We are able to create detailed 3D models and point clouds of landscapes, vegetation and architecture using both laser-scanning (LiDAR) and photogrammetric tools. There are a vast number of applications across the geosciences and beyond where accurate, high resolution 3D mapping and imaging can provide vital insight. The two principle methods for achieving this are via photogrammetry (i.e. large numbers of overlapping images) and laser scanning (LiDAR). Photogrammetry (Structure from Motion) Structure from Motion, or SfM, is a photogrammetric technique that automatucally identifies and uses the geometric information contained within large numbers of heaviliy overlapping images to calculate a 3-dimensional 'cloud' of points in space, known as a point cloud. The point cloud can be colourised according to the photographic data that generated it, or further processed to create a mesh or digital elevation model that can be overlain with the original imagery, effectively creating a high resolution 3-dimensional image of the target area. The data can also be flattened to produce a high quality ortho-mosaiic (photo-map) of the survey area. SfM derived data can be utilised both quantitatively and qualitatively within a wide range of applications. We operate a range of cameras suitable for SfM data collection from our fleet of manned and unmanned aircraft. We currently employ Agisoft Photoscan and Pix4D software for SfM processing, running on the specialised workstations of our Airborne Data Laboratory (ADL). Find our more about our available camera systems Find out more about our Airborne Data Laboratory (ADL) Laser Scanning (LiDAR) LiDAR is an extremely efficient method of scanning the environment, and has the ability penetrate even quite dense vegetation canopies to provide ground returns and structural information within the canopy itself. This is one of the key strengths of LiDAR compared to photogrammetric techniques. LiDAR can also generate a point cloud from a single overpass of the area of interest, whereas for photogrammetric methods (e.g. SfM) multiple passes with high levels of overlap within the imagery are required. This means that LiDAR can provide a much quicker solution for certain mapping tasks. Find out more about our available LiDAR systems This article was published on 2024-06-25
