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How to Combine Drone LiDAR and Satellite Imagery for Ultra-Accurate 3D Terrain Models

When looking at the geospatial and mapping industry, Accuracy is Paramount! Surveyors, Urban Planners, and Environmental Scientists will continue to use cutting-edge technologies such as Drones, by using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Satellite Images to create high-resolution 3D Terrain Models. Integrating Drone LiDAR and Satellite Imagery allows for a level of accuracy, Detail, and Speed that has never been achieved before in Topographic Analysis. The purpose of this blog is to highlight how the Integration of Drone LiDAR and Satellite Imagery will lead to a Better Way of Modeling Terrain and provide Actionable Insight.


Drone LiDAR and Satellite Imagery
Drone LiDAR and Satellite Imagery

What Is Drone LiDAR?


LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a Remote Sensing Technology that utilizes Laser Pulses to Measure Distance to the Earth's Surface. Drone-mounted LiDAR uses high-density Point Cloud Technology, which provides centimeter-level accuracy with Fast Collection Methods over large areas, as well as Areas not easily accessible for Surveying. The Advantages of using Drone LiDAR are:


  • Ability to Provide High Resolution for Vegetated, Mountainous, or Urbanized Areas

  • Fast Collection of Data Across Large or Difficult-to-Reach Areas

  • Ability to Create Highly Composite Digital Elevation Models based on Data Collected While Eliminating Vegetative Interference and Shadowing.


Satellite Imagery's Functions


Satellite Images Offer a Unique Set of Advantages That Are Different From Those of Drone LiDAR, Which Effectively Captures Three-Dimensional Geometry:


  • Surface Texture and Colour For Fulfilling Realistic Visualisation.

  • Widespread Geographic Contextualisation For Regional-Level Analysis.

  • Historical Change Data Through Temporal Recording.


As An Added Bonus, Satellite Imagery Has Lower Vertical Accuracy than LiDAR but Provides The Geographic Scale And Context Necessary for Modelling An Entire Region.


Why Combine Drone LiDAR and Satellite Imagery?


The Combination Of Both Technologies Takes Advantage Of Their Strengths and Benefits.


The Benefits Of Combining Both Technologies Include:


  1. Increased Accuracy: While LiDAR Gives Precise Elevations Data, Satellite Imagery Corrects For Errors in The Terrain Features, Resulting In Better Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy.

  2. Enhanced Representation: By Combining Satellite Imagery And LiDAR-generated Models, we have With Satellite improved Visualisation Of Textures And Colour To Create A More Realistic 3D Map.

  3. Comprehensive Coverage: While Drone LiDAR Provides High Resolution For Small Areas, Satellites Offer Large Regional And/Or Global Coverage.

  4. Better Analytics: Having Access To A Multi-Dimensional Rich Dataset Helps Support Analysis Of A Variety Of Applications, Such As Flood Modelling, Environmental Monitoring, Urban Development, And Forest Management.


Step-by-Step Guide to Combining Drone LiDAR and Satellite Imagery


  1. Survey Planning


  • Define the Desired Area for the Map

  • Determine the Flight Path of the Drones and the Specifications of the LiDAR Sensors

  • Select Satellite Imagery with High Resolution and Little Cloud Cover


  1. Collection of Drone-Based LiDAR Data


  • Follow your flight path in a grid format.

  • Acquire precise GeoTaged LiDAR Point Clouds with Maximum Density.

  • Perform a Quality Control of Raw LiDAR Data.


  1. Satellite Imagery Acquisition


  • Select the appropriate Spatial Resolution of the Satellite Imagery.

  • Georeference and Correct Distortions in your Satellite Imagery

  • Utilize Multispectral or Hyperspectral Data for advanced imagery analysis.


  1. Data Pre-processing


  • Remove Noise from the raw LiDAR Point Clouds by Cleaning and Filtering.

  • Align Satellite Imagery with Ground Control Points (GCPs).

  • Resample or Clip All Data Sets to the Same Spatial Extent.


  1. Integrate Data


  • Import LiDAR Point Clouds and Satellite Imagery into the GIS or 3D Modeling Software

  • Create Terrains using Algorithms such as Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and Digital Surface Model (DSM).

  • Superimpose Satellite Imagery onto the LiDAR-generated Surfaces for Texture and Color.


  1. Model Validation


  • Compare the Integrated 3D Models to Reference Survey Points to Validate the Model's Accuracy.

  • Determine the Vertical and Horizontal Accuracy of your Integrated Model.

  • Make Required Adjustments to the Processing Parameters to Effectively Validate the Model's Accuracy.


Software and Tool Suggestions


The following products offer solutions to integrate both sets of data:


  • ESRI ArcGIS Pro offers advanced processing of LiDAR data and integrates raster data.

  • Pix4Dmapper provides the capability to fuse together photogrammetric data collected from drones and LiDAR data into a point cloud.

  • Global Mapper allows users to create 3D models using LiDAR data and incorporate aerial images.

  • Users looking for an open-source GIS solution can utilize QGIS via a plugin to process both LiDAR and Aerial Imagery.


Applications of Combined LiDAR and Satellite 3D Models


  • Urban Planning - Cities benefit from an accurate representation of the urban environment.

  • Monitoring of Environmental Conditions. Tracking Flood Risk & Slippage

  • Site Layout, grading, and volume of material for a Construction or Mining Operation.

  • Landslide Prediction and Mapping of Locations for Wildfire.


By combining highly accurate LiDAR data from drone survey methods with large amounts of information collected by a satellite, it is possible to create extremely accurate 3D models of the Earth using this hybrid method of data collection for organizations wishing to increase their mapping accuracy and support alternative uses such as Environmental Monitoring, Urban Development, and Disaster Management.

The future of Geospatial Modelling will be based on the Fusion of Information from Multiple Data Sources, Including Satellite and LiDAR. By Combining Data from Satellite and Drone Survey Methods, We are Taking a Major Step Towards Creating Intelligent, Actionable Terrain Intelligence.


For more information or any questions regarding LiDAR and Satellite Imagery, please don't hesitate to contact us at


USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849

India: 98260-76466 - Pradeep Shrivastava

Canada: (519) 590 9999

Mexico: 55 5941 3755

UK & Spain: +44 12358 56710


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