We had an interesting conversation today during the ASTM E57.04 Data Interoperability subcommittee meeting about the traceability of data. The subcommittee is considering developing a mobile laser scanning/LIDAR extension to the E57 data exchange format.
The main reason for doing this is to provide the trajectory information in addition to the point cloud. Currently there is not a lot of demand from end users that I have spoken with for this information. In general, they seem to be content with receiving the data in the LAS format, but there are a few people who would like to have the trajectory information in order to be able to do their own accuracy assessment.
In addition, one person that I spoke with pointed out that by including the trajectory information that someone could then at a later date always be able to review the original work and perhaps improve the quality of the results by substituting better control or perhaps even a smarter post processing solution.
In the case of a dispute that might arise at a later date having the trajectory data archived with the point cloud would provide highly valuable traceability. I think it is important for a standards group like the ASTM E57 committee to assume a leadership role with these issues. If you have an interest in working on a mobile laser scanning/LIDAR extension to the ASTM E57 data exchange standard please contact me.
As always your comments are welcome.