The increasing affordability of high-performance Lidar technology is driving the emergence of numerous new market players. Meanwhile, the use of AI models is facilitating the automation of various tasks. To what extent can Lidar data processing be automated? And why are specialized partners in high-quality Lidar data processing services still so important?
In today’s constantly advancing world, Lidar technology is reaching a performance level that allows for results with high point densities, a large number of echoes recorded per pulse, great precision, and a high capacity to distinguish different objects. Simultaneously, Lidar sensors have become more affordable, lighter, more precise and more versatile. This evolution has opened up opportunities for companies worldwide to enter the data capture business by incorporating this cutting-edge technology, whether using aerial vehicles (crewed or uncrewed), road vehicles, backpacks or even handheld devices.
Hardware and software have evolved alongside sensors, allowing the processing and editing of tens of millions of points on a standard CAD, as well as online real-time visualization of data on remote servers or in the cloud – something that was unthinkable not long ago. Professionals now have access to an increasing amount geospatial data of ever-improving quality, while other parameters such as update frequency and available data types are also expanding.
Emergence of new players
With the advent of Lidar sensors installed on increasingly affordable uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs or ‘drones’), the market has seen a shift from a few specialized companies to the emergence of hundreds of new players. However, the ease of investing in data capture hardware does not always guarantee the transformation of that data into valuable products. Activities such as processing and classifying Lidar data still require significant effort and can become a bottleneck in the production chain. On the other hand, the availability of geospatial data has solidified previously emerging applications and facilitated the emergence of new ones.
Thus, in addition to products like digital elevation models, contour lines, orthophotos and mosaics, the market demands other solutions such as 3D vector mapping, customized distance reports, simulation of power line positions under different environmental conditions, 3D models, digital twins and so on. Exploiting these data types requires efficient systems for storage, quality control and publication on geoportals, as well as the ability to analyse the data to obtain complex derivative products in increasingly shorter times.
The use and limitations of AI
Increases in computing power have enabled the application of algorithms for more efficient processing of large volumes of data. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) models, with their learning and pattern recognition capabilities, is facilitating the automation of tasks. However, there are still processes that require significant effort – such as performing and managing labour-intensive interactive editing tasks, heuristically defining algorithm parameters, and ensuring quality control of all processes (manual or automated) to achieve final products with near-100% reliability.
Greater utilization of data
The increasingly demanding market seeks greater utilization of data and more complex derivative products. For example, precise modelling of a watershed or snow cover in high mountains can also be used to conduct flood risk analysis and prevent catastrophic situations. It is not enough to capture the geometry of a high-voltage power line and determine the distances to nearby vegetation; its behaviour should also be modelled against atmospheric phenomena such as temperature variations or wind. And thanks to forest inventory work using Lidar, tree mass can be determined to create fuel model maps for predicting and preventing wildfires, monitoring and reducing emissions, and so on.
Geospatial data capture work is often subject to temporal peaks due to client-imposed deadlines, climatic and weather conditions, and other external circumstances such as flight permits, administrative delays, etc. Even the largest companies might be forced to have an oversized structure in terms of both technical and human resources. For small companies trying to take advantage of the latest sensor technology opportunities, the need to have such processing capacity can pose a barrier to entry into this market.
Investment in R&D&I
This is where the importance of having specialized partners in Lidar data processing, such as DIELMO 3D, comes in. With over 20 years of experience in the sector, DIELMO 3D has developed advanced solutions for the processing, management and publication of geospatial data, and has a robust and flexible processing infrastructure, high production capacity and service customization. By working with a significant range of clients, the firm can distribute the workload more efficiently over time, allowing data capture companies to focus exclusively on their core business without worrying about the complexities of subsequent processing.
DIELMO 3D’s investment in research, development and innovation (R&D&I) not only guarantees high production capacity, but has also been used to develop custom solutions for highly specialized products. These include distance studies of vegetation to power lines and railways, custom report preparation, power line modelling under different environmental conditions using PLSCADD or the company’s own alternative tool, tree measurement for forest inventory, AI model development, web geoportals for visual infrastructure inspection management, and geoportals for private or public agencies, to name but a few.
The benefits of collaboration
Collaborating with experts in Lidar data processing allows data capture companies to concentrate on their core activity more efficiently, from the moment they acquire Lidar equipment, without worrying about processing and obtaining very specific products. For companies with significant experience and resources who already have a data processing structure, this collaboration provides flexibility and the peace of mind of being protected against temporary work peaks or unforeseen events. This keeps their processing structure within efficient limits. Additionally, thanks to the technological capability and adaptability of their partners, they can develop tailored solutions and establish solid strategic alliances.
While artificial intelligence and automated processes offer many advantages, some tasks still require human intervention to ensure the precision and reliability of the final products. DIELMO 3D combines the best of both worlds: it uses AI-based automation to optimize processes, but also brings the experience and production capacity necessary to control and improve results. This avoids the problems that can arise when these advanced tools are operated by those without adequate experience and ensures accurate and high-quality final products. In this way, DIELMO 3D helps clients to maintain long-term trust among their own customers, securing customer satisfaction and loyalty in today’s competitive market.