Lidar Change Detection (LCD)

Detect subtle terrain change before it becomes operational risk.

Turn multi-vintage lidar into reliable, repeatable change measurements, enabling cost-effective terrain screening and focused field investigations.

Method 1: DoD

Time to detect: 12 years

Limit of detection (LOD): -0.60m to +0.65m

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01

Digital Elevation Models (DEM) of Difference/DOD
This 2D view is common but insensitive [high limit of detection] producing results that can be hard to trust.

Method 2: 3D, no ICP

Time to detect: 8 years

Limit of detection (LOD): -0.40m to +0.55m

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02

3D with No ICP Alignment

‍This 3D view provides some improvement in limit of detection.

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Method 3: 3D ICP

Time to detect: 4 years

Limit of detection (LOD): -0.20m to +0.15m

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03

3D with Iterative Closest Point
Using ICP reduces limit of detection by 3-5x, providing results you can confidently make decisions with and identify geohazards before they threaten the integrity of your asset.

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Patented, GPU-accelerated 3D processing workflow using ICP alignment and advanced 3D comparison to quantify centimeter-scale terrain change

Earlier detection of new hazards (4 years vs 12 years with traditional methods)
Support post-event response following storms, floods, or seismic events
Build or update geohazard inventories across large corridors prior to field inspections
Identify and measure movement on suspected geohazards identified in the field
Monitor terrain change near critical assets over time (e.g., slopes, crossings, facilities)

View and analyze your LCD data and layer results with contextual datasets such as satellite imagery, precipitation, and inspections for comprehensive situational analysis.

Built over 20-years in collaboration with some of the world's smartest engineers and geoscientists.

Successfully applied to over 500,000 km² (310,000 mi²) of infrastructure.

Landslides, settlement, deposition, erosion, and earthworks activities such as tailings dam raises, haul road grading, and slope stabilization.

How it works

Data processing options

Any size of aerial lidar data
Any terrain type (rocky peaks to forests)
Multiple dataset comparisons
Automated lidar change detection for regularly recurring lidar acquisition programs

Analysis & delivery

Available in Cambio platform
Shareable with stakeholders
Advanced elevation profiles
Change detection statistics
Also available for download as GeoTIFF files

Advanced processing method

Provides 3-5x better detection limits with advanced 3D comparison techniques (M3C2)
Applies Iterative Closest Point (ICP) alignment to reduce spatial noise
Noise reduction and filtering prior to change quantification through advanced 3D error reduction algorithms

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Learn more about lidar change detection

Predicting the future by mapping the past: pushing the limits on Lidar change detection at regional scales

READ ARTICLE

Rapid 3D lidar change detection for geohazard identification using GPU-based alignment and M3C2 algorithms

READ ARTICLE

Lidar Change Detection in Eastern Kentucky - A case study of the July 2022 storms using public data and our patented workflow

READ CASE STUDY

Rapid Lidar Deployment for Post-Hurricane Disaster Response: A Case Study

READ CASE STUDY

Unlock earth science intelligence to confirm risk, optimize field work, and scale surveillance programs with minimal effort.

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