Extraction of geo-spatial information from LiDAR-based mobile mapping system for crowd control planning

The rapid collection of accurate, up-to-date information can be a problem when planning public events. Traditional methods of data collection can be slow and disruptive in areas where the site of the public event is normally used for other public purposes. The advent of mobile terrestrial LiDAR allows for the rapid collection of this type of data without disruption to normal traffic flow patterns. This article presents a case study involving the use of mobile terrestrial LiDAR to scan the route of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration parade. This data is then used to analyze the pedestrian flow patterns for spectators to this event.