How to Evaluate the Quality of Airborne Laser-Scanning Data

Abstract

The discussion on the quality of digital elevation models form airborne laser scanner was dominated by the proof of vertical and horizontal accuracy. If the accuracy criteria were verified by ground control points, the evidence of high quality was produced. Based on experiences in projects for the Swiss Federal Office of Topography and according to the lidar requirements formulated by the US American Federal Emergency and Mapping Agency (FEMA) the interpretation of quality must change. Six different quality indicators are described as starting point for enhanced specification of laser data sets. Indicators are worthless if they do not contain a level of acceptance; for each indicator a proposal is discussed. With the help of the more precise requirements and specifications the quality evaluation is simplified. A common understanding of the quality between contractual partners is mandatory for efficient and effective lidar projects.