Feasibility of laser scanning and photogrammetric 3D approaches for mapping and monitoring a riverine environment

The detailed geometry of ground topography and vegetation structure are needed for various environmental studies, including river dynamic studies (erosion/deposition), hydraulic modeling, interpreting fluvial geomorphology and habitat modeling. In recent years, laser scanning and photogrammetric methods on terrestrial, mobile, underwater and unmanned aerial vehicle platforms have provided more efficient and versatile collection of three-dimensional data for built and natural environments. In particular, multitemporal data collection with these measurement techniques yields a remarkable and highly detailed data source for analysing various natural processes. Mobile laser scanning is a surveying technique that uses a laser beam for distance observations, global navigation satellite systems for determining the position and an accurate inertial measurement unit for measuring the 3D orientation. The one of the most recent application of digital images in the field of fluvial geomorphology is the structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry. In addition, one possible way to improve the information provided by laser scanning measurements is to integrate digital images with laser scanning data. The fusion of laser scanning and image texture improves the interpretation of DEMs and classification of features and objects. In this presentation, we review the results and highlights of our latest studies in various study sites in Finland.