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identified. One problem here was the fact that the beam of the non-prism infra-red laser-
ranger used had a diameter of 20cm from a distance of 100m. Dowels with differing diameters
(25, 19, 10mm) were used as the subjects during the identifying precision tests, and the
measurement distance was alternated at variable distances between 60m and 120m. With the
fact that the beam has a diameter of 20cm ata distance of 100m as a basis, we obtained the
relationship between varying distances and the ratio of the beam (surface area ratio) on the
surface of the dowels. The results of these tests are indicated in fig.2.
Dowel (25mm)
50
& 40
8 3)
= Ratio of area
= 2 !
Unable to detect
9 10 160
A x
= 0
0 40 a) 120
Distance(m)
Dowel (19mm) Dowel (10mm)
50 50
S 40 S 40
8 S
- D = X
1 Ci-
o 2 Ratio of area o 20 Ratio of area
2 10 Unable to detect 2 in
= T: / Unable to detect
S 0 7 d 0 RE ]
0 40 60 120 160 0 40 860 120 16)
Distance(m) Distance(m)
Figure 2. Relationship Between Varying Distance and The Ratio of The Beam
on The Surface of The Dowels
2-5 Summary of Test Results
Ye confirmed the fact that measurement values taken with a non-prism laser-ranger did not
change even though the types of the objects measured differed and the measurement distances
were alternated in laboratory and field tests. This led us to believe that we could rely on
the measurement values obtained in the following stage by measuring the ground surface with
a non-prism laser-ranger from a helicopter. In further detail, this meant that we could
measure distances with an accuracy level of 3:50mm from an aerial position 100m and 150m up
in the continual mode with precision levels set at--20mm. We also discovered that we could
measure all objects with a size of 10% or more of the beam s surface area (approximately
31. 4c nf at 100m - a circle with a diameter of 3.2cm or an object of the same area). Having
obtained these results, we prepared a bridge over a pond and continually measured the
distance between the parapet and the ground surface. The conditions below the bridge are
indicated in fig.3., and the cross-sectional profile we obtained is indicated in fig. 4. The
plants on the slope of the pond and the railings of the scenic path were clearly captured.
IAPRS, Vol. 30, Part 5W1, ISPRS Intercommission Workshop "From Pixels to Sequences", Zurich, March 22-24 1995