Validation of the Autonomously Operating Terrestrial Laser Scanner

Abstract:

The Autonomously Operating Terrestrial Laser Scanner (ATLS) is a ground-based Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. ATLS technology has the potential to be used for snow measurement studies in locations that are unsafe or inaccessible to humans throughout the winter season. Alternative Terrestrial Laser Systems (TLS) have thus far proven to produce low temporal resolution and are high in cost. ATLS, on the other hand, is a unique system that can generate high temporal resolution at a low cost. In order for the progression of ATLS to continue, the data from the system needs to be validated by determining if ATLS scans are a viable method for the measurement of snow depth. To complete the validation, two specific objectives have been identified: 1) the ability of ATLS to measure snow depth and 2) to produce high quality resolution measurements over varying distances of ATLS scans. For this, both ATLS and validation measurements were taken throughout two winter seasons near McCall, Idaho. Preliminary results of the study indicate that the ATLS is capable of fulfilling these two objectives.