LiDAR and RGB fusion: Scanning Poleczki Street in Warsaw in 12 minutes

The mobile laser scanning of Poleczki Street in Warsaw took just 12 minutes. A FJD Trion S1 system in a backpack configuration was used, which combines data from a LiDAR scanner with images from a 72 MPix RGB camera. This technology made it possible to obtain precise elevation data and visually rich object textures.

The LiDAR point cloud, although sparser than in photogrammetry, has an elevation accuracy of 2 cm. The RGB camera provides detailed textures and colors to help identify objects. Fusion of the two datasets is done in real time in FJD's Trion Model software. The operator can switch the view between the point cloud and the RGB image on the fly to quickly resolve doubts about the nature of objects.

Hybrid viewing is one of the biggest advantages of this technology. When the LiDAR cloud fails to distinguish details (e.g., a manhole from a drainpipe), the RGB image provides the missing information. This avoids interpretation errors for the operator and saves time on later data analysis.

During the scanning of Poleczki Street, the system recorded data on pavement, road infrastructure and urban greenery. Combining LiDAR with the visual context of the camera made it possible to create a complete 3D model. Such a model is ready for further analysis in CAD or BIM programs without the need for additional postprocessing.