Autonomous Laser Scanning for Next-Generation Mapping and Societal Benefits in Finland

The National Land Survey (NLS) Finland, under the Academy of Finland-funded Centre of Excellence of Laser Scanning Research, developed an autonomous research platform called ARVO (Autonomous Research Vehicle Observatory). ARVO is a modified Ford Mondeo Hybrid equipped with DataSpeed ADAS kit, LiDAR systems, radars, sonars, GNSS-IMU, and high-definition cameras (Velodyne VLP-128 on the roof, and four other laser scanners, radars, sonars, GNSS-IMU and cameras at the windscreen) to capture comprehensive road environment data. The car functions as a mobile research lab, capable of both real-time data acquisition and post-processed workflows, offering flexibility in mapping applications. By integrating autonomous vehicle technology with geospatial science, ARVO demonstrates how autonomous fleets can transform mapping practices, updating geospatial databases more frequently, reducing operational costs, and expanding the scope of 3D mapping to smaller communities.