Objectives

The central point of interest of the Natscan- project is the survey of comprehensive methods of laser scanning technology and the adaptation to the specific requirements of environmental monitoring. On the one hand, aerial laser scanner (1^st phase) and on the other hand terrestrial laser scanner (2^nd phase) will be integrated into a closed system for multiple data use.
Examples for the wide range of applications of the inventory concept will be demonstrated by developing corresponding software modules. These are: forest inventory following the guidelines of the State Forest Commission of Baden-Wuerttemberg; planning of overhead cable routes; environmental impact assessment and estimation of high value timber in forestry companies.

The following overriding objectives are to be achieved:

• Conception of an aerial Laser scanner system with high measuring density.
• Investigation of new methods for terrestrial laser scanner with high precision and range,
  combined with an integrated digital CCD- Sensor.
• Detecting efficient alternatives for storing, handling and processing large amounts of data records.
• Developing algorithms for pattern recognition, visualization and aggregation of laser scanner data.
• Examples for applied analyzing and error analysis.