UAV-based laser scanning to meet special challenges in lidar surveying

After more than a year of experience with the first survey-grade laser scanner, the Riegl VUX-1UAV especially developed and designed for UAV integration we assess the potential of unmanned aircraft based laser scanning by means of several practical examples. Capable for very low level (VLL) flight, the new class of small UAVs offers as yet unknown possibilities and perspectives to close the gap between high-altitude airborne and ground-based laser scanning.