Comparison of the laser scanning solutions for the unmanned aerial vehicles

STRESZCZENIE: This article provides description of new achievements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the field of photogrammetry and remote sensing related to laser scanning technology. Platforms equipped with laser scanners are becoming a growing trend in UAV mapping. Two perspectives of development, which use laser sensors, as payload are described in this paper. The first solution is related to application of advanced LiDAR sensor, which collects data with simulated Beyond Visual Line Of Sight UAV (BVLOS UAV) platform from high altitude. The second development was less expensive UAV laser scanning system that acquires data from low-altitude Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) platform. Additionally, state-of-art of LiDAR sensors, which can be mounted on UAVs, is presented, including categorization of ultralight laser scanners, legal restriction related to operating UAVs equipped with LiDAR system. In the experiment described in the article two datasets are introduced, one collected with Riegl VUX-1 UAV mounted on the first platform and the second with YellowScan Mapper that is a part of second UAV system. Captured datasets are evaluated concerning point density, spatial resolution, vegetation penetration and noise of laser beam assessment. The comparison indicates the differences between the platforms, what determines fields of their application. Therefore, conclusion related to the presented perspectives of development of UAV laser scanning can be drawn and possible future applications of both platforms are discussed.