AIRBORNE TO UAS LIDAR: AN ANALYSIS OF UAS LIDAR GROUND CONTROL TARGETS

Abstract. Creating accurate models of the Earth’s surface is an essential step when analysing geomorphological changes through time. Alongside photogrammetry, airborne lidar is an established method for measuring and modelling the Earth’s surface. However, improvements in size, weight and power requirements mean that lidar is now increasingly capable of being operated from Unpiloted Aircraft Systems (UASs). While academic literature is currently weighted towards issues associated with airborne laser scanning, UASs operate under different parameters to piloted aeroplanes and helicopters. In order to achieve desired results from UAS lidar, mission planning parameters and ground control requirements therefore need to be tailored to data collection from UAS platforms. This paper presents the preliminary results of how a variety control target designs responded to a UAS lidar survey flown along different trajectories at different heights above ground level. This research draws upon previous airborne laser scanning work and aims to provide guidance on considerations for UAS lidar specific ground control targets.