TPU Estimation Methodology for Bathymetric LiDAR

This technical report presents a tool for Total Propagated Uncertainty (TPU) estimation, specifically designed for bathymetric LiDAR processing software. The report details a novel algorithm for TPU estimation, which is compared and validated against an established tool. Two examples from coastal surveys illustrate the application of TPU estimation, highlighting systematic tendencies in the results. The document discusses the integration of TPU estimation into a user interface for hydrographic survey quality verification and outlines potential future developments. It also provides a comprehensive definition of TPU as per the International Hydrographic Organization's S-44 standards, emphasizing its importance in quality control for hydrographic datasets. The report further describes the TPU estimation process, including the analytical approach based on the Special Law of Propagation of Variance, and differentiates between topographic and bathymetric TPU estimation models. The findings aim to enhance the consistency of quality control in hydrographic surveys using LiDAR technology.