Paper ID#: 178

Paper Title: Airborne LIDAR Digital Terrain Mapping for Transportation Infrastructure Asset Management

Primary Author: W. Uddin

Abstract Text : This paper presents an innovative application of airborne laser and aerial photo technologies in conjunction with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receivers for cost-effective management of highway corridors, airports, and related transportation infrastructure assets. This is accomplished by producing digital terrain models, generating digital mapping databases, and linking various data sources through user-friendly geographical information system (GIS) software. LIDAR is an acronym for Light Detection And Ranging, commonly called Airborne Laser Terrain Mapping. The LIDAR survey provides low-altitude, high speed laser scanning up to 81 sq. km (20,000 acres) per day, which permits an accuracy of 15 cm, and up to 0.3-m (1-ft) contours. There are no operating constraints, such as: vegetation cover, traffic, usage, or time of day. Results are presented from an on-going study of Raleigh Bypass highway alignment project funded by NASA through the Mississippi Space Commerce Initiative (MSCI) and supported by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The data accuracy, efficiency, time saving, and cost-effectiveness of the airborne laser technology are compared to conventional ground based methods of terrain data acquisition. It is recognized that these airborne technologies are complementary to the currently used in-vehicle videologging and detailed visual condition assessment methods. An application of digital database acquired by the airborne LIDAR method is illustrated for Oxford, a small university town in a rural area of Northern Mississippi. Proof of concept and documentation of benefits will lead to a commercially positioned process and product mix of importance to every infrastructure manager.