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Integrated Full-Waveform Analysis and Classification Approaches for Topo-Bathymetric Data Processing and Visualization in HydroVISH

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Abstract

Topo-bathymetric LiDAR data captured with modern systems are complex. The primary information received is a time-dependent amplitude variation of the reflected light. These so-called waveforms are processed into singular points with 3D coordinates by advanced on-board devices of the LiDAR sensor (online waveform processing), but the full-waveform (FWF) information may be available as well. However, available software tools are often insufficient to manage all required processing steps. Common file formats do not allow to store originally recorded sensor parameters together with subsequently processed parameters in one database or file. The FWF, however, can contain information to better cover the terrain below dense vegetation, and to improve aerial coverage of the water ground. Thus, we extended the software suite HydroVISH with respect to an integrated FWF processing pipeline. Employing the open-source Hierarchical Data Format V5 (HDF5) with the F5 layout thereby allows for efficient data storage and handling throughout the processing chain. The potential benefit of performing a comprehensive FWF analysis can be assessed via the simultaneous visualization of the complete FWF information on all points in an interactive display environment. Next, the valuable point information is extracted using various provided FWF processing tools, such as Richardson–Lucy deconvolution or Gaussian decomposition. For topo-bathymetric data, the correct point classification of the terrain above and below water as well as the actual water surface is crucial to correctly calculate the refraction correction for points beneath the water surface. Finally, we also outline the implemented classification approach for the terrain and water surface.

Zusammenfassung

Integrierte Full-Waveform Analyse und Klassifizierungsansätze für topo-bathymetrische Datenverarbeitung und Visualisierung in HydroVISH. Topo-bathymetrische LiDAR-Daten, wie sie mit modernen Sensoren gewonnen werden, sind komplex. Die vom Sensor empfangene Primärinformation ist dabei eine zeitabhängige Variation der Signalamplitude des reflektierten Lichts. Diese sogenannten Wellenformen (Full-Waveform, FWF) werden mittels On-Board-Komponenten des jeweiligen LiDAR-Systems zu einzelnen Punkten mit 3D-Koordinaten verarbeitet (Online-Waveform Processing), aber auch als Bestandteil der Rohdaten abgespeichert. Mit verfügbaren Software-Lösungen können oftmals nicht alle erforderlichen Schritte im Rahmen der Datenprozessierung abgebildet werden. Zudem können mit gebräuchlichen Dateiformaten nicht alle bei der Datenerhebung ursprünglich aufgezeichneten Parameter zusammen mit nachfolgend berechneten Parametern in einer Datenbank oder einer Datei gespeichert werden. Die FWF kann jedoch wertvolle Informationen enthalten, mit denen sich der Geländeverlauf unter Wasser und unterhalb dichter Vegetation wesentlich besser erfassen lässt und damit eine verbesserte räumliche Abdeckung des Geländes ermöglicht. Wir haben daher das Softwarepaket HydroVISH um eine substantielle FWF-Prozessierungskette erweitert. Die Verwendung des quelloffenen Hierarchical Data Format V5 (HDF5) im F5-Layout ermöglicht dabei eine effiziente Datenspeicherung und -handhabung über die gesamte Prozesskette hinweg. Der potenzielle Mehrwert einer umfassenden FWF-Analyse kann durch die simultane Darstellung aller FWF-Verläufe und Laserpunkte in einer interaktiven Visualisierungsumgebung am besten evaluiert werden. Daran anschließend werden mit Hilfe verschiedener FWF-Verarbeitungswerkzeuge (z.B. Entfaltung nach Richardson-Lucy oder Gauss'sche Zerlegung) die nützlichen Punktinformationen aus der FWF abgeleitet. Für topo-bathymetrische Daten ist die exakte Klassifizierung sowohl von Geländepunkten über und unter Wasser als auch der Wasseroberfläche entscheidend für die korrekte Berechnung der Refraktion bzgl. aller unter Wasser liegenden Punkte. Daher beschreiben wir abschließend den in HydroVISH implementierten Ansatz zur Klassifizierung des Geländes und der Wasseroberfläche.

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Acknowledgements

We are especially grateful to two anonymous reviewers as well as Guest Editor Gottfried Mandlburger for their insightful reviews and thorough comments that helped us to substantially improve the original manuscript.

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  1. AirborneHydroMapping GmbH, Feldstraße 1b, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria

    F. Steinbacher, W. Dobler, W. Benger, R. Baran, M. Niederwieser & W. Leimer

  2. Unit of Hydraulic Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 13, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria

    W. Dobler

  3. Center for Computation & Technology, Louisiana State University, 2019 Digital Media Center, Baton Rouge, 70803, USA

    W. Benger

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Steinbacher, F., Dobler, W., Benger, W. et al. Integrated Full-Waveform Analysis and Classification Approaches for Topo-Bathymetric Data Processing and Visualization in HydroVISH. PFG 89, 159–175 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41064-021-00150-3

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