An integrated workflow for LIDAR / optical data mapping for security applications

Abstract

This paper elucidates the potential of LiDAR data for informationgeneration for security applications. The study is embedded in theEU Network of Excellence GMOSS. General, security applications covera large area from infrastructure monitoring (e.g. power stations,pipelines) or border monitoring to less tangible threats like terrorismand civil security / homeland security. It is demonstrated that forthose security applications where the birds eye view can generallyprovide useful information LiDAR data are increasingly a valuablesource of information, either stand alone or -- preferable -- incombination with optical data. The empirical work focuses on theextraction of some buildings and power lines. It is demonstratedthat aggregated grid data in form of a DTM and DSM are only partiallysuitable to extract linear and point-type features such as powerlines or small power transformation stations. Detectability clearlydepends on the spatial resolution but generally 3D point clouds fromfirst and last pulse information allow more sophisticated objectextraction methods.