Accuracy Assessment of the Riegl VMQ-­‐1HA Mobile Laser Scanner

Advancements in spatial science technology over recent years have led to new equipment in specialist areas. One advancement in technology is the laser scanner and in more recent years, the mobile laser scanner. The mobile laser scanner allows 3-dimensional spatial data to be acquired faster than static laser scanning as the scanner is mounted on a moving vehicle (Vaaja et al. 2011). The use of the mobile laser scanner in the surveying industry is limited because of an absence of knowledge on the use of this equipment. The mobile laser scanner is an expensive piece of equipment to purchase and as there is a knowledge gap, the accuracy must be known before it will be used regularly in the surveying industry. The mobile laser scanner can quickly acquire data without having to physically touch objects or surfaces. Due to this, the speed of surveys being undertaken will dramatically increase and will also reduce the turnover time of projects should the accuracy be of a high standard. This study will evaluate the accuracy of a set of Riegl VMQ-1HA mobile laser scanner data. If the accuracy can be proven, it will be extremely valuable to the surveying industry. The author’s research found limited information on mobile laser scanner accuracy. This research paper is being conducted to bridge the knowledge gap and aid as a determination for survey companies moving into the mobile laser scanning industry. In order to test the accuracy a comparison of the IMU/GNSS trajectories and adjusted trajectories with different levels of constraints was conducted. This study found that minimal control points are required to create an accurate 3D model if GPS lock is maintained during data acquisition. This project will serve as a guide to surveyors conducting similar mobile laser scanning projects or planning to complete them in the future