Automatic Detection of Traffic Infrastructure Objects for the Rapid Generation of Detailed Digital Maps using Laser Scanners

Detailed digital maps are of benefit for navigation systems and also for future driver assistant and safety applications. The generation of detailed digital maps is an expensive and time-consuming process as there is much manual rework. In this work, algorithms for the automatic detection of traffic infrastructure objects are proposed. The accurate positions of lane markings, sidewalks, reflection posts and guardrails are determined automatically by a vertically and a horizontally mounted automotive laser scanner. The high position accuracy of the mapped traffic infrastructure objects allows for the rapid generation of up to date, accurate and detailed digital infrastructure maps with a cost efficient sensor setup and a low demand for manual rework.