The assessment of elevation data consistency : A case study using the ALS and georeference database in the City of Kraków

The integration of geodetic and photogrammetric data has become a new tool that has expanded the existing measurement capabilities, as well as it found its application outside the geodetic sector. As a result, over the past decades, the process of topographic data acquisition has caused cartographic industry to move from classical surveying methods to passive and active detection methods. The introduction of remote sensing technology has not only improved the speed of data acquisition but has also provided elevation data for areas that are difficult to access and survey. The aim of the work is to analyse consistency of elevation data from the Georeference Database of Topographic Objects (Pol. Baza danych obiektów topograficznych - BDOT500) with data from airborne laser scanning (ALS) for selected 15 research areas located in the City of Kraków. The main findings reveal discrepancies between elevation data sources, potentially affecting the accuracy of various applications, such as flood risk assessment, urban planning, and environmental management. The research gap identified in the study might stem from the lack of comprehensive investigations into the consistency and accuracy of elevation data across different databases and technologies in urban areas. This gap highlights the need for a thorough examination of the reliability of various data sources and methods of urban planning, disaster management, and environmental analysis. The integration of diverse databases and technologies, like ALS and geodetic measurements, in various applications introduces potential discrepancies that can significantly impact decision-making and outcomes.