Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The integration of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) data has shown great potential in enhancing mapping accuracy in surveying and geo-informatics. This thesis explores the synergies between LiDAR and UAV technologies to improve the precision and efficiency of mapping applications. The study aims to address the growing demand for high-resolution and accurate spatial data in various fields, such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development. The introduction provides an overview of the research problem and the significance of integrating LiDAR and UAV data in surveying and geo-informatics. The background of the study highlights the evolution of LiDAR and UAV technologies and their applications in mapping and data collection. The problem statement underscores the limitations of traditional mapping methods and the need for more advanced and precise techniques. The objectives of the study outline the specific goals and research questions that guide the investigation. The literature review delves into existing studies and research on LiDAR, UAV, and their integration for mapping purposes. It explores the advantages and challenges of combining these technologies and identifies gaps in current knowledge that this research seeks to address. The review also discusses the different methodologies and algorithms used in processing LiDAR and UAV data for mapping applications. The research methodology chapter describes the research design, data collection methods, and data processing techniques employed in the study. It outlines the steps taken to acquire LiDAR and UAV data, process the data, and analyze the results. The chapter also discusses the software tools and platforms used for data processing and visualization. The findings chapter presents the results of the study, including the accuracy assessment of the integrated LiDAR and UAV data for mapping applications. It discusses the advantages of using LiDAR and UAV data together, such as improved spatial resolution, data completeness, and efficiency in data acquisition. The chapter also addresses the challenges encountered during data processing and provides recommendations for future research. The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study and their implications for surveying and geo-informatics. It discusses the potential applications of integrated LiDAR and UAV data in various fields and highlights the importance of continued research in this area. The thesis contributes to the advancement of mapping technologies and provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field. In conclusion, the integration of LiDAR and UAV data offers a promising approach to enhance mapping accuracy and efficiency in surveying and geo-informatics. This research underscores the importance of leveraging advanced technologies to meet the increasing demands for precise spatial data in various applications. The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge on mapping technologies and provide a foundation for further research and development in this field.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Integration of LiDAR and UAV data for improved mapping accuracy in surveying and geo-informatics" aims to explore the combined use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data to enhance mapping accuracy in the field of surveying and geo-informatics. This research overview provides a comprehensive explanation of the project objectives, methodology, expected contributions, and potential implications. **Background:** Surveying and geo-informatics play crucial roles in various fields such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and infrastructure development. Traditional surveying methods have limitations in terms of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. The emergence of LiDAR and UAV technologies has revolutionized the field by offering high-resolution, real-time data collection capabilities. Integrating these technologies has the potential to improve mapping accuracy, enhance data quality, and streamline surveying processes. **Problem Statement:** Despite the advancements in LiDAR and UAV technologies, there is a gap in research exploring the synergistic use of these tools for mapping applications. Existing studies often focus on individual technology applications rather than their integration. This project aims to address this gap by investigating how combining LiDAR and UAV data can lead to improved mapping accuracy and efficiency in surveying and geo-informatics. **Objectives of Study:** 1. To evaluate the capabilities of LiDAR and UAV technologies for data collection in surveying applications. 2. To assess the potential benefits of integrating LiDAR and UAV data for mapping accuracy. 3. To develop a methodology for combining LiDAR and UAV data in surveying and geo-informatics. 4. To validate the effectiveness of the integrated approach through case studies and comparative analysis. **Limitation of Study:** This research acknowledges potential limitations such as data processing challenges, equipment availability, weather conditions affecting UAV operations, and the need for specialized expertise in LiDAR data analysis. **Scope of Study:** The scope of this research focuses on the integration of LiDAR and UAV data for mapping applications in surveying and geo-informatics. Case studies will be conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the integrated approach in improving mapping accuracy and efficiency. **Significance of Study:** This research is significant as it contributes to the advancement of surveying and geo-informatics practices by exploring innovative methods for data collection and analysis. The findings of this study are expected to benefit professionals in the field, researchers, policymakers, and industries reliant on accurate spatial data. **Structure of the Thesis:** The thesis is structured into five chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the research topic, provides background information, presents the problem statement, outlines the objectives, discusses limitations, defines the scope, highlights the significance of the study, and describes the thesis structure. Chapter 2 reviews relevant literature on LiDAR, UAV technology, mapping accuracy, and integration approaches. Chapter 3 details the research methodology, including data collection, processing techniques, and analysis methods. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the study, including case studies and comparative analysis. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis, summarizes key findings, discusses implications, and suggests recommendations for future research. In conclusion, the project on the integration of LiDAR and UAV data for improved mapping accuracy in surveying and geo-informatics aims to advance the field by exploring innovative approaches to data collection and analysis. This research overview sets the stage for a detailed investigation into the synergistic use of LiDAR and UAV technologies, with the potential to enhance mapping accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making processes in surveying and geo-informatics."