Methodology of real-time 3D point cloud mapping with UAV lidar

Abstract

Accurate and timely availability of LiDAR data is vital in some cases. To facilitate monitoring of any environmental changes, LiDAR systems can be designed, and carried by UAV platforms that can take off without major preparation. In this study, the methodology of the real-time LiDAR mapping system was developed in the laboratory. The designed system shortens the target-based flight planning and post-flight data processing. In this system, the data is taken instantly and thus the change in the mapping area can be detected quickly. The simulation system, produce 3D point cloud, and data was stored in a database for later analysis. The 3D visualization of the data obtained from our developed UAV-LiDAR system was carried out with a platform-independent interface designed as web-based. The X3D file format used in the study to produce 3D point data provide an infrastructure for AI and ML-based systems in identifying urban objects in systems containing big data such as LiDAR.