Learning Hierarchical Semantic Segmentations of LIDAR Data

This paper investigates a method for semantic segmentation of small objects in terrestrial LIDAR scans in urban environments. The core research contribution is a hierarchical segmentation algorithm where potential merges between segments are prioritized by a learned affinity function and constrained to occur only if they achieve a significantly high object classification probability. This approach provides a way to integrate a learned shape-prior (the object classifier) into a search for the best semantic segmentation in a fast and practical algorithm. Experiments with LIDAR scans collected by Google Street View cars throughout ~100 city blocks of New York City show that the algorithm provides better segmentations and classifications than simple alternatives for cars, vans, traffic lights, and street lights.