Classification of road network from airborne laser scanning data and from remote sensing images with high resolution Abstract Object classification of land cover is currently one of the methods of remote Earth exploration. Road network classification only is unique because it is covered with anthropogenic material and has different characteristics than other elements of the landscape. This work deals with the possibility of using a combination of data from airborne laser scanning and high resolution optical data for detection of the road network in the specific area. The premise is that the use of two different types of data could provide better results, because airborne laser scanning data provide very precise information about the position and height of the point, while satellite data of very high resolution represent the real landscape. Searching for suitable features and classification rules for unambiguous determination of the road network is one of the objectives of the work. Segmentation parameters will also be important for object classification. Another objective is to verify the transferability of classification schemes into the other scene. The results should present a response on whether a procedure can be applied over a different location and also that the use of two types of data can bring...

Assessment of forest damage using satellite and lidar data Abstract The main objective of this thesis is to create a methodical procedure used for the evaluation of forest damage in the chosen area of the National Park Sumava, Czech Republic. In this work were combined the multispectral satellite data and data of airborne laser scanning. The forests in this area are heavily damaged mainly due to bark beetle outbreak. You can find here as healthy so damaged forests. Based on this methodology will be differentiated greater number of classes than I found in the literature. In this work was used pansharpened multispectral image SPOT, multispectral image Landsat and airborne laser scanning data with low density points. Another task was to get height information from ALS data in the form of grid. Forest stands were classified using object-oriented classification, which included at first segmentation and then creation of classification base. In classification entered spectral information and height information obtained from the ALS data. Forests were classified into 5 classes and accuracy of both classifications was evaluated using the error matrix and kappa coefficient. SPOT image classification reached kappa coefficient of 68,5 % and Landsat image classification reached kappa coefficient of 72,3 %. From the...

Utilization of ALS data for update of a road network Abstract My thesis concerned problematics of automatic detection of communication data from aerial laser scanning. Goal of this method is to identify area of roads - tarmacs as accurate as possible. On its basis are counted attributes of specific parts. In first part of the thesis are summarized known procedures, which are used to deal with the issue and experiences and evaluation of the output of theirs authors. In practical part of the thesis is described procedure methodology, which is based on findings from the literature review. Subsequently, input data and model areas are introduced. In the final parts are described results and compared with the results of authors, who used such evaluation in their work. Key words: airborne laser scanning, digital topographic database, road network, database update

Mudanças causadas pela industrialização dos canteiros de obra geram incompatibilidades executivas entre sistemas conflitantes e ininterrupção de controles com significativa variabilidade, tal como o uso do fio de prumo para controle geométrico das estruturas de concreto, responsável por acúmulo de erros com reflexo no consumo de matérias e no aumento de defeitos em revestimentos de fachada. Como alternativa, este trabalho busca colaborar com a ampliação do uso das técnicas não destrutivas no controle preventivo e corretivo das edificações em substituição aos tradicionais ensaios destrutivos, tornando o processo mais simples e confiável, além de proporcionar uma recuperação mais rápida e econômica. Para isso, analisou - através de um estudo de caso - a aplicação da tecnologia de escaneamento 3D laser para mapear a planicidade superficial da fachada de um edifício e, de forma inédita, para quantificar o volume de argamassa por intermédio da análise dos modelos 3D gerados por softwares de mercado; e através das etapas experimentais de laboratório, campo e in situ, analisou o potencial da termografia infravermelha na identificação e no mapeamento de fissuras e descolamentos ocultos nos revestimentos de argamassa e cerâmico, aplicando abordagens de aquecimento ativa ou passiva e resfriamento natural ou forçado. Os resultados do escaneamento mostraram a viabilidade da técnica como solução para identificar com precisão as áreas críticas da fachada sobre a estrutura de concreto periférica e alvenaria e, a partir da volumetria, calcular o impacto financeiro associado às sobrespessuras de argamassa nas áreas críticas comparativamente a reduções de espessura após tratamento dessas áreas. Por fim, a termografia identificou quanto à forma, tamanho e posição os defeitos de fissura e descolamento estudados, identificou influências intrínsecas ao processo de uso da tecnologia in situ e uso de recursos do equipamento para melhor visualização dos defeitos. / Changes caused by industrialization of construction sites generate executive incompatibilities between conflicting systems and uninterrupted controls with significant variability, such as the use of a plumb line for geometric control of concrete structures, responsible for error buildup with reflection in the consumption of materials and the increase of defects on facade coatings. Alternatively, this work seeks to collaborate with the expanded use of non-destructive techniques in preventive and corrective control of buildings to replace the traditional destructive testing, making the most simple and reliable process, in addition to providing a faster and economic recovery. For this analyzed by a case study the application of 3D laser scanning technology to map the surface flatness of the facade of a building, and unprecedentedly to quantify the amount of mortar through the analysis of 3D models generated by software market; and through the experimental stages of laboratory, field and in site, examined the potential of infrared thermography in the identification and mapping of hidden cracks and detachments in mortar coatings and ceramic tile, applying active or passive heating and natural cooling or forced cooling. The results of the scan showed the technical viability as a solution to accurately identify the critical areas of the facade on the peripheral concrete structure and masonry and from the volumes, calculate the financial impact associated with extra thick grout in critical areas compared the thickness reductions after treatment of these areas. Finally, thermography identified as the shape, size and position the cleft defects and detachment studied, identified influences the use of technology in situ and use of equipment resources to better visualization of defects.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia dos cimentos obturadores do sistema de canais radiculares quando submetidos ao desafio ácido em ambiente bucal. Foram utilizadas 55 raízes de incisivos centrais inferiores humanos com comprimento padronizado em 10 mm. Realizou-se o preparo biomecânico dos canais até o instrumento #40.02 e as raízes foram esterilizadas em autoclave. Quarenta e quatro raízes foram obturadas pela técnica de condensação lateral com um dos quatro cimentos de diferentes bases: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, Sealapex ou Endofill. Nas 11 raízes remanescentes, apenas foi executado o preparo biomecânico dos canais e esterilização (controle negativo). Foram selecionados 11 participantes que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão na pesquisa. Foi realizada a moldagem das arcadas dentais e confecção dos dispositivos acrílicos intra-bucais palatinos com 5 nichos, sendo 4 deles para as raízes correspondentes a cada cimento experimental e 1 nicho para a raiz controle. As raízes foram fixadas com cera e tela para favorecer o acúmulo de biofilme. Durante 14 dias, 11 participantes utilizaram o dispositivo o dia todo e foram orientados a gotejar solução de sacarose 20% sobre as amostras, seis vezes ao dia, simulando alto desafio cariogênico. Após os 14 dias, as raízes foram removidas dos dispositivos, seccionadas em slices e foram realizadas as seguintes análises: perfil de desgaste do material obturador e superfície dentinária antes e após a exposição ao ambiente ácido bucal por microscopia confocal de varredura a laser (MCVL); resistência adesiva (MPa) do material obturador à dentina radicular por teste de push-out e análise qualitativa da morfologia da interface adesiva e desmineralização ao redor do material obturador por MCVL. Os dados do perfil de desgaste foram avaliados pelo teste não-paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis e teste t (&alpha;=0,05), os dados da resistência adesiva foram avaliados por Análise de Variância a dois critérios (cimentos e terços radiculares) e teste de Tukey (&alpha;=0,05). Verificou-se que não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os cimentos (p=0,6190), porém todas as amostras apresentaram desgaste da dentina e material obturador após exposição ao ambiente bucal (p<0,05). As raízes obturadas com o cimento AH Plus apresentaram maior resistência adesiva à dentina (11,40 ± 7,74 a) (p<0,05). Resultados intermediários foram encontrados nas raízes obturadas com o MTA Fillapex (7,22 ± 5,88 ab) e Endofill (7,37 ± 6,75 ab). As raízes obturadas com o Sealapex apresentaram menores valores de resistência adesiva (5,18 ± 4,34 b). Não houve diferença significante para os terços radiculares, nem na interação dos fatores (p>0,05). Houve predomínio de falhas adesivas em dentina nas raízes obturadas com os cimentos AH Plus, MTA Fillapex e Endofill (respectivamente 66%, 75% e 54,2%). Nas raízes obturadas com o Sealapex houve predomínio de falhas mistas (54,2%). Todos os cimentos apresentaram degradação do material obturador e superfície dentinária, além da desmineralização ao redor da obturação, sendo esta última mais intensa nas raízes obturadas com os cimentos Sealapex e Endofill. Nas raízes não obturadas, houve acúmulo intenso de biofilme bacteriano e desmineralização da dentina intrarradicular. Nenhum cimento foi capaz de evitar a degradação da interface adesiva e da dentina. No entanto, nestas situações de alto desafio ácido, os cimentos AH Plus e MTA Fillapex demonstraram desempenho superior aos demais cimentos testados, por apresentarem melhor resistência adesiva do material obturador à dentina, além de degradação e desmineralização ao redor da obturação menos intensa. / This study has the purpose to evaluate the efficacy of root canal sealers following in situ acid challenge. The root canals of 55 human mandibular central incisors with standardized root canals length 10 mm were used. Roots were as submitted to biomechanical preparation up to #40.02 instrument and canals were sterilized in an autoclave. Forty-four roots were filled with one of the four sealers using the lateral condensation technique: AH Plus, Endofill, MTA Fillapex e Sealapex. The remaining 11 roots were only submitted to biomechanical preparation and were sterilized (negative control). Eleven 11 participants that fulfill the inclusion criteria were selected. The impressions of dental arcs were performed and intraoral acrylic devices were done with 5 spaces, being 4 for roots with experimental sealers and 1 for control root. The roots were fixed with wax and screen to promote the accumulation of biofilm. During 14 days, 11 participants were instructed to use the devices every day. Dental biofilm was allowed to accumulate on root and drops of 20% sucrose solution were dripped onto them, simulating a high acidic challenge. After 14 days, the roots were removed from the intraoral devices sectioned in slices and the following analyses were conducted: degradation (wear profile) in the dentin-sealer interface subjected to confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM); bond strength of filling material (MPa) to root canal (push-out test) and qualitative analysis of adhesive interface morphology and demineralization around filling material by CLSM. The wear profile data were assessed by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and t-test (&alpha;=0.05), the bond strength were evaluated by two-way ANOVA (cements and root thirds) and Tukey test (&alpha;=0.05). Statistical analyses were set at 5% significance level. Regarding the surface of the wear profile, it was found that there was no significant statistical difference between sealers (p=0.6190), but all samples showed wear of dentine and filling material after exposure to the oral environment (p <0.05). Roots filled with AH Plus sealer showed the higher bond strength to dentin (11.40 ± 7.74 a) (p<0.05). Intermediate results were found in roots with MTA Fillapex (7.22 ± 5.88 ab) and Endofill (7.37 ± 6.75 ab). The worst result was found in roots with Sealapex (5.18 ± 4.34 b). There were no significant differences in root thirds, neither in the interaction of factors (p>0.05). Adhesive failure were predominant in root canals with AH Plus, MTA Fillapex and Endofill (respectively, 66%, 75% e 54.2%). Root canals with Sealapex presented more mixed failure (54.2%). Qualitative morphological analysis showed that all sealers presented dentin demineralization around root canal filling, being greater when using to Sealapex and Endofill sealers. In unfilled roots, there was intense accumulation of bacterial biofilm and demineralization of intraradicular dentin. After the exposure of roots to oral environment for 14 days, it may be concluded that no sealer was able to prevent degradation of the adhesive interface and dentin. However, in these situations of high acid challenge, AH Plus and MTA Fillapex sealers have shown superior performance than other tested sealers for their high adhesive strength of the filling material to dentin, and less intense degradation and demineralization around the root canal filling.

Apresentamos neste trabalho o desenvolvimento de um método para o reconhecimento do Formato de Objetos Tri-dimensionais. Os sistemas tradicionais de Visão Computacional empregam imagens bi-dimensionais obtidos através de câmeras de TV, ricas em detalhes necessários a visão humana. Estes detalhes em grande parte das aplicações industriais de Robôs são supérfluos. Os algoritmos tradicionais de classificação consomem portanto muito tempo no processamento deste excesso de informação. Para este trabalho, desenvolvemos um sistema dedicado para reconhecimento que utiliza um feixe de Laser defletido sobre um objeto e a digitalização da Luminância em cada ponto de sua superfície. A intensidade luminosa refletida e proporcional a distância do ponto ao observador. É, portanto, possível determinar parâmetros que classifiquem cada objeto. A inclinação de cada face de um poliedro, o comportamento de suas fronteiras e também a existência de arestas internas, são as características adotadas. Estas características são então rotuladas, permitindo que o programa de classificação busque em um \"banco de conhecimento\" previamente estabelecido, a descrição dos objetos. Uma mesa giratória permite a rotação do modele fornecendo novas vistas ao observador, determinando sua classificação. Todo o sistema é controlado por um microcomputador cujo programa reconhece em tempo real o objeto em observação. Para o protótipo construído, utilizamos um Laser de HeNe sendo a recepção do raio refletido realizada por um fototransistor. Os objetos reconhecíveis pelo programa são poliedros regulares simples, compondo o seguinte conjunto: 1 prisma de base triangular, 1 cubo, 1 pirâmide de base triangular, 1 pirâmide de base retangular. O tratamento matemático empregado visa a comprovação da tecnologia proposta, podendo, na continuação de trabalhos futuros, ser efetivamente estendido a diversos outros objetos como, por exemplo, os de superfícies curvas. / We present in this work a new method for three dimensional Shape Recognition. Traditional Computer Vision systems use bi-dimensional TV camera images. In most of the industrial Robotic applications, the excess of detail obtained by the TV camera is needless. Traditional classification algorithms spend a lot of time to process the excess of information. For the present work we developed a dedicated recognition system, which deflects a Laser beam over an object and digitizes the Reflected beam point by point over the surface. The intensity of the reflected beam is proportional to the observer distance. Using this technique it was possible to establish features to classify various objects. These features are the slope of the polyhedral surfaces, the boundary type and the inner edges. For each object the features are labeled and the classification algorithm searches in a \"knowledge data base\" for the object description. The recognition system used a He-Ne Laser and the reflected signal was captured by a photo-transistor. The object to be recognized is placed over a rotating table which can be rotated, supplying a new view for the classification. A microcomputer controls the system operation and the object is recognized in real time. The recognized objects were simple regular polyhedral, just as: 1 triangular base prism, 1 cube, 1 triangular base pyramid, 1 rectangular base pyramid. To check that the proposed technology was correct, we used a dedicated mathematical approach, which can be extended to other surfaces, such as curves, in future works.

Essa pesquisa tem por objetivo compreender o papel da documentação arquitetônica nos processos de restauração e salvaguarda do patrimônio material, com foco no levantamento arquitetônico por 3D Laser Scanning terrestre e tendo como caso de estudo o Palacete Teresa Lara, importante exemplar de arquitetura eclética do centro de São Paulo, tombado pelo CONPRESP, que foi objeto de projeto e obras de restauração. A documentação arquitetônica mostra-se importante ferramenta para a tarefa de transmissão do patrimônio às futuras gerações. É objeto de estudo de instituições ligadas ao campo disciplinar do restauro e existe consenso de que o registro e a produção de material de levantamento auxiliam na gestão e tomadas de decisão sobre o futuro dos monumentos. Para tanto, é necessário que exista o entendimento de seus aspectos físicos e configurações espaciais, além da compreensão de aspectos intangíveis do patrimônio, como sua história, condição social e relações políticas, culturais e econômicas. A documentação, o registro e a gestão da informação não são entendidos como um fim em si mesmos, mas como ferramenta para o processo de tomada de decisão projetual de conservação, sendo parte importante das etapas de pesquisa e investigação do monumento. Dessa forma, a pesquisa apresenta os benefícios que devem ser observados e que justificam o registro apurado do patrimônio histórico e fundamenta a técnica de levantamento cadastral 3D Laser Scanning terrestre, em edificações históricas. A pesquisa ainda procura compreender o debate teórico contemporâneo, com a atualização e ampliação dos conceitos da Teoria da Restauração, de Cesare Brandi, de forma a entender a relação entre a tecnologia e a teoria, e a efetiva contribuição dos avanços técnicos na prática da Restauração. Finalmente, diante da base teórica e técnica já apresentadas, a pesquisa estuda como a tecnologia de 3D Laser Scanning para levantamento cadastral foi empregada no Palacete Teresa Lara, e quais contribuições a técnica trouxe para os procedimentos e dinâmicas inerentes à obra. / The aim of this research is to understand the role of architectural documentation in the restoration and safeguarding of material heritage, focusing on the architectural survey by 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning, having as a case study the Palacete Teresa Lara, an important eclectic architecture sample in São Paulo, registered by CONPRESP, which was the object of project and restoration works. Architectural documentation is an important tool for the task of transmitting assets to future generations. It is the object of study of institutions related to the disciplinary field of conservation and there is a consensus that the registration and production of survey material help in the management and decision making on the future of monuments. Therefore, it is necessary to have an understanding of its physical aspects and spatial configurations, as well as the understanding of intangible aspects of heritage, such as its history, social condition and political, cultural and economic relations. Documentation, registration and information management are not understood as an end in themselves, but as a tool for the conservation decision-making process, being an important part of the research and investigation stages of the monument. In this way, the research presents the benefits that must be observed and that justify the accurate recording of the historical heritage and bases the technique of cadastral surveying 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning, in historical buildings. The research also seeks to understand the contemporary theoretical debate, with the updating and expansion of the concepts of the Theory of Restoration, by Cesare Brandi, in order to understand the relationship between technology and theory, and the effective contribution of technical advances in Restoration practice . Finally, in view of the theoretical and technical base already presented, the research studies how the 3D Laser Scanning technology for survey was used in the Palacete Teresa Lara, and what contributions the technique brought to the procedures and dynamics inherent to the work.

Essa pesquisa tem por objetivo compreender o papel da documentação arquitetônica nos processos de restauração e salvaguarda do patrimônio material, com foco no levantamento arquitetônico por 3D Laser Scanning terrestre e tendo como caso de estudo o Palacete Teresa Lara, importante exemplar de arquitetura eclética do centro de São Paulo, tombado pelo CONPRESP, que foi objeto de projeto e obras de restauração. A documentação arquitetônica mostra-se importante ferramenta para a tarefa de transmissão do patrimônio às futuras gerações. É objeto de estudo de instituições ligadas ao campo disciplinar do restauro e existe consenso de que o registro e a produção de material de levantamento auxiliam na gestão e tomadas de decisão sobre o futuro dos monumentos. Para tanto, é necessário que exista o entendimento de seus aspectos físicos e configurações espaciais, além da compreensão de aspectos intangíveis do patrimônio, como sua história, condição social e relações políticas, culturais e econômicas. A documentação, o registro e a gestão da informação não são entendidos como um fim em si mesmos, mas como ferramenta para o processo de tomada de decisão projetual de conservação, sendo parte importante das etapas de pesquisa e investigação do monumento. Dessa forma, a pesquisa apresenta os benefícios que devem ser observados e que justificam o registro apurado do patrimônio histórico e fundamenta a técnica de levantamento cadastral 3D Laser Scanning terrestre, em edificações históricas. A pesquisa ainda procura compreender o debate teórico contemporâneo, com a atualização e ampliação dos conceitos da Teoria da Restauração, de Cesare Brandi, de forma a entender a relação entre a tecnologia e a teoria, e a efetiva contribuição dos avanços técnicos na prática da Restauração. Finalmente, diante da base teórica e técnica já apresentadas, a pesquisa estuda como a tecnologia de 3D Laser Scanning para levantamento cadastral foi empregada no Palacete Teresa Lara, e quais contribuições a técnica trouxe para os procedimentos e dinâmicas inerentes à obra. / The aim of this research is to understand the role of architectural documentation in the restoration and safeguarding of material heritage, focusing on the architectural survey by 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning, having as a case study the Palacete Teresa Lara, an important eclectic architecture sample in São Paulo, registered by CONPRESP, which was the object of project and restoration works. Architectural documentation is an important tool for the task of transmitting assets to future generations. It is the object of study of institutions related to the disciplinary field of conservation and there is a consensus that the registration and production of survey material help in the management and decision making on the future of monuments. Therefore, it is necessary to have an understanding of its physical aspects and spatial configurations, as well as the understanding of intangible aspects of heritage, such as its history, social condition and political, cultural and economic relations. Documentation, registration and information management are not understood as an end in themselves, but as a tool for the conservation decision-making process, being an important part of the research and investigation stages of the monument. In this way, the research presents the benefits that must be observed and that justify the accurate recording of the historical heritage and bases the technique of cadastral surveying 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning, in historical buildings. The research also seeks to understand the contemporary theoretical debate, with the updating and expansion of the concepts of the Theory of Restoration, by Cesare Brandi, in order to understand the relationship between technology and theory, and the effective contribution of technical advances in Restoration practice . Finally, in view of the theoretical and technical base already presented, the research studies how the 3D Laser Scanning technology for survey was used in the Palacete Teresa Lara, and what contributions the technique brought to the procedures and dynamics inherent to the work.

Les systèmes de cartographie mobile sont de plus en plus utilisés pour la cartographie des scènes urbaines. La technologie de scan laser mobile (où le scanner est embarqué sur un véhicule) en particulier permet une cartographie précise de la voirie, la compréhension de la scène, la modélisation de façade, etc. Dans cette thèse, nous nous concentrons sur la détection de changement entre des nuages de points laser de cartographie mobile. Tout d'abord, nous étudions la détection des changements a partir de données RIEGL (scanner laser plan) pour la mise à jour de bases de données géographiques et l'identification d'objet temporaire. Nous présentons une méthode basée sur l'occupation de l'espace qui permet de surmonter les difficultés rencontrées par les méthodes classiques fondées sur la distance et qui ne sont pas robustes aux occultations et à l'échantillonnage anisotrope. Les zones occultées sont identifiées par la modélisation de l'état d'occupation de l'espace balayé par des faisceaux laser. Les écarts entre les points et les lignes de balayage sont interpolées en exploitant la géométrie du capteur dans laquelle la densité d'échantillonnage est isotrope. Malgré quelques limites dans le cas d'objets pénétrables comme des arbres ou des grilles, la méthode basée sur l'occupation est en mesure d'améliorer la méthode basée sur la distance point à triangle de façon significative. La méthode de détection de changement est ensuite appliquée à des données acquises par différents scanners laser et à différentes échelles temporelles afin de démontrer son large champs d'application. La géométrie d'acquisition est adaptée pour un scanner dynamique de type Velodyne. La méthode basée sur l'occupation permet alors la détection des objets en mouvement. Puisque la méthode détecte le changement en chaque point, les objets en mouvement sont détectés au niveau des points. Comme le scanner Velodyne scanne l'environnement de façon continue, les trajectoires des objets en mouvement peut être extraite. Un algorithme de détection et le suivi simultané est proposé afin de retrouver les trajectoires de piétons. Cela permet d'estimer avec précision la circulation des piétons des circulations douces dans les lieux publics. Les changements peuvent non seulement être détectés au niveau du point, mais aussi au niveau de l'objet. Ainsi nous avons pu étudier les changements entre des voitures stationnées dans les rues à différents moments de la journée afin d'en tirer des statistiques utiles aux gestionnaires du stationnement urbain. Dans ce cas, les voitures sont détectés en premier lieu, puis les voitures correspondantes sont comparées entre des passages à différents moments de la journée. Outre les changements de voitures, l'offre de stationnement et les types de voitures l'utilisant sont également des informations importantes pour la gestion du stationnement. Toutes ces informations sont extraites dans le cadre d'un apprentissage supervisé. En outre, une méthode de reconstruction de voiture sur la base d'un modèle déformable générique ajusté aux données est proposée afin de localiser précisément les voitures. Les paramètres du modèle sont également considérés comme caractéristiques de la voiture pour prendre de meilleures décisions. De plus, ces modèles géométriquement précis peuvent être utilisées à des fins de visualisation. Dans cette thèse, certains sujets liés à la détection des changements comme par exemple, suivi, la classification, et la modélisation sont étudiés et illustrés par des applications pratiques. Plus important encore, les méthodes de détection des changements sont appliquées à différentes géométries d'acquisition de données et à de multiples échelles temporelles et au travers de deux stratégies: “bottom-up” (en partant des points) et “top-down” (en partant des objets) / Mobile mapping systems are increasingly used for street environment mapping, especially mobile laser scanning technology enables precise street mapping, scene understanding, facade modelling, etc. In this research, the change detection from laser scanning point clouds is investigated. First of all, street environment change detection using RIEGL data is studied for the purpose of database updating and temporary object identification. An occupancy-based method is presented to overcome the challenges encountered by the conventional distance-based method, such as occlusion, anisotropic sampling. Occluded areas are identified by modelling the occupancy states within the laser scanning range. The gaps between points and scan lines are interpolated under the sensor reference framework, where the sampling density is isotropic. Even there are some conflicts on penetrable objects, e.g. trees, fences, the occupancy-based method is able to enhance the point-to-triangle distance-based method. The change detection method is also applied to data acquired by different laser scanners at different temporal-scales with the intention to have wider range of applications. The local sensor reference framework is adapted to Velodyne laser scanning geometry. The occupancy-based method is implemented to detection moving objects. Since the method detects the change of each point, moving objects are detect at point level. As the Velodyne scanner constantly scans the surroundings, the trajectories of moving objects can be detected. A simultaneous detection and tracking algorithm is proposed to recover the pedestrian trajectories in order to accurately estimate the traffic flow of pedestrian in public places. Changes can be detected not only at point level, but also at object level. The changes of cars parking on street sides at different times are detected to help regulate on-street car parking since the parking duration is limited. In this case, cars are detected in the first place, then they are compared with corresponding ones. Apart from car changes, parking positions and car types are also important information for parking management. All the processes are solved in a supervised learning framework. Furthermore, a model-based car reconstruction method is proposed to precisely locate cars. The model parameters are also treated as car features for better decision making. Moreover, the geometrically accurate models can be used for visualization purposes. Under the theme of change detection, related topics, e.g. tracking, classification, modelling, are also studied for the reason of practical applications. More importantly, the change detection methods are applied to different data acquisition geometries at multiple temporal-scales. Both bottom-up (point-based) and top-down (object-based) change detection strategies are investigated

Coastal foredune evolution involves complex processes and controls. Although a great deal is known about the effects of vegetation cover, moisture, and fetch distance on sediment supply, and of topographic forcing on airflow dynamics, the role of large woody debris (LWD) as a modulator of sediment supply and a control on foredune growth is understudied. Large assemblages of LWD are common on beaches near forested watersheds and collectively have a degree of porosity that increases aerodynamic roughness and provides substantial sand trapping volume. To date, no research has attempted to understand the geomorphic role that LWD matrices, as a whole, have as roughness elements affecting airflow and sediment transport across a beach-dune system, or, what the long-term implications of these impacts are on beach and foredune erosion recovery and evolution. This four-year research initiative investigated the role of a LWD matrix on beach-dune morphodynamics on West Beach, Calvert Island on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. This study integrated data from research that spanned three temporal scales, 1) event-scale (10 min) flow and sediment transport patterns, 2) daily frequency and relative magnitude of landscape changing events, 3) seasonal to interannual-scale volumetric and LWD changes. An event-scale experiment to characterise airflow dynamics and related sand transport patterns showed that LWD distinctly alters wind flow patterns and turbulence levels from that of incoming flow over a flat beach. Overall, mean wind speed and fluctuating flow properties declined as wind transitioned across the LWD. Streamwise mean energy was converted to turbulent energy, however, the reductions in mean flow properties were too great for the increased streamwise turbulence to have an effect on transport. In response to these flow alterations and more limited sand transport pathways to the foredune, sediment flux was reduced by 99% in the LWD compared to the open beach, thereby reducing sand supply to the foredune. Sand grains rebounding off of the LWD were carried higher into the flow field resulting in greater mass flux recorded at 20-50 cm in the LWD as opposed to the flat beach. This effect was only recorded 6 m into the LWD. As such, LWD has the potential to modulate rates of foredune recovery, growth, and evolution. Time-lapse photography collected at 15 min intervals during the study revealed that storm events lead to wave-induced erosion of the backshore and reworking of the LWD matrix. The exposed LWD matrix subsequently traps aeolian sediment that leads to rapid burial of the LWD and building of a raised platform for emergent vegetation. However, infilling of the accommodation space within the LWD matrix is so rapid, that sediment starvation of the foredune is short-lived. While the LWD at this site does trap sediment in the backshore, helping to protect the dune from scarping, LWD at this study site maintains an overall lower impact on transport to the foredune. Critical to this relationship is the frequency and magnitude of nearshore events that erode the beach periodically and re-organize the LWD matrix, which directly impacts the ability of LWD to store sediment and modulate transport to the foredune. A conceptual model exploring these relationships is presented. / Graduate