Application of Geological Mapping Using Airborne-Based LiDAR DEM to Tunnel Engineering: Example of Dongao Tunnel in Northeastern Taiwan

Abstract

The use of digital elevation models (DEMs) that use airborne-based light detection and the ranging technique (airborne-based LiDAR) to understand large-scale geological structures has become important in geological surveying and mapping. Taking the Dongao Tunnel area in northeastern Taiwan as the study area, this study used the airborne-based LiDAR DEM and related value-added maps to interpret the topographic and geomorphic features of the area and identify locations for geological investigation. The characteristics of the rock mass were observed on-site and revealed by excavation of the highway tunnel in the study area; they were compared with the interpreted topographic and geomorphic features to determine the potential of using 1 m-resolution LiDAR DEM in geological surveys and in the evaluation of engineering characteristics of underground rock masses. The results of this study demonstrated that the DEM accurately captured geomorphic features: the strata composed of slate and schist had distinct appearances in both the clinometric map and the hillshade map; the locations of faults, lineaments, and drainage were consistent with those observed on-site, and the positions of these features were captured more accurately than those on conventional maps. Evident microrelief features, including the distribution of scarps, erosion gullies, and mini-drainage systems provide an effective basis for interpreting a deep-seated gravitational deformation slope and for an on-site inspection for validation. The use of high-resolution LiDAR DEM to interpret geomorphic features along with geological surveys provides a more comprehensive understanding of the survey area, supporting surveys and geological mapping, revealing the locations of potential slope failures, and enabling the assessment of tunnel engineering risks.

Geology of the Magura Nappe, south-western Gorce Mountains (Outer Carpathians, Poland)

“…The geological map of the south-western part of the Gorce Mountains presented here was constructed on the basis of accurate geological investigations, using traditional methods of geological field mapping coupled with the interpretation of a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). DEMs are successfully used in geological research (Cieszkowski et al, 2017;Lo et al, 2021;Starzec et al, 2018). The field work, which enabled direct observations of outcrops, was carried out in 2015-2018.…”

Application of Terrestrial Laser Scanning for the Evaluation of Geokinematics of Selected Structural Phenomena in Mine Workings in the Rudna Mine (SW Poland)

“…Also in geological applications, laser scanning has played an important role for many years (e.g., Buckley et al 2008). It is impossible to imagine modern geologic mapping without lidar images (e.g., Jagodnik et al 2020;Kowalski and Wojewoda 2016;Lo et al 2021), nor is monitoring of areas most threatened of landslides (e.g., Jaboyedoff et al 2012, Sikora andWojciechowski 2019;Waga and Fajer 2021). However, the use of laser scanners for geological documentation in underground mines offers new possibilities for data analysis and visualisation.…”

Perceived Usefulness of Airborne LiDAR Technology in Road Design and Management: A Review

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