Improving Point Cloud Accuracy Using a Customized Unmanned Aerial System with a Dual-Frequency GNSS and Post-Processing Kinematic Technology

Construction professionals have started exploring several UAS configurations and techniques to ideally enhance the quality of the UAS-derived point clouds. This study aims at evaluating the factors [i.e., single-frequency GPS (L1), dual-frequency GPS (L1/L2), post-processing kinematic (PPK) georeferencing technique] affecting the accuracy of UAS-derived point clouds. Results showed that the use of a customized UAS that is equipped with dual-frequency GPS (L1/L2) and subject to PPK coordinate correction improved the overall point cloud accuracy. The outcome of this study is expected to benefit both practitioners and researchers in better understanding the effects of the system on the resulting point cloud accuracy.