Projects / Programmes
Investigation of microrelief structures with airborne lidar
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.17.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Geodesy |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T181 |
Technological sciences |
Remote sensing |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.07 |
Engineering and Technology |
Environmental engineering
|
aerial laser scanning, lidar, microrelief structures, spatial data processing, visualization, interpretation
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
25640 |
PhD Žiga Kokalj |
Geography |
Head |
2011 - 2013 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Knowledge on the terrain morphology is very important for observation of numerous processes and events. A digital terrain model is therefore one of the most important datasets in geographic information systems analyses. Recognition of natural and anthropogenic microrelief features, which can be observed on detailed laser scanning (lidar) derived terrain models, is of paramount importance in many applications. Because of the way lidar data are usually processed by data providers and uncritically applied by most users, microrelief features (their edges) are largely smoothed (generalized) beyond recognition or even completely removed from the terrain model. For this reason the purpose of the proposed project is to improve their recognition on lidar-derived terrain models.
We will thoroughly examine the recognition conditions of microrelief features, and test and evaluate existing lidar data processing algorithms and elevation model visualizations techniques, with a special emphasis on four research fields:
(1) enhancement and optimization of existing lidar point cloud processing algorithms for recognition of microrelief features,
(2) defining a combination of visualizations that will on one hand enable high-quality visual interpretation of features, and will be, on the other hand, a support for (semi)automatic detection, and
(3) analysis of the potential for (semi)automatic identification, and
(4) application in different scientific fields.
A comparison of morphometric properties of natural and anthropogenic features of different landscape types with data acquisition parameters will allow for a more effective planning of aerial scanning flights. It will also be clearer what kind of features and under what conditions can be identified with a certain set of data. The enhancement of existing lidar data processing techniques and different visualization methods, visual interpretation and extensive fieldwork control will enable a more consistent (semi)automatic detection of boundaries of microrelief features and their quantitative properties.
Results of the project are fundamental to the study of environmental changes on Earth's surface (geography, geomorphology, water management, engineering geology, forestry, cartography), modern environmental and cultural management, and mitigation of natural hazards, as well as historical analysis of landscapes and its anthropological modifications (archaeology, palaeogeography, environmental history).
Significance for science
Results of the project are fundamental to the study of environmental changes on Earth's surface (geography, geomorphology, water management, engineering geology, forestry, cartography), modern environmental and cultural management, and mitigation of natural hazards, as well as historical analysis of landscapes and its anthropological modifications (archaeology, palaeogeography, environmental history). The comparison of morphometric properties of natural and anthropogenic features of different landscape types with data acquisition parameters allows a more effective planning of aerial scanning flights. It is now clearer what kind of features and under what conditions can be identified with a certain set of data. The study introduced an approach that integrally connects importance of data acquisition planning with processing, visualization and interpretation of data. It is because a high-quality result can only be achieved by an integral approach and by purposely considering the microrelief features. The enhancement of existing lidar data processing techniques and different visualization methods, visual interpretation and extensive fieldwork have assisted in more reliable results that can be more easily compared and validated. This has pushed forward the knowledge about interpreting microrelief structures from detailed relief models. With this specific expertise, the Slovenian science has contributed to the newest research findings in the field. In the scope of the project we have deigned a Relief visualization Toolbox, a free, easy to use software tool for calculation of raster relief visualization techniques, that have proven to be effective for identification and interpretation of microrelief features. The basic version of the tool gives the opportunity to interpret lidar data also to those without access to geographical information systems, while the advanced version can be incorporated into automatic procedures. The tool and techniques developed in it are used on a daily basis by research institutions that deal with interpretation of lidar data (e.g. in Slovenia, Austria, France, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, China, and the United States of America.
Significance for the country
The results of the project have a big potential and offer a breakthrough in the fields of environmental and cultural heritage management, and improvement of risk maps for hydro-geomorphic processes. The elaborated guidelines for a specialized processing and interpretation of publicly available data can save substantial public funds, as well as money and human resources of the private sector, dealing with the mentioned fields. Slovenian companies that are generating products about the environment based on detailed relief models can profit from the discoveries of this study because they can expand their array of their products and/or enhance and update their standard procedures and products. Results are directly applicable in the ongoing European FP7 ArchaeoLandscapes project with more than 70 partners, bilateral project Object based mapping of urban areas in case of natural disasters, national projects Determination of natural landscape types in Slovenia with geographical information systems and Terraced landscapes in Slovenia as cultural values, and a research programme Anthropological and spatial studies.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
