LIDAR VERSES DRONE: DEM CREATION, ACCURACY, AND OTHER ISSUES

This study investigates the development of LIDAR and Aerial photo Drone derived DEMs use in geologic investigations. Both technologies present the opportunity for a previously unparalleled capability to visualize the earth in three dimensions. Airborne LIDAR has been shown to be a highly accurate often cost effective method of generating Digital elevation models and other products for use in Geologic engineering modeling and problem solving. The Introduction of Fully Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) or drones has many groups considering their adoption for small to moderate site studies. Both LIDAR and Drone technologies have their positive and negative aspects depending on the final products that are required.

This study looks at the meter accuracy LIDAR products collected by the South Carolina LIDAR consortium 1 meter DEM products, as compared with 5-10 cm accuracy of the senseFly eBee drone stereo airphoto derived DEMs. This study will show comparisons of ground and positional accuracy, development of reliable flow paths and hydrologic features, as well as looking at techniques for true ground elevation DEMs and the removal of trees and other natural features in both data sets. The use of these technologies in combination with other engineering geology data sets is proving to be a powerful tool in the geologist’s arsenal.