Item: OPTIMISATION OF UAV-BORNE LIDAR SURVEYS FOR SNOW DISTRIBUTION MAPPING
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Title: OPTIMISATION OF UAV-BORNE LIDAR SURVEYS FOR SNOW DISTRIBUTION MAPPING
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Sean E. Salazar [ Norwegian Geotechnical Institute ]
- Holt Hancock [ Norwegian Geotechnical Institute ]
- Regula Frauenfelder [ Norwegian Geotechnical Institute ]
- Halgeir Dahle [ Norwegian Public Roads Administration ]
- Emil Solbakken [ Norwegian Public Roads Administration ]
- Tore Humstad [ Norwegian Public Roads Administration ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: Laser scanners carried by uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been proven to be effective data collection tools in mountainous terrain with relatively high spatial and temporal resolution. To determine the optimum data collection parameters for UAV-borne laser scanners, we performed a parametric analysis in avalanche terrain. Repeated test flights were executed with controlled variables, including flight altitude above terrain, flight speed, scanning pattern, and flight line orientation. The test flights were performed over complex terrain (a potential avalanche path) with snow cover. Analysis of the resulting datasets was used to determine the repeatability of the surveys as well as the sensitivity of each of the parameters on the resulting flight execution time and safety, measurement point density, and terrain/snow height models. The results of the analyses indicated that repeatability of flights was good, provided the aircraft maintained stable connection to a base station. Varying the flight parameters had significant effects on data collection time, point cloud density, and in some cases, the variability in measured terrain height. Notable findings also included the effect of navigation method on flight safety, and systematic errors and artifacts in the raw data. Only limited, independent accuracy checks were possible, due to the terrain and testing environment. We discuss implications that the present study’s findings pose for data capture in the context of operational mapping in avalanche terrain and provide general recommendations for effective snow height mapping using UAV-based laser scanning.
Object ID: ISSW2024_O8.6.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Sean E. Salazar
Keywords: remote sensing, UAV, LiDAR, mapping
Page Number(s): 1028 - 1034
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