THEORETICAL ACCURACY PREDICTION AND VALIDATION OF LOW-END AND HIGH-END MOBILE MAPPING SYSTEM IN URBAN, RESIDENTIAL AND RURAL AREAS

Abstract. Mobile mapping systems are increasingly being used for the acquisition of 3D information of the environment. Although these systems are very efficient in data capturing compared to more traditional methods, the high cost of high-end accurate mobile mapping systems is a major drawback. In contrast, the much cheaper low-end mobile mapping systems are more frequently used for less accurate projects where visualization is more important. In general, the achievable accuracy level is the driving factor that differentiates low-end from high-end systems. To determine this value, the sensor quality, calibration and GNSS reception quality should be reliably evaluated.

In this paper, we present a theoretical accuracy model of a mobile mapping system that takes into account variable GNSS accuracy. The predicted accuracy level of low-end and high-end mobile mapping systems is evaluated in a comprehensive accuracy analysis. The absolute accuracy of the system is determined in three datasets in which GNSS reception quality varies between optimal, good and poor. Additionally, the relative accuracy of both systems is checked by comparison of control distances. The presented approach allows for a more general and robust accuracy prediction of mobile mapping systems in different circumstances.