Multi-KPConv: deep learning-based LiDAR point cloud ground point extraction for complex terrains on the Loess Plateau

Accurate extraction of ground points from LiDAR point clouds provides important data for understanding terrain changes and supports decision-making in ecological disaster prevention. Recently, deep learning models have been used to process point clouds directly, with a focus on semantic segmentation of urban scenes using RGB features. However, in complex terrains, using point cloud images to generate RGB features often introduces noise, making high-precision ground point extraction a difficult task. This paper presents a new point-based semantic segmentation network, Multi-KPConv, to overcome these challenges. Unlike methods that rely on color point clouds, Multi-KPConv uses shallow features based on domain knowledge as input to the network. The network employs a multi-dimensional kernel point convolutional architecture to extract high-level semantic features, allowing for better data interpretation. Additionally, the SimAM 3D attention mechanism is integrated to adaptively refine feature contributions and highlight important point features. We evaluate Multi-KPConv on datasets from the Dafosi mining area in China's Loess Plateau and the STPLS3D dataset. Experimental results show that Multi-KPConv outperforms current state-of-the-art models in terms of generalization and robustness, effectively extracting ground points in complex terrain, such as the gully areas of the Loess Plateau.