Up-To-Date LiDAR Mapping Yields Essential Data

Airborne LiDAR technology allows for remarkablespatial analysis capabilities as compared to other
mapping to occur in areas where terrain andremote sensing alternatives.
canopy cover make it difficult to accurately defineMany companies specialize and provide value
a bare earth digital terrain model. Instead of takingadded niches to their service to ensure they
the time, valuable resources, and manpower tostand out amongst the crowd. What is your vision
map an area from the ground, why not let anfor the final use of the data? LiDAR data can be
airborne remote sensing technology do it for you?delivered in a variety of formats for visualization
LiDAR mapping can reveal geographical data thatneeds, for mapping requirements, and for detailed
is unsurpassed by other methods. Whether thesite analysis.
data is for a new business venture, topographical,Some examples include LAS format for the
or geographical mapping, using this method canclassified LiDAR point cloud and ASCII grid files at
yield great results for the user.user specified intervals such as 1m, 2m, and 5m.
The data applications for LiDAR include acquisitionDepending on how the data is to be handled the
for transmission lines, new and existing mines,format can also be illustrated by what is called a
forestry cut block areas, flood plain mapping,hillshade model, by LiDAR intensity, or by contours
transportation corridors, and water resourcesat specified intervals.
projects. LiDAR data can be used from the initialUnderstanding the applications and enhanced
planning stages of a project through to thevisualization may be the reason why you should
operation phases and encompassing the entirelook to acquire LiDAR for your next project.
project life cycleIf you choose to use LiDAR, your project area
LiDAR maps the earth surface with a nearwill have detailed data that is unmatched by other
infrared, eye safe, beam of light. A scanning laserremote sensing applications. The laser scanner
combined with GPS and an inertial measurementwith high pulse rates such as 240,000 pulses per
unit results in distinct X, Y, and Z locations forsecond reveals slight changes in the terrain
each laser point or reflection. The resulting datasurface.
points are called a LiDAR point cloud, which isThis is beyond the capability of a standard
classified into ground, model key points, andtopographic survey and worth the investment for
vegetation.the accuracy and breadth of the data. Have
The advantage of LiDAR in difficult terrain andLiDAR work for you.
areas of dense canopy is the bare earth elevationHarness the technology that can assist you with
accuracy achieved from an airborne platform, andyour project today instead of risking time,
the ability to view the bare earth ground surfacemoney, resources, and manpower using ground
with the vegetation points removed. A vastdata collection.
amount of data awaits the user with greater