TLS is an active remote sensing technique that is capable of direct range measurements. The results are highly accurate 3D point clouds which can be used to establish accurate and highly detailed 3D-models or 2D-maps. After merging data from different scan positions and cleaning the 3D-point clouds, containing millions of points, the data can be further analyzed. In addition, the data can be combined with tachymetric and DGPS measurements from every other survey.
The equipment for TLS surveys:
Riegl LMS Z420i laser scanner, range 2m-1000m, accuracy 1cm, additional camera Nikon D 200
Faro Focus 3D laser scanner, range 0.6m-120m, accuracy 2mm, internal camera
Totalstation Trimble M3 1
DGPS Topcon HiPer Pro, relative accuracy 1cm, absolute accuracy several decimeters
Additional laptops, batteries, reflecting targets, ranging poles
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Three field campaigns were conducted during Phase 1 of CRC806
Jordan, 2010: Together with project F1 a field campaign in Jordan was conducted in March 2010. Geomorphological and archaeological investigations, as well as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and DGPS surveys were carried out to clarify the intricacy of so called ''Neolithic rubble layers''. Furthermore, the current condition of Neolithic sites was determined ('Ain Ghazal, Ba'ja, Basta and 'Ain Jammam).
Spain, 2012: A survey of the Ardales Cave and the Las Palomas site (Spain) were carried out in March 2011 together with the project C1 in order to determine extents and structures of both sites. A combination of all previous findings and measurements in their exact location and context is now enabled.
Egypt, 2012: In order to calculate the size of the Sodmein Cave, a TLS- and DGPS-survey was conducted in late April 2011 in cooperation with project A1. An evaluation of 3D data in different scales for the reconstruction and analysis of the paleo-environment is possible, which shows that, TLS fills the gap between satellite and tachymetric data.
Text by D. Hoffmeister.