Integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and LiDAR technology for efficient mapping and monitoring of land cover changes

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology has revolutionized the field of surveying and geo-informatics, offering novel approaches for efficient mapping and monitoring of land cover changes. This thesis explores the potential of UAV-LiDAR integration in enhancing the accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness of land cover mapping and monitoring. The study investigates the technical aspects, operational procedures, and data processing techniques involved in utilizing UAVs equipped with LiDAR sensors for high-resolution data acquisition. Furthermore, the research assesses the effectiveness of this integrated approach in capturing detailed topographic information, identifying land cover types, and detecting changes over time. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 offers a comprehensive literature review that examines previous studies, methodologies, and technologies related to UAVs, LiDAR, and land cover mapping. The review identifies key challenges, trends, and best practices in the field, laying the groundwork for the current research. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, detailing the selection of study areas, UAV and LiDAR equipment specifications, flight planning procedures, data acquisition protocols, and data processing workflows. The chapter also discusses the validation methods and accuracy assessment techniques employed to evaluate the quality of the mapping and monitoring results. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the findings, including case studies and analysis of land cover mapping and change detection outcomes achieved through UAV-LiDAR integration. The chapter highlights the advantages of this approach in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost savings compared to traditional methods. It also addresses potential limitations and challenges encountered during the research process. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis with a summary of key findings, implications for practice, recommendations for future research, and conclusions drawn from the study. The research underscores the importance of UAV-LiDAR integration in advancing the field of surveying and geo-informatics, offering new opportunities for more precise and timely land cover mapping and monitoring applications. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the use of advanced technologies for environmental assessment and spatial analysis.