Accuracy test of point-based and object-based urban building feature classification and extraction applying airborne LiDAR data

Point-based and object-based building extractions were conducted in airborne LiDAR data in a sample area of Buffalo, New York. First, the earth surface points were filtered from the entire laser scan data set using a new filtering algorithm, which combines the TIN slope modelling and statistical analysis. The off-ground points were extracted for buildings in the study area using both point cluster analysis and object-oriented classifications. The accuracies of both approaches were tested using the digitised ground truth. The outcomes of accuracy testing of the point-based method are correctness: 88.74%, completeness: 92.67% and quality: 83.50%. The results of the accuracy of object-based building extraction are correctness: 87.21%, completeness: 60.14%, and quality: 55.26%. Reconstructions of 3D building models based on the extracted building points were performed. This study contributes scientific and technological knowledge for researchers in developing more effective methods in converting the LiDAR survey to a 3D GIS database.