LIDAR Validation Using GIS: A Case Study Comparison between Two LIDAR Collection Methods

Abstract

In the summer of 2000, the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada was selected for a high‐resolution elevation survey utilizing LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging). Two different LIDAR systems were used to acquire data for the area. The vertical accuracy specification for the survey called for heights to be within an average of 15 cm of measured GPS heights and 95% of the data to be within 30 cm. Prior to the application of these data to geoscientific problems, extensive validation procedures were employed. High precision GPS and traditional surveys were conducted to collect height validation checkpoints. Two validation methods were developed in a GIS environment that involved comparing the checkpoints to the original LIDAR points and to an interpolated “bald earth” DEM. A systematic height error between flight lines for one of the LIDAR methods was detected that related to the calibration procedures used in the survey. This study highlights the differences between laser systems, calibration and deployment methodologies and emphasizes the necessity for independent validation data.