Improved Approach to LIDAR Airport Obstruction Surveying Using Full-Waveform Data

Over the past decade, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Geodetic Survey, in collaboration with multiple organizations, has conducted research into airport obstruction surveying using airborne light detection and ranging (LIDAR). What was initially envisioned as a relatively straightforward demonstration of the utility of this emerging remote sensing technology for airport surveys was quickly shown to be a challenging undertaking fraught with both technical and practical issues. This paper provides a brief history of prior work in LIDAR airport obstruction surveying, including a discussion of both past achievements and previously unsolved problems. A new processing workflow is then presented, specifically designed to overcome the remaining problems. A key facet of the approach is the use of a new LIDAR waveform deconvolution and georeferencing strategy that produces very dense, detailed point clouds in which the vertical structures of objects are well characterized. Additional processing steps have been carefully selected and ordered based on the objectives of meeting Federal Aviation Administration requirements and maximizing efficiency. Tests conducted using LIDAR waveform data for 2 project sites demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339453
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from ASCE
• Authors:
  • Parrish, Christopher E
  • Nowak, Robert D
• Publication Date: 2009-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 72-82
• Serial:
  • Journal of Surveying Engineering
  • Volume: 135
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9453
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jsued2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerial surveying; Airports; Digital mapping; Laser radar
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Data and Information Technology; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01129005
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 20 2009 8:17AM