LASER SCANNER AND CAMERA-EQUIPPED UAV ARCHITECTURAL SURVEYS

Abstract. The paper reports the workflow of 3D modelling and photorealistic texture mapping based on close range imagery acquired through a terrestrial laser scan and a camera mounted on a mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The 3D models of the same architectural object – a watchtower named “Torre Pelosa” (Bari, Italy) - were compared in order to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the used instruments and methods. The evaluated parameters where geo-referencing capability, manageability, manoeuvrability, operational constraint, survey completeness and costs. Despite a lower accuracy of the results, the use of a UAV mounted camera is essential to obtain a whole representation of the tower.