Drones are more and more being utilized for duties that have been beforehand carried out utilizing manned plane similar to surveying, mapping, and 3D modeling.The two most important applied sciences utilized in these areas are LIDAR and photogrammetry.Although each are helpful to surveyors, every has its execs and cons. To higher analyze their similarities and variations, it’s vital to grasp how they work.How LIDAR and photogrammetry work LIDAR imagingLIDAR (mild detection and ranging) is a decades-old know-how which makes use of mild in surveying. Once laser mild illuminates a goal, it’s mirrored, and the gap measured utilizing sensors.Variations in wavelengths and laser return occasions are then utilized in making 3D fashions of the goal.LIDAR has functions in various fields similar to seismology, forestry, geography, geology, archaeology, and self-driving vehicles.Photogrammetry stitches a number of images collectively to create a 3D mannequin of the positioning.For it to work precisely, it requires no less than 80% overlap on each image.This not solely permits the processing software program to create an correct orthophoto but in addition offers quite a few angles for 3D modeling.When to Use Each TechnologyLIDAR is beneficial if you would like a extra in-depth evaluation of an space.Its sensors can penetrate dense vegetation in addition to different buildings, which provides surveyors a greater thought of what lies beneath.This makes it extra appropriate for surveying tough or largely uninhabited terrain.The information gathered by LIDAR sensors create extraordinarily helpful 3D level cloud terrain fashions.This know-how applies to land surveying, energy line inspections, mining, precision agriculture, and forestry.In industrial agriculture, LIDAR sensors can consider soil erosion, map water catchment areas, and exactly inform which components want fertilizer.Since photogrammetry stitches 1000’s of 2D images collectively to create 3D fashions, it solely captures floor information. It’s due to this fact helpful if you desire a visible overview of a goal.Applications embody development, sports activities, actual property, forensics and leisure industries.Main SimilaritiesBoth applied sciences are helpful in 3d modeling and terrain mapping.LIDAR is usually costlier, however they each survey massive swathes of terrain sooner and extra affordably than manned plane.They each additionally rely upon comparable elements and add-ons for improved productiveness. These embody RTK, GCPs, and GPS correction strategies.Although photogrammetry is extra depending on software program for processing, options similar to Terrascan can be found for LIDAR primarily based output.Key VariationsOne main distinction considerations information acquisition.Since LIDAR makes use of laser know-how, it may possibly conduct surveys at any time, even below cowl of darkness.Photogrammetry, however, works finest in the course of the daytime when there’s sufficient mild.Other variations are:LIDAR acquires information sooner than photogrammetry, on account of its threshold for accuracy being decrease. It solely wants a flight line overlap of 20-30% to course of information precisely, whereas photogrammetry requires a picture overlap charge of 60-90%.Photogrammetry is extra appropriate for detailed visible assessments. It’s more and more being adopted in industrial agriculture.Some of one of the best ag drones out there at this time are outfitted with this know-how. Their coloration succesful (RGB) cameras make 3D modeling extra detailed in comparison with LIDAR’S monochrome output.LIDAR processes information sooner. To generate the ultimate product, you solely want 5 to 30 minutes of calibration, relying on how advanced the survey is.Data processing in photogrammetry is probably the most time-consuming half. It lasts 5 to 10 occasions longer than information acquisition and requires highly effective computing assets to take action.Although UAV-mounted LIDAR sensors have gotten extra reasonably priced, they’re nonetheless comparatively costly. Their present value ranges from $50,000 to $300,000, which is out of attain for some small companies.By comparability, photogrammetry may be very reasonably priced. You solely want a UAV with a suitable digicam and processing software program. These drones embody DJI Phantom 4, Holy Stone HS-100, and Parrot Bebop 2. Their costs vary from $250 to $1200.Alternatively, you should purchase cameras that assist the know-how and mount them to any suitable drone. Examples embody the GoPro Hero 4 Silver, Sony A7 Series, and Hasselblad X1D.LIDAR is most popular by surveyors for its excessive accuracy, particularly when using ground-based sensors.Achieving the identical with a UAV-mounted sensor is tougher as a result of it’s in movement.Other applied sciences similar to GNSS receivers and IMU (inertial movement unit) are used for improved accuracy.Photogrammetry can be extremely correct, although this is dependent upon varied elements.One of them is outstanding surveying expertise on the drone pilot’s half. This makes it simpler to pick one of the best {hardware}, applicable flight parameters, and information processing software program. ConclusionThe largest determinant of when to make use of both know-how is the goal you’re surveying. If it comprises helpful subterranean information, you’ll naturally choose LIDAR, whereas photogrammetry works finest for visible surveys.As investments in UAS analysis and improvement improve, these options are sure to grow to be sooner, extra reasonably priced, and extra correct.