ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the fundamentals of the basic mathematical models and techniques on a conceptual level and discusses the major strip adjustment methods. The primary objective of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) strip adjustment is to provide quality assurance and quality control for the final geospatial product by reducing, or ultimately eliminating, discrepancies found in strip overlap areas, and thus create a seamless product. Strip discrepancies typically show a systematic pattern that provides a basis to model them and subsequently correct them in a strip adjustment process. LiDAR users recognized the advantage of strip overlap very early, and methods were developed to assess the discrepancies between strips and then corrections were applied to the data. Early developments in strip adjustment techniques were further influenced by other factors, such as the LiDAR point density. Surface matching, the automatic coregistration of point clouds representing three dimensional surfaces, is an essential and rather difficult step of any strip adjustment technique.
