Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

A Multivariate Comparison of Drone-Based Structure from Motion and Drone-Based Lidar for Dense Topographic Mapping Applications

Public Deposited

Downloadable Content

Download PDF
Request Accessible Version
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/q524jv207

Descriptions

Attribute NameValues
Creator
Abstract
  • Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, are an increasingly popular method of collecting surveying and mapping data. Two common drone-based mapping techniques are lidar and structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry, and a frequently-heard (yet nearly impossible to answer) question is: “which is better?” The most common metric for comparison is spatial accuracy, but the two techniques also vary in other key aspects, such as cost, complexity, learning curve, payload requirements, acquisition and processing speeds, and abilities to map under canopy or in vegetation. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” technology or technique, comparisons of drone-based lidar and SfM photogrammetry along all of these different dimensions and various settings can help surveyors and mappers make informed decisions in purchasing and operating UAS-based systems. This study performs these comparisons using data acquired with two remote aircraft at a project site with a robust control network and high-accuracy reference data located in Stevenson, Washington. The results shed light on the relative strengths and weaknesses of UAS-SfM with post processed kinematic (PPK) image georeferencing (UAS-SfM-PPK) and UAS-lidar. The products created using these two techniques typically provide comparable data accuracies with some differences, as a function of terrain, ground cover type and surface texture. Although UAS-SfM-PPK is generally less expensive, imposes less stringent requirements for the remote aircraft, requires less expert knowledge and training, and yields higher data densities, an overarching recommendation from this research is that UAS-SfM-PPK be considered the default, general-purpose technique for many mapping projects. However, there are a number of specific scenarios in which UAS-lidar is preferable to UAS-SfM-PPK, and it is critical to understand these cases. Additionally, while the combination of UAS-SfM-PPK and UAS-lidar would typically be unnecessarily expensive and complex for most projects, the synergistic use of both techniques could provide an optimal solution for the most demanding projects.
  • Author keywords: UAS lidar; UAS SfM; structure from motion; aerial lidar; vertical accuracy assessment; topographic mapping; drones; PPK
Contributor
License
Resource Type
Date Issued
Degree Level
Degree Name
Degree Field
Degree Grantor
Commencement Year
Advisor
Committee Member
Academic Affiliation
Subject
Rights Statement
Publisher
Peer Reviewed
Language

Relationships

Parents:

This work has no parents.

In Collection:

Items

Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Visibility Actions
file details SimpsonChaseH2018.pdf 2018-12-06 Public Download