NEWS, TECHNOLOGY, PARTNER
Estonia’s Geo3D Strategy Relies on High-Precision RIEGL LiDAR Data
High-precision 3D geospatial data is becoming a key foundation for digital twins, infrastructure planning, and GeoAI applications. Estonia’s Geo3D initiative – based on precision and efficiency of the RIEGL VQ-1460 Waveform Processing Airborne LiDAR Scanning System - highlights how advanced airborne LiDAR technology supports the development of efficient and future-oriented geospatial services.
With Geo3D, Estonia is advancing the next phase of its national geospatial data strategy: current 3D spatial data is set to become even more efficient and accessible for digital twins, GeoAI, infrastructure planning, and public services.
A key component of this initiative is the modernization of airborne data acquisition. In 2024, a RIEGL VQ-1460 high-end airborne laser scanning system was installed together with an IGI UrbanMapper 2 EVO aerial camera in the aircraft operated by the Estonian Land and Spatial Development Board ELSDB. Initial flights were carried out in spring 2025.
The RIEGL VQ-1460 stands out for:
- High-end airborne LiDAR for large-scale mapping
- High point densities for detailed 3D point clouds
- Uniform point distribution on the ground
- Efficient data acquisition from high altitudes
- Suitable for city modeling, corridor mapping, infrastructure, vegetation, and national mapping projects
The purchase, delivery, and training were carried out in collaboration with RIEGL's distribution partner, Nordic Geo Center Oy, Finland, who also were involved in the delivery of the predecessor system, the RIEGL VQ-1560i, in 2017. This system – used in the same configuration as the new one – has delivered the sound LiDAR data basis for Estonia’s current digital twin.
Based on the high-precision data provided by the new systems, the ELSDB is forcing the development of automated mapping and feature extraction from aerial imagery. Several 3D models for man-made features, like bridges, tunnels, etc. are already offered. All the 3D datasets are published as open data.
With the X-Gis 3D, ELSDB is now working to provide a smart user interface platform that also includes a modern cloud-based backstage, serving geospatial data to frontend web users and so to other systems needing map data. The launch of X-Gis 3D is announced for 2027.
We are proud to see, how the RIEGL VQ-1460 supports Estonia’s goal of delivering precise 3D data faster, more consistently, and with broader accessibility — forming the foundation for data-driven decision-making, digital twins, and future-oriented geospatial services.
Get deeper insights in the original article, that was published on www.gim-international.com and can be read in full here.
