Comparison of Terrestrial Photogrammetry and Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Earthquake Response Management

Abstract

Response management is the first and very critical phase of the disaster management cycle on the post-earthquake reconnaissance efforts. After an earthquake, a rapid damage assessment is vital for emergency response actions. Various types of devices and methods were used in a post-earthquake situation to estimate damages such as deformation of structures. However, standardized procedures during emergency surveys often could not be followed due to restrictions of outdoor operations because of debris or decrepit buildings, the high human presence of civil protection agencies, expedited deployment of survey team and cost of operations. Terrestrial photogrammetry and laser scanning are two of the recently emerging technologies, which became even more preferable in hazard areas, due to there is no need for direct contact with the structure to be assessed. This research aims to discuss the challenges and benefits for the use of the technologies above, focusing on the comparison of the processed models derived from data acquired with these technologies. An evaluation is undertaken whether terrestrial photogrammetry and laser scanning provide high precision and spatial resolution data suitable for post-earthquake building damage assessment. Furthermore, the extracted models are valuable components that help engineering to understand the seismic behavior in a more comprehensible way.