Geospatial 2024

LiDAR Processing Pipeline

Engineered efficient workflows for processing drone-captured LiDAR data, extracting Point Clouds, DEMs, contour maps, and Ground Point Classification for surveying and mapping clients.

Client

MangoesMapping

LiDAR Processing Pipeline - Mountain terrain aerial view

Key Results

Automated

Data Processing

High

Precision Outputs

Rapid

Project Turnaround

Custom

Visualization Tools

The Challenge

Processing raw LiDAR data from drones required specialized expertise and time-consuming manual workflows that created bottlenecks for surveying projects.

Key challenges included:

  • Complex multi-step LiDAR processing workflows
  • Manual ground classification consuming hours per dataset
  • Inconsistent output quality across projects
  • Client visualization requirements
  • Need for survey-grade accuracy

Surveying Industry Context

Drone LiDAR is transforming surveying with faster data collection and higher point densities. However, processing pipelines must deliver survey-grade accuracy for engineering and construction clients.

Survey-grade Accuracy

Centimeter-level precision required

Terrain Modeling

DEMs, contours, volumes

Our Solution

Built automated pipelines using Emlid Flow, DJI Terra, and Terrasolid for data processing. Developed custom visualization tools for presenting point cloud data to clients.

Processing Pipeline

01

Flight Data

Drone trajectory & LiDAR data

02

PPK Processing

Emlid Flow correction

03

Point Cloud

DJI Terra generation

04

Classification

Terrasolid ground filtering

05

Deliverables

DEMs, contours, exports

Emlid Flow PPK

Post-processed kinematic correction for centimeter-level positioning accuracy from drone flights.

DJI Terra Processing

Point cloud generation and initial processing from DJI drone LiDAR sensors.

Terrasolid Classification

Professional ground classification and filtering for survey-grade terrain models.

DEM Generation

High-resolution Digital Elevation Models for engineering and construction applications.

Contour Extraction

Automated contour generation at specified intervals for topographic mapping.

Client Visualization

Custom web-based viewers for presenting point cloud data to non-technical clients.

Technology Stack

Emlid Flow
DJI Terra
Terrasolid
Python
AWS
PDAL
LAStools
QGIS

Project Impact

Operational Efficiency

  • Automated processing reduces manual effort by 70%
  • Consistent, repeatable output quality
  • Rapid turnaround for client projects
  • Scalable to handle multiple concurrent projects

Client Deliverables

  • Survey-grade DEMs and contour maps
  • Web-based point cloud visualization
  • Multiple export formats for CAD/GIS
  • Clear documentation and metadata