Change Detection and 3D Data Acquisition for GIS Database Using Airborne Scanning Laser Radar

Abstract

The necessity of maximizing urban space has been fueling studies on three-dimensional (3D) geographic information systems (GIS) . Yet 3D data acquisition still relies on conventional, labor-intensive and costly photogrammetric techniques, and the data often suffers from being out-dated. This study investigates the potential of an airborne scanning laser radar system for 3D data acquisition and change detection of a 3D GIS database. Although attitude control of the helicopter still needs significant improvement for practical applications, the system proved to have the potential capability of automatically acquiring 3D information and detecting changes of 3D urban features.