LiDAR remote sensing

Lecturer

Hooman Latifi

ECTS

5 ECTS

 

Aim

In this module you will gain a detailed understanding of the advantages and challenges of Earth observation using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems. Compared to other types of remote sensing data, the data from active Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems is of particular importance for local studies, where the 3D component (height) of objects is of relevance. Commonly LiDAR data is applied it in the field of digital terrain modelling, in forestry – e.g. for canopy height assessment, or urban structure applications. LiDAR embraces a range of active remote sensing systems mounted on different platforms, which provide valuable information for characterization of horizontal and vertical structure of the earth surface by measuring the travel time of laser pulses in visible and near-infrared spectral domains. The quality of scanning depends on the nature of the LIDAR system (discrete-return or full waveform) as well as on a set of other terrain- and data-driven factors. This course provides you with an overview on the theory and applications of LiDAR data, with a particular focus on airborne laser scanning. Following the initial theoretical sections on the principles and basic characteristics of LiDAR data, diverse practical steps and exercises will be implemented to provide real-world examples to illustrate how the LiDAR point clouds can be applied to extract information on terrain, surface and vegetation. These information will be further employed to model vegetation structural attributes on multiple spatial scales ranging from single trees to landscape levels.

Content

Block 1: Introduction to LiDAR (how does laser scanning work?)

  • Reminder on general remote sensing issues: difference between active and passive sensing
  •  History of LiDAR measurements
  •  Basics of LiDAR data measurements (platforms, sensors)
  • Airborne vs. spaceborne LiDAR: history, applications and data access
  • Measurement of travel time of laser light (pulsed time of flight)
  • On the concept of “structure”: why a third dimension is crucial?

Block 2: Principles of LiDAR measurements

  • Platform navigation, orientation and positioning
  • Difference between types of data acquisitions: discrete return and echo waveform
  • The recorded parameters: elevation, height, signal intensity and co.
  • The concept of „single-pulse“ vs. „multiple-pulse“
  • How are the incoming returns recorded? first come- first served!
  • Terrestrial LiDAR measurement: one position, rotating scanner
  • Data formats and big data-management: each byte matters!

Block 3: Elevation models:

  • General thoughts: why are the elevation models essential?
  • Digital terrain models
  • Digital surface models
  • Normalized DSM (Canopy height models)
  • Application fields: Forest, landscape and habitat representations
  • Magnified focus on Forest (basic and derived parameters): Diameter at breast height,  height, tree type proportions, tree type mapping, crown closure, stem count, growing stock und aboveground biomass
  • Single tree measurements
  • Urban: City models, roof top and building footprints

Block 4: Exercises in Open-Source domain of LiDAR data processing (Fusion/LDV, LASTools, R)

  • Exercises on point cloud processing
    • Import, export, visualizations and rendering
    • Sample measurements, single tree measurements and associated tasks
    • Elevation models
    • Data trimming, cropping, smoothing and generalizing
    • Catalog and descriptive communication
  • Extraction of metrics for modeling purposes
    • Thoughts on metrics
    • Intensity: yes or no?
    • Multi-scale metric extraction
    • Multi-source metric extraction
  • Class works and workshops (CIP-Pool/Homework)
  • Literature review, discussion groups and public presentations

 

Coding

Coding examples and individual work will be covered

Software

Various software programs will be used, but mainly OpenSource software such as R.

Techniques

Different techniques will be introduced and practically applied.

w

Content

The content of scientific with regard to the audience will be discussed.

General Course News and Updates

EAGLE Daria did her internship in Bergen

EAGLE Daria did her internship in Bergen

Our EAGLE student Daria recently wrapped up an internship at the University of Bergen in the Remote Sensing research group. With the support of her supervisor, Dr. Benjamin Abreu Robson, she got to work on the Jostedalsbreen glacier using drone and satellite data. Her...

read more
Orfeo Toolbox covered in our courses

Orfeo Toolbox covered in our courses

As part of our international EAGLE MSc courses, we include comprehensive training on the powerful Orfeo Toolbox (OTB) software. OTB is an open-source library for processing remote sensing imagery, offering advanced algorithms for tasks such as image segmentation,...

read more
Internship network fair

Internship network fair

Today, we provided our international Eagle MSc students with access to the professional network of our EORC to assist them in finding suitable internships or MSc thesis topics. Several individuals offered their networks, including Hannes Taubenboeck for georisk and...

read more
GRASS software for Earth Observation

GRASS software for Earth Observation

In our international EAGLE MSc program, we go beyond the limitations of a single programming language or software environment. Our goal is to empower students to leverage a wide range of scientific tools effectively. They gain insight into the strengths and...

read more
EAGLES rock(et) the World Space Forum 2024

EAGLES rock(et) the World Space Forum 2024

Laura - 8th gen EAGLE and in the last week of her internship at UN-SPIDER - and Sunniva - 7th gen EAGLE and working as a student assistant at the DLR's space agency - together happen to help organize the World Space Forum (WSF) 2024 in Bonn. Surrounded by...

read more