Terrestrial radar and laser scanning for deformation monitoring: first steps towards assisted radar scanning

Abstract. Deformation analysis based on multi-temporal Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) surveys has been applied for many years in commercial and academic problem domains. Downsides of this technique are the sequential data acquisition as well as its limited accuracy compared to terrestrial InSAR or InRAR based technologies that are currently gaining attention of the geodetic community. A drawback of these instruments is its relative operation method while beneficially measurements within the entire field of view can be carried out simultaneously at high frequencies. At first comparative studies between TLS and InRAR scanning are presented which have been carried out at a quarry. Over the course of roughly two hours six epochs have been measured where geometric changes of different degrees have been purposely made. In order to ensure comparability concerning the outcome, both instrument coordinate systems have been transformed into a common coordinate system by applying corner cube reflectors. At last an assisted ground based RADAR approach is presented where advantages of both applied techniques are incorporated.