Waldemar Kamiński

Optimization algorithm and filtration using the adaptive TIN model at the stage of initial processing of the ALS point cloud

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) provides survey results in the form of a point cloud. The ALS point cloud is a source of data used primarily for constructing a digital terrain model (DTM). To generate a DTM, the set of ALS observations must be first subjected to the point cloud processing methodology. A standard methodology is composed of the following stages: acquisition of the ALS data, initial processing (including filtration), and the main processing (including DTM generation). Problems primarily concerning the time span necessary for processing a very high number of observations occur at each of the stages mentioned above. In previous studies the authors proposed modification of the ALS point cloud methodology. The modification introduced an optimization algorithm to reduce the size of the survey dataset at the stage of initial processing. Those studies analyzed the “optimization–filtration” and “filtration–optimization” variants, applying methods based on the multi (M) estimation principle at the filtration stage. This study presents a modified process of the initial data processing stage with the application of filtration using the adaptive triangulated irregular network (TIN) model and an optimization algorithm. The algorithm used the Visvalingam–Whyatt generalization method.

Robust estimation of deformation from observation differences for free control networks

Deformation measurements have a repeatable nature. This means that deformation measurements are performed often with the same equipment, methods, geometric conditions and in a similar environment in epochs 1 and 2 (e.g., a fully automated, continuous control measurements). It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the results of deformation measurements can be distorted by both random errors and by some non-random errors, which are constant in both epochs. In other words, there is a high probability that the difference in the accuracy and precision of measurement of the same geometric element of the network in both epochs has a constant value and sign. The constant errors are understood, but the manifestation of these errors is difficult to determine in practice. For free control networks (the group of potential reference points in absolute control networks or the group of potential stable points in relative networks), the results of deformation measurements are most often processed using robust methods. Classical robust methods do not completely eliminate the effect of constant errors. This paper proposes a new robust alternative method called REDOD. The performed tests showed that if the results of deformation measurements were additionally distorted by constant errors, the REDOD method completely eliminated their effect from deformation analysis results. If the results of deformation measurements are only distorted by random errors, the REDOD method yields very similar deformation analysis results as the classical IWST method. The numerical tests were preceded by a theoretical part. The theoretical part describes the algorithm of classical robust methods. Particular attention was paid to the IWST method. In relation to classical robust methods, the optimization problem of the new REDOD method was formulated and the algorithm for its solution was derived.

System of monitoring of the Forest Opera in Sopot structure and roofing

The authors present a solution realized in Forest Opera (name in Polish: Opera Leśna) in Sopot (Poland) in connection with the modernization and construction of a new roof. The complicated structure of the roof of the facility and the used covering in form of membrane made of technical fabric required (for security reasons) to install the unit of devices allowing for the continuous geodetic monitoring of the facility. Monitoring of relocations in case of engineering structures of a complex design allows for the extended safety of their use. Realized (for this purpose) geodetic measurements require (to be useful) a high accuracy, full automation making the assessment independent from the human factor and the use of reference points. The main element of the presented system is a motorized total station used for the determination of roof cover relocations, whereas the complementary elements are vibration and temperature sensors and weather conditions monitoring station. Data recorders from the entire facility are connected to the computer central unit, providing automation of measurements and archiving of results along with their analysis. The problem occurring in the analyzed object is relatively unstable (subject to vibration) total station. Therefore, the solution implemented for Opera Leśna in Sopot assumes, that it is required to carry out measurements against reference points before every measurement of controlled points. On the basis of these measurements, for each measurement epoch the coordinates and relocation vectors for the tachymeter station are checked as well as analyses of an accuracy suitable for this process. The solution of this problem is useful for monitoring in other movable or subject to relocation engineering facilities. The article signalizes the problem of accuracy of surveying. For this purpose, the preliminary analyses of an accuracy were carried out. They made it possible to determine the expected errors of the reference points location in the designed network geometry and position of the total station for two variants: with and without taking into account the erroneous of reference points location. To summarize, we can say that the automatic measurement systems are an appropriate method for the continuous observation of the construction condition, however, they must be based on accurate, repeatable (for each measurement epoch) analyses of the observation of both monitored elements as well as their spatial references.

Application of the Msplit method for filtering airborne laser scanning data-sets to estimate digital terrain models

ALS point cloud filtering involves the separation of observations representing the physical terrain surface from those representing terrain details. A digital terrain model (DTM) is created from a subset of points representing the ground surface. The accuracy of the generated DTM is influenced by several factors, including the survey method used, the accuracy of the source data, the applied DTM generation algorithm, and the survey conditions. This article proposes the use of a new estimation method in the filtering of point clouds obtained from airborne laser scanning (ALS), provisionally called Msplit-estimation. The application of Msplit-estimation in ALS data filtering requires the determination of the appropriate functional model for the surface, which will be used in the filtering of the set of points. A polynomial terrain surface model was selected for this purpose. Two methods of filtering using the Msplit method are presented. The first is based on the estimated parameters of the polynomial describing the surface (called the ‘quality’ approach in the article). The second method (provisionally called the ‘quantity’ method) is carried out in two stages. The first stage is point cloud filtering, which results in two subsets being created. One of these is the subset of points intended for DTM creation, while the other contains the remaining points. The second stage of the approach is the creation of a DTM from the first subset. Since the Msplit method has an analytical character, the ATIN method was selected to verify the correct operation of the method. The ATIN method is based on computational geometry and uses repeated Delaunay triangulation and statistical evaluation of the geometric parameters. Comparison of Msplit with a method based on different principles mitigates errors arising from similarly functioning methods belonging to the same group of filters. The choice of the ATIN method was also dictated by its established position among filtering algorithms. The method is well-known, documented, and verified and this ensures that filtering by this method provides a reliable result that can serve as a reference for comparison with the proposed new filtering method. The theoretical discussion presented in this article was verified with two practical examples. The results obtained from computation by the Msplit method with appropriate terrain models encourage more detailed theoretical and empirical tests of this method for the filtering and segmentation of ALS data-sets.

The geodetic monitoring of the engineering structure - a practical solution of the problem in 3D space

Abstract The study raises the issues concerning the automatic system designed for the monitoring of movement of controlled points, located on the roof covering of the Forest Opera in Sopot. It presents the calculation algorithm proposed by authors. It takes into account the specific design and location of the test object. High forest stand makes it difficult to use distant reference points. Hence the reference points used to study the stability of the measuring position are located on the ground elements of the sixmeter-deep concrete foundations, from which the steel arches are derived to support the roof covering (membrane) of the Forest Opera. The tacheometer used in the measurements is located in the glass body placed on a special platform attached to the steel arcs. Measurements of horizontal directions, vertical angles and distances can be additionally subject to errors caused by the laser beam penetration through the glass. Dynamic changes of weather conditions, including the temperature and pressure also have a significant impact on the value of measurement errors, and thus the accuracy of the final determinations represented by the relevant covariance matrices. The estimated coordinates of the reference points, controlled points and tacheometer along with the corresponding covariance matrices obtained from the calculations in the various epochs are used to determine the significance of acquired movements. In case of the stability of reference points, the algorithm assumes the ability to study changes in the position of tacheometer in time, on the basis of measurements performed on these points.

New method for determination of adjustment corrections for crane rail axes

Abstract Electronic tacheometers are currently a standard instrument used in geodetic work, including also geodetic engineering measurements. One of the many applications of tacheometers in engineering geodesy are 3D control measurements of crane rail axes. This paper proposes a new method of computing adjustment corrections for crane rail axes based on 3D polar measurements performed with an electronic tacheometer. The intermediary method with conditions on parameters was used in the solution of the problem. The theoretical discussion was complemented with an example application on simulated results of observations. The obtained results confirmed the theoretical assumptions and encourage the verification of the presented proposal on practical examples.

Determination of rectification corrections for semi gantry crane rail axes in the local 3D coordinate system

Abstract Electronic tacheometers are currently the standard instruments used in geodetic work, including also geodetic engineering measurements. The main advantage connected with this equipment is among others high accuracy of the measurement and thus high accuracy of the final determinations represented for example by the points’ coordinates. One of many applications of the tacheometers is the measurement of crane rail axes. This measurement is based on polar method and it allows to get the spatial coordinates of points in 3D local system. The standard technology of measurement of crane rail axes and development of its calculations’ results is well-known and widely presented in the subject literature. At the same time new methods of observations results evaluation are developing. Some new proposals for the development of measurement results were already presented in (Kamiński, 2013). This paper is a generalisation of the paper quoted above. The authors developed the concept which was presented there by a proposal for determining rectification corrections for semi gantry crane rail axes. To carried out the task, the parametric method with conditions on parameters was used. Moreover the practical tests on simulated measurement results were conducted. The results obtained from alignment confirmed the theoretical assumptions. Despite the fact that analyses were carried out only on the simulated data, it is already possible to say that presented method for determination of rectification corrections for crane rail axes can be used for development of the observations from real measurement.