Abstract

LiDAR and Accurate Coordinate Transformation
Track: Education
Authors: Patrick Cunningham

As LiDAR technology matures and point densities and point cloud resolutions increase we are able to work with increasingly more precise and consequently more valuable data. LiDAR, like any geospatial data can be extremely valuable when properly collected and used in the appropriate context. A particularly unique characteristic of LiDAR is the elevation data and related 3 dimensional coordinate values. When dealing with 3D coordinates, there are extra challenges beyond those that are typical with two-dimensional projected or geographic coordinates. Transformations of the data can have major effects on the overall accuracy of the data, and lead to poor analysis when introduced into a project. Proper care must be taken at every step, from the generation of the LiDAR point cloud, to horizontal and vertical manipulations of the cloud, as well as any analysis that is done as result of the completed data. This talk will cover some of the common problem areas of with LiDAR data, avoiding processes that negatively impact accuracy, vertical datum transformations, and the benefits of properly documenting the datasets with complete metadata.