Using laserscanning data in urban cartography

Abstract

One of the main problems of the use of monocular restitution is the need of a detailed and precise digital elevation model. Recently a new technology has been introduced. Such technology allows obtaining a detailed digital elevation model by using the airborne laser scanner. Laser scanner opened to new perspectives in the digital mapping field. In this article, the results of a study aimed at the production of planimetric charts using laser scanner data and 1:6000 aerial photographs are presented. Two options are introduced and discussed: monocular restitution of the photographs using the elevation model derived from laser scanner data and the digitalization on images derived from laser scanner data. The results are evaluated by using maps that were produced using conventional stereo restitution as reference and by taking the Brasilian PEC as a quality standard. The results shows that it is possible to digitilize using both methods, and that the results strongly depend on the quality of the altimetric grid. The results also allow one to conclude that when the features are visible on both data sets, class A charts at 1:2000 scale can be obtained.