3D Point Cloud Tree Modelling

Three-dimensional (3D) point cloud models of trees were developed using the software packages Maya and MATLAB. These models are to be assembled into a forest scene that can be used for producing simulated Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) imagery of objects obscured beneath the canopy. This document describes the approach for modelling the trees using Maya then importing and completely reconstructing the models in a custom 3D point cloud format in MATLAB. RELEASE LIMITATION Approved for public release Published by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division DSTO Defence Science and Technology Organisation PO Box 1500 Edinburgh South Australia 5111 Australia Telephone: (08) 7389 5555 Fax: (08) 7389 6567 © Commonwealth of Australia 2009 AR-014-775 June 2010 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE 3D Point Cloud Tree Modelling Executive Summary This document provides an overview of the development of three-dimensional (3D) point cloud models of trees using the software packages Maya and MATLAB. This work was undertaken as part of Task 07/105 Support to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance to investigate the tasking of airborne sensors to detect inconspicuous targets, particularly those partially obscured by forest canopies. An important aspect of this task was to develop a representation of a forest scene that would enable the modelling and simulation of an airborne foliage-penetrating Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) system. The aim of this work was to produce 3D models of Australian forest trees that can then be easily assembled into forest scenes. The forest models and models of target vehicles generated using the same procedure will be used to simulate LADAR imagery in later studies to assist in making recommendations for the military operational use of an airborne foliage-penetrating LADAR imaging system. The trees were based on photographs from a study site in central Queensland, together with survey data from woodlands near the RAAF Tindal base in the Northern Territory. No further validation of individual tree models was conducted.