image, a significant increase in LiDAR detection was achieved for each color. The results affirmed the potential use of the developed formulations as end-product paints for coating the exterior surfaces of autonomous vehicles.

Graph-based adaptive weighted fusion SLAM using multimodal data in complex underground spaces

Accurate and robust simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is essential for autonomous exploration, unmanned transportation, and emergency rescue operations in complex underground spaces. However, the demanding conditions of underground spaces, characterized by poor lighting, weak textures, and high dust levels, pose substantial challenges to SLAM. To address this issue, we propose a graph-based adaptive weighted fusion SLAM (AWF-SLAM) for autonomous robots to achieve accurate and robust SLAM in complex underground spaces. First, a contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) that combined adaptive gamma correction with weighting distribution (AGCWD) in hue, saturation, and value (HSV) space is proposed to enhance the brightness and contrast of visual images in underground spaces. Then, the performance of each sensor is evaluated using a consistency check based on the Mahalanobis distance to select the optimal configuration for specific conditions. Subsequently, we elaborate an adaptive weighting function model, which leverages the residuals from point cloud matching and the inner point rate of image matching. This model fuses data from light detection and ranging (LiDAR), inertial measurement unit (IMU), and cameras dynamically, enhancing the flexibility of the fusion process. Finally, multiple primitive features are adaptively fused within the factor graph optimization, utilizing a sliding window approach. Extensive experiments were conducted to check the performance of AWF-SLAM using a self-designed mobile robot in underground parking lots, excavated subway tunnels, and complex underground coal mine spaces based on reference trajectories and reconstructions provided by state-of-the-art methods. Satisfactorily, the root mean square error (RMSE) of trajectory translation is only 0.17 m, and the mean relative robustness distance between the point cloud maps reconstructed by AWF-SLAM and the reference point cloud map is lower than 0.09 m. These results indicate a substantial improvement in the accuracy and robustness of SLAM in complex underground spaces.

Factors controlling peat soil thickness and carbon storage in temperate peatlands based on UAV high-resolution remote sensing

Peatlands store a large amount of carbon. However, peatlands are complex ecosystems, and acquiring reliable estimates of how much carbon is stored underneath the Earth’s surface is inherently challenging, even at small scales. Here, we aim to establish links between the above- and below-ground factors that control soil carbon status, identify the key environmental variables associated with carbon storage, as well as to explore the potential for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing for spatial mapping of peatlands. We combine UAVs equipped with Red-Green-Blue (RGB), multispectral, thermal infrared, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology and traditional field surveys to provide a comprehensive, 3-dimensional mapping of a peatland hillslope-floodplain landscape in the Belgian Hautes Fagnes. Our results indicate that both peat thickness and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (top 1 m) are spatially heterogeneous and that the contributions from the surface topography to peat thickness and SOC stock varied from micro- to macro-scales. Peat thickness was more strongly controlled by macro-topography (R2 = 0.46) than SOC stock, which was more influenced by micro-topography (R2 = 0.21). Current vegetation had little predictive power for explaining their spatial variability. Additionally, the UAV data provided accurate estimates of both peat thickness and SOC stock, with RMSE and R2 values of 0.16 m and 0.85 for the peat thickness, and 59.25 t/ha and 0.85 for the SOC stock. However, similar performance can already be achieved by using only topographical data from the LiDAR sensor (for peat thickness) and a combination of peat thickness and topography (for SOC stock) as predictor variables. Our study bridges the gap between surface observations and the hidden carbon reservoir below. This not only allows us to improve our ability to assess the spatial distribution of SOC stocks, but also contributes to our understanding of the environmental factors associated with SOC storage in these highly heterogeneous landscapes, providing insights for environmental science and climate projections.

A cross-modal feature aggregation and enhancement network for hyperspectral and LiDAR joint classification

Advancements in Earth observation technologies have greatly enhanced the potential of integrating hyperspectral (HS) images with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data for land use and land cover classification. Despite this, most existing methods primarily focus on employing deep network layers to extract features from two heterogeneous data modalities, often overlooking a gradual modeling data representation approach from shallow to deep layers. Furthermore, excessive network layers can result in the deterioration of modality-specific features, therefore lowering the classification performance. The paper proposed a novel cross-modal feature aggregation and enhancement network for the joint classification of HSI and LiDAR data. Initially, a cross-modal feature fusion module is developed to exploit spatial scale consistency to complete the interchange and fusion of feature embedding at the pixel level, preserving the original information from the two heterogeneous modalities to a certain degree. Then two straightforward strategies (i.e., addition and concatenation) are employed in the shallow network layers before being sent to the transformer encoder. The former facilitates the model’s ability to discern more subtle distinctions and refine spatial location details. The latter ensures the preservation of information integrity, effectively mitigating the risk of feature loss. Moreover, invertible neural networks and a feature enhancement module are introduced, leveraging the complementary information of HSI and LiDAR data to enhance the detail and texture information extracted in deeper layers. Extensive experiments on Houston2013, Trento, and MUUFL datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms several state-of-the-art models in three evaluation metrics, achieving an accuracy improvement of up to 2%. The proposed model brings new inspirations for HSI and LiDAR classification, which is critical for accurate environmental monitoring, urban planning, and precision agriculture. The source code is publicly accessible at https://github.com/zhangyiyan001/CMFAEN.

A simple method to automatically remove artificial terrain from airborne LiDAR DTMs in plain areas

Alluvial plains are highly vulnerable to floods and ground disasters. Recent rapid urbanization and climate change have heightened disaster risks in urban areas. Geomorphological maps, crucial for estimating disaster risks, delineate landform boundaries based on patterns of concave breaks of slope and micro-landforms. However, enhancing the accuracy of such maps requires data extraction methods capable of capturing these features with greater precision. Traditional topographic measurements derived from adjacent elevation points in airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) digital terrain models (DTMs) fail to accurately represent slope variations on low ground surfaces due to the inclusion of numerous noise-like artificial terrain features. Consequently, analyzing natural terrain becomes challenging. To address this issue, our study devised a method to automatically identify and eliminate noise-like artificial terrain from LiDAR DTMs. We achieved this by removing major artificial terrain features from land-use vector data, creating an edge-preserving smooth DTM, and selectively removing and interpolating only those areas where were large differences between the smooth DTM and the LiDAR DTM. This method minimizes the interpolation of artificial terrain and quotes the LiDAR DTM for other areas, thereby minimizing the data quality loss. It is possible to identify and demarcate topographic boundaries in plains with a longitudinal gradient of approximately 1% or less at a high resolution, which can be used to investigate the relationship between flood and ground characteristics and landform volume in the plains. This method can be easily processed using only QGIS and free open data. This approach enhances the precision of disaster risk estimation and facilitates more effective urban planning in vulnerable areas.

A multi-sensor fusion SLAM algorithm for indoor aerial robots

Nowdays, existing Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) based unknown-space-exploration Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) methods have the problems of unstable mapping in feature-degraded environments and poor estimation accuracy in the vertical direction. To solve these problems, this study presents a multi-sensor fusion SLAM algorithm for indoor aerial robots as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The sensors used in the multi-sensor fusion algorithm include optical flow sensor, barometer, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and LiDAR. The proposed algorithm is named LiDAR-IMU-optical flow odometry fusion algorithm (Lioo). We derived and established a tightly coupled multi-sensor fusion framework based on factor graph optimisation. The IMU-optical flow pre-integration factor is proposed, and the barometer factor to the algorithm is added innovatively. Engineering applications are also realised in this paper. Flight experiments demonstrated that the proposed algorithm achieves more precise mapping and localisation of UAVs in indoor environments.

Possibility of 3D Model Collections with LiDAR: Simply, Easily, and Inexpensively in Paleontology

Until several years ago, it was difficult for the general public to acquire 3D data. Recently, portable devices have been equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging). LiDAR is a method for determining ranges by targeting an object or a surface with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. It is easy to acquire 3D data by LiDAR at low cost, so making 3D digital specimens and using 3D databases have become more popular. This study aims to to investigate the possibility of creating 3D digital model collections in paleontology using a simple, easy and inexpensive approach that applies portable devices equipped with LiDAR. Two Apple iPad Pro® (3rd and 4th generation) and an iPhone® 15 Pro equipped with LiDAR are used with the Scaniverse application. The scanning distance of Scaniverse is from 0.3 m to 5.0 m for 3D modelling. Targets of paleontological 3D models in our study, range from hand-sized specimens to exhibits several meters in size, exhibition rooms and outcrops, including a 5 cm ammonite and an ~3 m full-body replica of Naumann’s elephant, Palaeoloxodon naumanni. In this case study, it was difficult to make 3D models of specimens under 10 cm diameter. On the other hand, 3D modelling of specimens greater than 10 cm, and up to 5 m long produced reasonable results. These 3D model collections can be used as exhibits and for education by making 3D printings and virtual reality (VR) models. Because the LiDAR technology is now built into common devices, problems may arise because anyone could make and share 3D models simply, easily, and inexpensively. Several issues of ownership, such as copyright, could arise from creating these models because digital data policies are not uniform or codified between museums and institutions. In the future, rules to govern these collections internationally need to be developed.

Retrieval performance of mangrove tree heights using multiple machine learning regression models and UAV-LiDAR point clouds

ABSTRACT Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems that provide crucial links between land and sea. Tree height is a key indicator for assessing mangroves’ health status. Currently, there are still numerous challenges in estimating mangrove tree height. In this study, multiple deep learning and shallow machine learning regression models were developed to accurately estimate mangrove tree height using multi-dimensional Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point clouds and their derivatives. We constructed a novel CNN_RepMLP model for mangrove tree height mapping. We also further verified the applicability of different types of regression models in estimating mangrove tree heights, and explored the influence of different LiDAR-derived features on the inversion accuracy for tree heights. The results indicated the following: (1) The CNN_RepMLP displayed satisfactory performance in the inversion of mangrove tree heights, and exhibited better robustness and generalization ability than the convolutional neural network (CNN) model. (2) Among the different LiDAR-derived feature combinations, combining height variables with intensity variables can not only mitigate the negative impact of height variables on inversion models, but also enhance the mangrove tree height inversion accuracy. (3) The ensemble learning framework with ExtraTrees as the meta-model can make better use of the differences and complementarities between different single base models, and exhibited better accuracy in estimating the height of mangrove trees compared with other ensemble learning models. (4) Multiple machine learning models based on multi-dimensional UAV-LiDAR point-cloud-derived features are suitable for the inversion of mangrove tree height. The CNN_RepMLP model outperformed the CNN and stacking ensemble learning models and had more detailed differentiation in terms of mangrove tree height. Its prediction results can more realistically reflect the spatial differentiation characteristics of mangrove tree height.

3D modelling method and application to a digital campus by fusing point cloud data and image data

ObjectiveThe use of single-source data for real-world 3D modelling currently faces problems such as deformation, pulling and fuzzy texture at the bottom of buildings in some feature models because of the lack of images. Moreover, LIDAR generates a huge amount of data, and the massive raw data processing and point cloud parsing puts high demands on the hardware arithmetic and algorithms. Aiming at the deficiencies and defects of the two data sources of inclined photogrammetry and airborne laser point cloud in the construction of high-quality and high-precision city-level 3D models. Methodsthis study uses a university library building as an example and proposes the main technical process and method of modelling after fusing the point cloud data acquired by inclined photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning technology. This is accomplished in the reconstruction stage of multi-source data fusion through data spatial alignment, coordinate system unification and data spatial integration. At the stage of multi-source data fusion and reconstruction, through data spatial alignment, coordinate system unification, point cloud coarse alignment and the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, a realistic 3D model of a building is constructed to verify the effectiveness of the modelling method. ResultsThe method can effectively improve the accuracy of the real-life 3D model, repair the deficiencies in the model and optimise the details of the model. It can also significantly improve the fineness of the tilt photography model and perfectly present the geometric and texture information of the building, making it a superior method for fine 3D reconstruction. ConclusionThis 3D reconstruction method of buildings, which integrates low-altitude inclined photogrammetry and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR), has high positional accuracy and can provide new methods and new ideas for the construction of digital campuses as well as for other engineering applications.

Seeing is believing: An Augmented Reality application for Palaeolithic rock art

By developing new recording methodologies, current rock art studies generate a large amount of graphic information about sites (tracings, photographs, three-dimensional reproductions) providing visibility of this fragile and little-known heritage, whose accessibility is often difficult or impossible for the general public. In addition, many rock art depictions are challenging to observe, due to the very nature of the artistic entities (fine engravings or faded paintings in karst environments or open-air sites with poor or changing light conditions), or to conservation problems derived from natural factors such as erosion and geological and biological processes, as well as from anthropic factors. These conditions make rock art depictions nearly indistinguishable in many places and on many objects today, except for experts. This difficulty of accessing and visualising rock art heritage, located in fragile environments and often challenging places such as caves or difficult-to-reach open-air sites, makes the information and knowledge generated by investigation of this heritage asset difficult to transfer to society in general, which is frequently unaware of the priceless value of this heritage. The present study proposes generating several mechanisms to transfer the results of research, restitution and documentation of rock art to society in general. An AR (Augmented Reality) application has been developed using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to address current challenges in implementing AR technologies in low-light environments. So far, this app has been developed in a Proof-of-Concept project at Spanish archaeological sites such as Hornos de la Peña (Cantabria), Domingo García (Segovia) and La Salud (Salamanca). This application will be particularly interesting for sites currently visited with or without a guide, allowing user interactivity and real-time reconstruction, for example, of the visibility of graphic motifs.

Multi-level interactive fusion network based on adversarial learning for fusion classification of hyperspectral and LiDAR data

With the growing awareness of the limitations of unimodal data, research on joint classification using multimodal remote sensing data has garnered increasing attention. However, existing methods still have certain deficiencies in dealing with feature extraction and feature fusion of multimodal remote sensing data. In order to obtain more accurate classification results, it is crucial to fully exploit and utilize the complementary information in multimodal remote sensing data. In this paper, a multi-level interactive fusion network based on adversarial learning (MLIF-AL) is proposed for hyperspectral image (HSI) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data fusion classification. First, the feature extraction part based on generative adversarial network (GAN) utilizes adversarial training between the generator and the discriminator to guide the network to learn more discriminative and distinguished feature representations. Meanwhile, a cross-modal interactive information extraction (CMIIE) module is also designed for the generator encoding part to promote the interaction between multimodal data from a global perspective and realize the full utilization of multimodal complementary information. In addition, in the multi-level feature fusion classification (MLFFC) part, the complementarities between the features learned by the neural networks at each layer are comprehensively utilized to obtain higher-level multimodal fusion semantic information. Finally, the adversarial loss and classification loss are combined for network training. Extensive experiments on three commonly used HSI and LiDAR datasets and comparisons with state-of-the-art methods demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the model.

Hydraulic Risk Assessment on Historic Masonry Bridges Using Hydraulic Open-Source Software and Geomatics Techniques: A Case Study of the “Hannibal Bridge”, Italy

This paper investigates the impact of flood-induced hydrodynamic forces and high discharge on the masonry arch “Hannibal Bridge” (called “Ponte di Annibale” in Italy) using the Hydraulic Engineering Center’s River Analysis Simulation (HEC-RAS) v6.5.0. hydraulic numerical method, incorporating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data for visual analysis. The research highlights the highly transient behavior of fast flood flows, particularly when carrying debris, and their effect on bridge superstructures. Utilizing a Digital Elevation Model to extract cross-sectional and elevation data, the research examined 23 profiles over 800 m of the river. The results indicate that the maximum allowable water depth in front of the bridge is 4.73 m, with a Manning’s coefficient of 0.03 and a longitudinal slope of 9 m per kilometer. Therefore, a novel method to identify the risks through HEC-RAS modeling significantly improves the conservation of masonry bridges by providing precise topographical and hydrological data for accurate simulations. Moreover, the detailed information obtained from LIDAR and UAV photogrammetry about the bridge’s materials and structures can be incorporated into the conservation models. This comprehensive approach ensures that preservation efforts are not only addressing the immediate hydrodynamic threats but are also informed by a thorough understanding of the bridge’s structural and material conditions. Understanding rating curves is essential for water management and flood forecasting, with the study confirming a Manning roughness coefficient of 0.03 as suitable for smooth open-channel flows and emphasizing the importance of geomorphological conditions in hydraulic simulation.

On the validation of a modelling tool for Vehicle Integrated PhotoVoltaics: Reflected irradiance in urban environments

Vehicle Integrated PhotoVoltaics (VIPV) technology holds immense promise for extending the operational range of Electric Vehicles by integrating Photovoltaic cells onto vehicle surfaces. However, VIPV faces unique challenges coming from the dynamic nature of vehicular movement and the complex urban environment. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for the analysis of VIPV systems, addressing these challenges. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology provides a high-resolution point cloud to characterize urban topography and enables to analyse of the impact of urban objects on the different components of the irradiance. The proposed methodology is validated through a measurement campaign, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed modelling. By bridging empirical data collection with computational modelling, this research provides a robust foundation for analysing VIPV systems in urban environments.

Research on the Method for Recognizing Bulk Grain-Loading Status Based on LiDAR.

Grain is a common bulk cargo. To ensure optimal utilization of transportation space and prevent overflow accidents, it is necessary to observe the grain's shape and determine the loading status during the loading process. Traditional methods often rely on manual judgment, which results in high labor intensity, poor safety, and low loading efficiency. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for recognizing the bulk grain-loading status based on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). This method uses LiDAR to obtain point cloud data and constructs a deep learning network to perform target recognition and component segmentation on loading vehicles, extract vehicle positions and grain shapes, and recognize and make known the bulk grain-loading status. Based on the measured point cloud data of bulk grain loading, in the point cloud-classification task, the overall accuracy is 97.9% and the mean accuracy is 98.1%. In the vehicle component-segmentation task, the overall accuracy is 99.1% and the Mean Intersection over Union is 96.6%. The results indicate that the method has reliable performance in the research tasks of extracting vehicle positions, detecting grain shapes, and recognizing loading status.