DIGITAL

Assessment of geomorphic features with high resolution LIDAR and optical data - case studies in the Eastern Alps

Publication from Digital

Avian M., Proske H, Schardt M.

, 2007

Abstract:

In recent times, high resolution DEM’s derived from LIDAR/airborne
 laserscanning data (LIDAR: Light detection and ranging) are becoming
 more interesting for geomorphic applications due to unique potential
 and area wide availability. This article discusses the feasibility
 of last pulse laserscanning data for detection, visualisation and
 interpretation of geomorphic indicators for mass movements of all
 kinds. The option to “eliminate” vegetation by using last pulse data
 and filtering to achieve a Digital Ground Model (DGM) in contrary
 to Digital Surface Models (DSM) derived from photogrammetry is a
 crucial advantage. This study includes several test sites reperesenting
 a wide range of different geological situations in the Austrian provinces
 of Vorarlberg and Tyrol as well as the Italian province of South
 Tyrol/Alto Adige. Due to the fact that geomorphic features are detectable
 at a different rate in varying spatial resolutions and scales, a
 comparison between laserscanning and optical data was carried out.
 First results are presented to show the variety of information which
 is detectable visually as well as a first assessment of delineation
 of features with the aid of automated approaches such as terrain
 analysis.