Smoothing of Contour Lines Derived from LiDAR Point Cloud Data

by Robert Moore

Submitted : Fall 2016

Point cloud data collected by means of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) makes it possible to construct highly accurate visual representations of terrain data and elevation. The most traditionally used type of map representing elevation is a contour map, and LiDAR data can be used to construct such maps. However, creating contour maps that are visually acceptable is not an automatic process. The objective is to utilize Bezier Smoothing and other methods to smooth contour lines in order to make them more visually appealing and to make them easier to use by those who are accustomed to utilizing typical contour maps, while at the same time preserving the accuracy of the data. It was determined that, in order to preserve accuracy for the particular study area at 2ft contours, Polynomial Approximation with Exponential Kernel method provided the best cartographic quality while preserving data integrity.

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