Areal deformation analysis from TLS point clouds - the challenge

Terrestrial laser scanning today is frequently applied in practice for areal determination of structural deformations. However, approaches to rigorous deformation analysis and tests of significance are rare. Here we present the reasons and possible strategies to improve the situation. At first we examine the conditions where and when areal deformation monitoring by TLS, respectively statistical validation beyond straightforward analysis proves necessary. Then we itemize the concepts to model point clouds for the purpose and finally show three different approaches to tests of significance.