Geological mapping and fold modeling using Terrestrial Laser Scanning point clouds: application to the Dents-du-Midi limestone massif (Switzerland)

Geological mapping in vertical rock faces is extremely challenging because of access difficulties and limited possibilities of recognition, localization and measurement of features at large distance with traditional tools. Moreover, vertical areas can be of primary interest since they often display...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEuropean journal of remote sensing Vol. 48; no. 1; pp. 569 - 591
Main Authors Matasci, Battista, Carrea, Dario, Abellan, Antonio, Derron, Marc-Henri, Humair, Florian, Jaboyedoff, Michel, Metzger, Richard
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Cagiari Taylor & Francis 01.01.2015
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
3D topography
fold modeling
Geologic mapping
Geological mapping
Geology
Incidence angle
intensity correction
Laser applications
Lasers
Lidar
Limestone
Lithology
Massifs
Outcrops
Remote geological mapping
Rocks
Scanning
Spatial distribution
Terrestrial environments
Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Three dimensional models
Trigonometric functions
vertical rock slopes
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Summary:Geological mapping in vertical rock faces is extremely challenging because of access difficulties and limited possibilities of recognition, localization and measurement of features at large distance with traditional tools. Moreover, vertical areas can be of primary interest since they often display good quality outcrops and relevant geological information. This study focuses on the detailed remote identification of rock types and fold structures using intensity values acquired by Terrestrial Laser Scanning. A correction of the intensity is proposed proportional to the square of the range and to the cosine of the incidence angle. Furthermore, two methods of remote lithological mapping in 3D have been developed using a manual and a semi-automatic approach. Both delivered good results that are consistent with the spatial distribution of rock-types and allowed us to generate an accurate 3D lithological map of Dents-du-Midi massif (Valais, Swiss Alps). The bedding orientation near the hinge of a Km scale fold was measured on LiDAR data in order to define the fold axis. Then, the result was used to build a model of the hinge in 3D.
ISSN:2279-7254
2279-7254
DOI:10.5721/EuJRS20154832