Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The integration of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data for accurate mapping and monitoring of land cover changes has emerged as a cutting-edge approach in the field of surveying and geo-informatics. This thesis explores the potential of combining LiDAR and UAV technologies to enhance the precision and efficiency of land cover mapping and monitoring activities. The research methodology involved in-depth literature review, data collection, data processing, and analysis to investigate the effectiveness of this integrated approach. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, highlighting the background of the research, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to LiDAR, UAV technology, land cover mapping, and monitoring techniques. This chapter critically examines existing studies and methodologies to establish a solid foundation for the research. Chapter Three delves into the research methodology, detailing the data collection methods, data processing techniques, and analysis procedures employed in the study. This chapter outlines the steps taken to integrate LiDAR and UAV data effectively, ensuring accuracy and reliability in mapping and monitoring land cover changes. It also discusses the selection of study areas, data acquisition, and processing software used. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the integration of LiDAR and UAV data for land cover mapping and monitoring. The results are analyzed and interpreted to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated approach in accurately detecting and quantifying land cover changes. This chapter also discusses the challenges encountered during the study and proposes recommendations for future research. Finally, Chapter Five provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, implications, and contributions of the research. The study demonstrates the potential of LiDAR and UAV integration in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of land cover mapping and monitoring activities. It also highlights the importance of utilizing advanced technologies to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable land management practices. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge in surveying and geo-informatics by showcasing the benefits of integrating LiDAR and UAV data for accurate mapping and monitoring of land cover changes. The findings of this study have practical implications for environmental monitoring, resource management, and urban planning, emphasizing the importance of adopting innovative technologies for sustainable development.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Integration of LiDAR and UAV data for accurate mapping and monitoring of land cover changes" aims to explore the synergistic use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data to enhance the precision and efficiency of mapping and monitoring land cover changes. This research overview provides a detailed explanation of the methodology, objectives, significance, and potential impact of this project. **Background and Rationale:** Land cover changes, driven by various factors such as urbanization, deforestation, and climate change, have significant implications for ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Accurate mapping and monitoring of these changes are crucial for effective land management, conservation, and sustainable development. Traditional methods of data collection and analysis for land cover mapping often have limitations in terms of accuracy, cost, and time efficiency. The integration of LiDAR and UAV data presents a promising approach to address these challenges and improve the quality and timeliness of land cover monitoring. **Objectives of the Study:** The primary objective of this research is to investigate the combined use of LiDAR and UAV data for mapping and monitoring land cover changes. Specific objectives include: 1. To assess the accuracy and reliability of LiDAR and UAV data for land cover classification. 2. To develop a methodology for integrating LiDAR and UAV data to enhance the spatial resolution and detail of land cover maps. 3. To compare the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of LiDAR-UAV integration with traditional mapping methods. 4. To analyze the potential benefits and limitations of using LiDAR and UAV data for monitoring land cover changes over time. **Significance of the Study:** This research is significant as it contributes to the advancement of remote sensing technology and geospatial analysis in the field of land cover mapping. The integration of LiDAR and UAV data has the potential to revolutionize how land cover changes are monitored, providing more accurate and detailed information for decision-making in various sectors such as environmental management, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response. The findings of this study can inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners on the benefits and challenges of adopting LiDAR-UAV technology for land cover monitoring. **Methodology:** The research methodology involves a combination of data collection, processing, and analysis techniques. LiDAR data will be acquired using airborne sensors, capturing high-resolution elevation and surface information. UAVs equipped with multispectral or hyperspectral sensors will capture imagery at different spatial resolutions to complement the LiDAR data. Image processing algorithms, machine learning techniques, and spatial analysis tools will be used to classify land cover types, detect changes, and create detailed maps. Comparative analysis will be conducted to evaluate the performance of the LiDAR-UAV integrated approach against traditional methods. **Expected Findings and Contributions:** The expected findings of this research include the demonstration of the enhanced accuracy, resolution, and efficiency of using LiDAR and UAV data for land cover mapping and monitoring. The study is expected to highlight the advantages of integrating these technologies in terms of cost-effectiveness, data quality, and temporal monitoring capabilities. The research outcomes will contribute to the body of knowledge on remote sensing applications for environmental monitoring and provide insights into the potential of LiDAR and UAV data integration for addressing challenges in land cover change detection. In conclusion, the project on the "Integration of LiDAR and UAV data for accurate mapping and monitoring of land cover changes" represents a novel and innovative approach to leveraging advanced remote sensing technologies for improving land cover monitoring practices. By combining the strengths of LiDAR and UAV data, this research aims to advance the field of geospatial analysis and contribute valuable insights to the sustainable management of land resources and ecosystems.