Airborne laser surveys for expediting airport obstruction mapping

Abstract

Airport obstruction survey data are used to prepare aeronautical charts and develop instrument approach procedures including satellite-based navigation. The airport's obstruction identification surfaces are used to identify obstacles, including treetops, cell towers, poles, construction cranes, other tall structures and elevated terrain. Non-intrusive daytime and night-time operations and computationally efficient data processing are major strengths of airborne laser surveys, compared with traditional photogrammetry. This paper reviews many airport obstruction surveys conducted commercially using more efficient and cost-competitive airborne laser surveys.