Accuracy verification of the Lynx Mobile Mapper system

LiDAR technology is one of the most effective and reliable means of data collection. Given the increasing use of LiDAR data for close range metrology applications such as deformation monitoring and infrastructure inspection, it becomes necessary to test the relative accuracy, boresight calibration of both LiDAR sensors and performance of navigation solution (or absolute accuracy) of any mobile laser scanning system employed for this purpose. Therefore, the paper's primary contribution is a set of tests for the characterization and evaluation of any mobile laser scanning system based on two LiDAR sensors. We present experimental results of the Lynx Mobile Mapper system from Optech Inc. Employing a low-cost calibration standard, we demonstrated sub-cm accuracy of targets at distances up to 10 m. Also, we introduce boresighting results derived from the Lynx system. Moreover, the global system's accuracy is tested with a series of rigorous experiments operated at a maximum scan frequency of 200 Hz, pulse repetition frequency of 500 kHz per sensor and a 360° scanning field of view. Assuring good GPS conditions, we proved a good global performance of the system, which makes it suitable for very accurate applications.

► We introduce a set of tests for the accuracy verification of the Lynx Mobile Mapper system from Optech. ► We use a low-cost mechanical calibration standard for that purpose. ► We demonstrate the feasibility of the Lynx system to produce dense 3D measurements at a relative accuracy (sphere–sphere accuracy) level lower than 10 mm. ► We evaluate the boresight calibration accuracy of Lynx sensor heads. ► We prove a good absolute accuracy of the system under good GPS conditions, which makes it suitable for very accurate applications.