The Use of iPad LiDAR to Build a Digital Elevation Model in Defining Customary Zones (Case Study of Panglipuran, Bali)

Abstract. The LiDAR on the iPad device can be used for surveying and mapping. However, the accuracy and precision of the LiDAR scanner on the iPad are not as high as the LiDAR system on Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), with a more limited range and smaller coverage area. Still, the LiDAR sensor integrated into the iPad has advantages when compared to professional LiDAR systems, including the iPad LiDAR as a low-cost portable 3D scanner, dynamic portability, speed, easy use at close range so that it can be used to scan objects with high density and can reach areas/parts of objects that are difficult to be covered by TLS. The 3D modelling method using iPad LiDAR is a solution for building 3D models.
Since iPad’s point cloud data is not integrated with the global coordinate system, a georeferencing process is necessary to produce DEM (Digital Elevation Model), which will be used to define customary zones in Panglipuran Heritage Village. The georeferencing process is carried out by transforming the iPad’s LiDAR coordinates system to the global reference coordinates resulting from GNSS measurements. The scanning strategy must be well arranged. In addition, good control point design determines the quality of control point transformation results into a global reference coordinate system.
This research contributes to obtaining an alternative low-cost 3D mapping method for cultural conservation areas using LiDAR technologies. This method is inexpensive but still considers geospatial quality aspects so it can be used for the decision-making process in spatial planning of cultural regions.