Helicopter Based LiDAR

This would provide 3-dimensional ground models and ortho-rectified mapping at resolutions of 5 cm.

Flying at very low altitude, the bandwidth captured can be very narrow, with several flight lines required to widen any band of interest beyond 100 metres. LiDAR systems can collect up to 100,000 3-dimensional points per second and are sufficiently powerful to penetrate vegetation for ground surface detail. An intensity value, as a function of the object/surface, is recorded from the return pulse assisting object/surface classification at the processing stage of the project. The LiDAR data and associated imagery captured can then be used for mapping, profiling terrain detail, buildings and other topographic features.

             

The following data products could be provided with this technique,

• Digital Terrain Model (DTM) or Digital Surface Model (DSM) of the route, including all earthworks and vegetation penetration to ground level.
• The accuracy of the ground points would be + / - 3.5 cm (vertical)
• 4 cm resolution ortho-rectified images
• Outline vector mapping suitable for GIS purposes