LIDAR PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND ITS DATA ORGANIZATION

Abstract. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a technology capable of measuring geo-referenced coordinate of object points in a straightforward way. It has been widely used in mapping projects in last 20 years. LiDAR and photogrammetry has their own advantages and disadvantages that compensate for each other very well. The combination of the two definitely can achieve more efficient and precise acquisition of geospatial information. Nowadays main LiDAR system vendors are providing integrated laser scanning and camera sensors in many of their systems (or at least offering camera as optional equipment). This makes seamlessly integrating the two technologies possible, but the potential of the integrated system has to be explored yet. In this paper we propose a new subject – LiDAR photogrammetry based on the integrated sensor system and discuss its research scope and fundamental topics (or techniques to be developed). Organizing integrated data properly is the first step in LiDAR photogrammetry because existing image and LiDAR point cloud data are organized separately that leads to inefficient data access and usage in processing. Based on the extension of LAS format we propose a new data organization scheme called DPL format. Examples are given to show advantages of the new data organization method.