Calibration and Alignment Errors in LiDAR-Photogrammetry - ASPRS Eastern Great Lakes Region Annual Meeting
On October 15, 2024, Ben Vander Jagt, founder and CEO of PixElement, delivered an insightful presentation at the ASPRS Eastern Great Lakes Region Annual Meeting, hosted by the University of Toledo. His talk focused on the unique integration of LiDAR and photogrammetry in small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and how PixElement’s software is leading the charge in merging these technologies for enhanced geospatial data collection.
During the presentation, Ben detailed the strengths and challenges of combining LiDAR and photogrammetry, offering a clear distinction between the two. It was explained that while LiDAR provides accurate elevation data and can penetrate vegetation, photogrammetry offers detailed color information and texture. The real value comes from merging these modalities, creating highly accurate 3D models and maps, especially useful for industries like construction, surveying, and environmental monitoring.
Common challenges were highlighted in integrating these technologies, such as datum, geometric, and radiometric errors, which can affect the accuracy and usability of the data. To address these, PixElement’s software incorporates indirect georeferencing techniques that allow for precise alignment of LiDAR and photogrammetry data, even when using different platforms and sensors. Real-world applications of the software were showcased, including use cases of an airborne LiDAR dataset in downtown Miami, and forested areas where traditional mapping methods struggle.
As the geospatial industry continues to adopt LiDAR+Imagery datasets, this presentation underscored the importance of understanding the limitations and strengths of each technology to maximize the value of the data. The presentation ended with a look toward the future, where questions were posed about applying these methods to spaceborne LiDAR and satellite imagery, further expanding the scope of geospatial data collection.
For those who missed it, you can watch the full presentation above and learn more about how PixElement is revolutionizing aerial photogrammetry and LiDAR integration.