At the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) International Technical Symposium, Dr. Zoltan Koppanyi of PixElement discussed the approach to merging UAS-based LiDAR and photogrammetry data. By carefully addressing alignment challenges, PixElement’s method optimizes deliverables, helping clients achieve more accurate and reliable geospatial models.

Watch the full presentation here:

In geospatial analysis, each dataset brings its own set of strengths and limitations. By integrating different data sources, like LiDAR and photogrammetry, PixElement creates more reliable, detailed maps that improve decision-making across various fields—from construction to environmental monitoring. Leveraging the unique advantages of each technology allows us to address the complex challenges of mapping diverse terrains and environments. With PixElement’s approach, combining these two data types provides clients with an enriched geospatial dataset that maximizes accuracy and applicability.

LiDAR and Photogrammetry: Complementary Strengths

Each technology has unique strengths:

• LiDAR works reliably in various conditions, provides direct georeferencing, and can penetrate vegetation, though it lacks color data.

• Photogrammetry captures rich color details and is cost-effective, though it depends on lighting and typically relies on indirect georeferencing.

Merging these two data types allows PixElement to offer clients a more comprehensive geospatial dataset, overcoming the individual limitations of each.

Alignment with PixElement

Instead of merely combining point clouds, PixElement refines the alignment by:

• Point Matching Across Datasets: Carefully identifying common points in both LiDAR and photogrammetry data.

• Applying Transformations: Correcting for variations in X, Y, and Z coordinates to ensure both datasets align within a unified coordinate system.

This method enables us to generate cohesive outputs like 3D textured meshes, DEMs, and orthomosaics, where color and structural accuracy are prioritized.

Examples of Alignment Correction:

Results and Practical Benefits

PixElement’s enhanced deliverables offer significant advantages for professionals across various industries:

• High-Resolution 3D Textured Meshes and Orthomosaics: By integrating colorized photogrammetry with LiDAR data, PixElement creates detailed, visually rich models that provide clearer insights and improved visualization.

• Adaptive Georeferencing System: Our flexible referencing approach ensures geospatial accuracy, whether using ground control points (GCPs) or standalone LiDAR and photogrammetry data. This adaptability allows users to maintain precision across diverse project conditions.

Conclusion

PixElement’s combined approach to LiDAR and imagery data offers dependable results, whether applied in construction, environmental analysis, or other geospatial fields. This presentation underscores PixElement’s commitment to refining geospatial tools for precise, actionable data. By continually advancing methods to integrate LiDAR and photogrammetry, PixElement aims to provide industry professionals with robust, high-quality deliverables that support better decision-making and efficiency in the field. Beyond developing technology, PixElement is also dedicated to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Through partnerships, open presentations, and contributions to industry events like the ASPRS symposium, PixElement actively engages with the geospatial community to enhance collective expertise and drive innovation across the field. This commitment to both technical excellence and collaboration ensures that PixElement’s solutions evolve to meet the growing demands of geospatial applications worldwide.