Efficient Topographic Mapping in Forested Areas Using Drone-based LIDAR

A Modern Workflow for High-Accuracy Surveying with Trimble GNSS and DJI LIDAR Technology

This workflow is designed for topographic mapping in forested areas, where a survey deliverable of the natural ground surface is essential for applications such as catchment analysis, firebreak planning, road design, and more.

Traditional methods like GNSS struggle with canopy coverage accuracy, while total stations face limitations due to sightline and clearing restrictions. Drone-based LIDAR provides an efficient alternative, overcoming these challenges.

The process begins by setting up ground control points (GCPs) using a Trimble GNSS rover and Access software, utilising an internet RTK correction. These GCPs are sufficiently large to be resolved from the point cloud.

For the LIDAR capture, DJI Pilot 2 software is used, with settings tailored for dense canopy and underlayer conditions. Like the GNSS setup, the internet RTK correction (Trimble VRSnow) is employed, though PPK alternatives are available.

The captured data is processed in DJI Terra for initial post-processing, which is typically required for L2 data. A LAS export from Terra can be used with any point cloud software, but Trimble Business Centre is employed to finalise the deliverable, ensuring that all necessary processes are completed efficiently.

UPG Drone Solutions –
DJI MATRICE 350 RTK – Drone with LIDAR
Trimble VRS Now –

Trimble Business Center –

00:00 Introduction
00:05 GCP emplacement
00:20 M300/M350 – DJI Pilot 2 Mission Planning
00:44 Takeoff
00:50 LIDAR Data capture
1:03 Double grid mission setup
1:28 Landing
1:34 DJI Terra post processing
1:58 Checking results
2:13 Trimble Business Centre – Data import
2:20 Georeferencing to GCP’s
2:50 Classification
3:24 Noise filtering
3:43 Checking results against Total station measurements
4:06 Ready for Point Cloud / Surface / TIN / Contour export
4:11 Thanks for watching

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