Verification of a methodology for structural data acquisition using smartphone-based LiDAR

3D modelling has become a dominant trend for analysis in various fields of science and engineering, enabling users to collect more accurate data in less time compared to other measurement methods. Technologies that provide 3D data, such as terrestrial laser scanners (TLS), are often expensive, encouraging users to seek more affordable alternatives while maintaining the desired accuracy. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) technique both provide 3D point clouds that allow geometric analysis. Since the early 2000s, the scientific community has tested these two techniques, while companies have gradually integrated them into their workflows.
This paper presents a methodology for collecting structural data from the field using a smartphone as a relatively low-cost tool that implements LiDAR technology. The methodology was evaluated through measurements and analysis conducted at three different locations: Milutinci, Farish and Serta.
The initial approximation for data collection was carried out using mobile phones, which are becoming increasingly suitable for 3D modelling. Recordings were conducted at three different locations in three distinct geological environments. The 3D point clouds obtained from these recordings were processed with various software tools and analytical methods, including semi-automatic software for extracting plane sets and calculating the dip and dip direction elements of identified planes. The results of measurements conducted using 3D point clouds showed high agreement when compared with measurements obtained using a geological compass.
Through the synthesis of results, numerous original regression relationships between the analysed parameters were formed and presented for the first time in this format in our region. This also lays the groundwork for further development of the methodology in future scientific analyses.