A comparison between analytical aerial photogrammetry, laser scanning, total station and global positioning system surveys for generation of digital terrain model

The present paper compares between four data sources for creating digital terrain models (DTMs), based on analytical aerial photogrammetry, laser scanning, total station (TS) and global positioning system surveys. The case study presents the comparative results obtained using the methods listed above. After obtaining the ground coordinates of points using each method, DTMs were created using Surfer Software to establish comparison consistency. To check accuracy of each method used, a series of 100 independent points were collected at random positions over the case study area using the TS for horizontal position and a digital level for elevation. The comparison of the results of the methods was performed based on accuracy and efficiency aspects. The results have shown that TS and terrestrial laser scanners (TLSs) could represent precise, effective and rapid solutions to produce economical and accurate DTMs. Also, using TLSs allow more various possibilities of data representation.