1. Mobile LiDAR Scanning
A typical task in the operation of road networks is the development of traffic organization projects, designing and updating road technical documentation. To solve these tasks, accurate spatial data is required. Typically, aerial photography is considered the most effective way to obtain such information. However, there is an alternative approach - mobile LiDAR scanning. This method can be used in conjunction with aerial photography or independently if aerial photography is not possible.
Mobile LiDAR scanning (MLS) is performed using a vehicle equipped with a LiDAR scanner and satellite survey equipment. Thus, the resulting point cloud of laser reflections has precise geographic referencing. Examples of MLS and aerial photography results are shown in the illustrations below. On the left is a fragment of an orthomosaic, and on the right is the same area displayed as a dense point cloud.
1. Mobile LiDAR Scanning
A typical task in the operation of road networks is the development of traffic organization projects, designing and updating road technical documentation. To solve these tasks, accurate spatial data is required. Typically, aerial photography is considered the most effective way to obtain such information. However, there is an alternative approach - mobile LiDAR scanning. This method can be used in conjunction with aerial photography or independently if aerial photography is not possible.
Mobile LiDAR scanning (MLS) is performed using a vehicle equipped with a LiDAR scanner and satellite survey equipment. Thus, the resulting point cloud of laser reflections has precise geographic referencing. Examples of MLS and aerial photography results are shown in the illustrations below. On the left is a fragment of an orthomosaic, and on the right is the same area displayed as a dense point cloud.
Let's compare both methods and name their main features.
Aerial surveying
- Performance of up to 150 km of road with one UAV per day
- Orthomosaic with all road infrastructure elements captured in high-detail (<10 cm per pixel)
- Spatial positioning of any object down to 10 cm
Mobile LiDAR scanning
- Performance of 100-200 km with one car per day
- Dense LiDAR point cloud, covering everything within a 150 m radius from the scanner
- Spatial positioning of any object down to 5-7 cm
Among other differences, it is worth noting the following advantages of MLS. There is no need to obtain flight permits. It is possible to do scanning at night. You get accurate elevation of objects and slopes. However, this technology also has some limitations. The width of the capture strip is 80-150 meters and depends on the surrounding terrain. Data processing is more complex and time-consuming than with aerial surveying. As a result, one kilometer of MLS surveying costs approximately twice as much as aerial surveying.
Let's compare both methods and name their main features.
Aerial surveying
- Performance of up to 150 km of road with one UAV per day
- Orthomosaic with all road infrastructure elements captured in high-detail (<10 cm per pixel)
- Spatial positioning of any object down to 10 cm
Mobile LiDAR scanning
- Performance of 100-200 km with one car per day
- Dense LiDAR point cloud, covering everything within a 150 m radius from the scanner
- Spatial positioning of any object down to 5-7 cm
Among other differences, it is worth noting the following advantages of MLS. There is no need to obtain flight permits. It is possible to do scanning at night. You get accurate elevation of objects and slopes. However, this technology also has some limitations. The width of the capture strip is 80-150 meters and depends on the surrounding terrain. Data processing is more complex and time-consuming than with aerial surveying. As a result, one kilometer of MLS surveying costs approximately twice as much as aerial surveying.
2. Mobile LiDAR Scanning Results
The resulting point cloud allows you to determine:
- roadway boundaries
- road contours within the berm edges
- fills and mounds edges and their heights
- junction and side road positions
- road sign locations
- barrier placement
- lighting positions
- placement of traffic lights
- public transport stops
- sidewalks and footpaths
- road service facilities
- and other elements of the road infrastructure
Accurate maps of roads and surrounding areas can be generated based on mobile LiDAR scanning data.
It is possible to create technical road documentation too:
2. Mobile LiDAR Scanning Results
The resulting point cloud allows you to determine:
- roadway boundaries
- road contours within the berm edges
- fills and mounds edges and their heights
- junction and side road positions
- road sign locations
- barrier placement
- lighting positions
- placement of traffic lights
- public transport stops
- sidewalks and footpaths
- road service facilities
- and other elements of the road infrastructure
Accurate maps of roads and surrounding areas can be generated based on mobile LiDAR scanning data.
It is possible to create technical road documentation too:
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