A comparison between photogrammetry and laser scanning

A comparison between data acquisition and processing from passive optical sensors and airborne laser scanning is presented. A short overview and the major differences between the two technologies are outlined. Advantages and disadvantages with respect to various aspects are discussed, like sensors, platforms, flight planning, data acquisition conditions, imaging, object reflectance, automation, accuracy, flexibility and maturity, production time and costs. A more detailed comparison is presented with respect to DTM and DSM generation. Strengths of laser scanning with respect to certain applications are outlined. Although airborne laser scanning competes to a certain extent with photogrammetry and will replace it in certain cases, the two technologies are fairly complementary and their integration can lead to more accurate and complete products, and open up new areas of application. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.