Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for high-resolution mapping in the field of Surveying and Geo-informatics presents a significant advancement in modern mapping techniques. This thesis explores the potential of combining UAVs and LiDAR technology to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and detail of mapping processes, particularly in the context of high-resolution mapping applications. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing UAVs equipped with LiDAR sensors for capturing detailed geospatial data and creating high-resolution maps. The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the research topic, highlighting the importance of high-resolution mapping in various sectors such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, infrastructure development, and natural resource management. The background of the study discusses the evolution of UAV technology and LiDAR systems, emphasizing their capabilities and advantages in surveying and mapping applications. The problem statement identifies the existing challenges and limitations in traditional mapping techniques and underscores the need for innovative solutions to achieve higher levels of accuracy and detail in mapping. The objectives of the study are defined to address the research gaps and explore the potential benefits of integrating UAVs and LiDAR technology for high-resolution mapping. The limitations of the study are outlined to acknowledge the constraints and challenges that may impact the research outcomes. The scope of the study delineates the boundaries and focus areas of the research, specifying the target applications and geographical regions for the mapping experiments. The significance of the study emphasizes the potential impact of the research findings on the field of Surveying and Geo-informatics, highlighting the advancements in mapping technology and the practical implications for various industries. The literature review chapter presents an in-depth analysis of existing studies, methodologies, and applications related to UAVs, LiDAR technology, and high-resolution mapping. The review covers a wide range of topics, including UAV platforms, LiDAR sensors, data processing techniques, and case studies showcasing the integration of UAVs and LiDAR for mapping purposes. The research methodology chapter outlines the experimental design, data collection procedures, data processing workflows, and analytical methods employed in the study. The chapter details the selection of UAV platforms, LiDAR sensors, flight planning strategies, data acquisition techniques, and data processing software utilized in the mapping experiments. The discussion of findings chapter presents a detailed analysis of the mapping results obtained from the UAV-LiDAR integration experiments. The chapter highlights the accuracy, resolution, and detail achieved in the high-resolution maps generated using the integrated technology. The findings are compared with traditional mapping approaches to demonstrate the advantages of UAV-LiDAR integration for mapping applications. The chapter discusses the challenges encountered during the experiments and proposes recommendations for optimizing the UAV-LiDAR mapping process. In conclusion, this thesis summarizes the key findings, insights, and contributions of the research on the integration of UAVs and LiDAR technology for high-resolution mapping in Surveying and Geo-informatics. The study demonstrates the potential of UAV-LiDAR integration to enhance mapping capabilities, improve data accuracy, and increase efficiency in geospatial data collection and analysis. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field of Surveying and Geo-informatics, paving the way for future advancements in high-resolution mapping technologies.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and LiDAR Technology for High-Resolution Mapping in Surveying and Geo-informatics" aims to explore the synergies between UAVs and LiDAR technology to enhance high-resolution mapping capabilities in the fields of surveying and geo-informatics. This research is motivated by the growing demand for accurate and detailed spatial data for various applications such as urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. The integration of UAVs and LiDAR technology offers a promising solution to overcome the limitations of traditional mapping methods, providing a cost-effective and efficient approach to capturing high-resolution geospatial data. UAVs, equipped with LiDAR sensors, have the capability to collect data from hard-to-reach or hazardous areas with improved accuracy and precision. This project seeks to leverage the strengths of both technologies to enhance mapping processes and deliver more comprehensive and reliable spatial information. Key objectives of this research include investigating the technical capabilities and limitations of UAVs and LiDAR technology for high-resolution mapping, exploring the integration strategies to optimize data collection efficiency, and evaluating the accuracy and reliability of the integrated approach compared to traditional methods. By addressing these objectives, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of mapping techniques in surveying and geo-informatics, ultimately improving decision-making processes in various sectors. The research methodology will involve a comprehensive literature review to establish the theoretical foundation of UAVs and LiDAR technology in mapping applications. Subsequently, field experiments will be conducted to demonstrate the practical implementation of the integrated approach and evaluate its performance in capturing high-resolution spatial data. Data analysis techniques, including point cloud processing and GIS software, will be employed to assess the quality and accuracy of the collected data. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of integrating UAVs and LiDAR technology for high-resolution mapping in surveying and geo-informatics. The discussion of results will highlight the benefits, challenges, and potential applications of the integrated approach, guiding future research directions and technological advancements in the field. The conclusion will summarize the key findings, implications, and recommendations for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers involved in geospatial data collection and analysis. Overall, this project seeks to advance the understanding of how UAVs and LiDAR technology can be synergistically utilized to enhance high-resolution mapping capabilities, contributing to the evolution of surveying and geo-informatics practices towards more efficient and accurate spatial data acquisition and analysis.