GIS in the Rockies 2009
The Continuum from LiDAR to Decisions
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Track-chair: Carol Mladinich – Research Physical Scientist, USGS
Email: csmladinich@usgs.gov
SESSION W-1
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Why do we need LiDAR? (30 Minutes)
Presenter: Jamie Young
Sanborn Map Company
The presentation will cover several aspects of LiDAR as it relates to the end-user. LiDAR uses and applications will be discussed. Expected accuracies and how they relate to applications and uses and the published accuracy specifications will be detailed. Additionally, we will discuss ways to determine what an end-user needs related to their project and lastly, return on investment and feedback from clients from and number of LiDAR sources will be discussed as they relate to the above topics.
Expected Accuracies of LiDAR Acquisitions (30 Minutes)
Presenter: Matt Aschbrenner, Grant Bunting
Sanborn Map Company
In LiDAR acquisition, many variables warrant consideration to ensure accurate and high quality LiDAR data. Network and checkpoint surveys are practical examples to reach or surpass expected accuracies. Specific factors of local are necessary when planning the most efficient schedule of collection. Timely acquisition can be achieved by understanding weather patterns, terrain, and mobilization issues of a job site.
Calibration Errors in Data and QC/QA (30 Minutes)
Presenter: Brandon Tilley
Sanborn Map Company
The presentation will cover calibration errors that directly relate to the end product data set and the quality assurance of a successful end product data set. The tools and information will help with determining minor calibration errors and understanding what needs to be taken into consideration when creating a bare earth end product. This will include, but not limited to, points which are man-made, non bare earth and small calibration issues that cause gaps/less accurate data. Structures and outliers that do not represent a clean and accurate bare earth surface such as buildings, bridges, and vegetation will be re-classified for demonstrational purposes as these are vital in creating an accurate final dataset.
30 MINUTE BREAK
SESSION W-2
3:30 – 5:00 PM
LiDAR aiding Decision-making Process (30 Minutes)
Author: Erica Tilley
Presenter: Jamie Young
Sanborn Map Company
The presentation will discuss the applications and uses of LiDAR data as it relates to City and counties. The topics of discussion will include how counties and cities can get the most out of their LiDAR data. How this data set can be a valuable additional Layer in any County or city GIS. Examples of 3--D modeling and how this is used will be provided.
LiDAR in ArcGIS
Presenter: Christian Everhart (30 Minutes)
Sanborn Map Company
Public LiDAR datasets are becoming available at a very fast pace, but the user needs tools that can work with the LAS format for LiDAR data storage. With the long running popularity of ArcGIS, many people are looking for ways to leverage their investment; including integrating LiDAR data into existing processes. This presentation will show a few different techniques that will allow a user to import their LiDAR data into an ArcGIS friendly format. The focus will be on conversion of LiDAR data, not analysis techniques.
LiDAR in Natural Resources: Development of Multi-Discipline Standards in Project Planning, Data Processing, and Deliverables (30 Minutes)
Presenter: Jeffrey Evans
The Nature Conservancy
Recent years have seen the progression of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) from the realm of research to operational use in natural resource management. Numerous government agencies, private industries, and public/private stakeholder consortiums are planning or have recently acquired large-scale acquisitions, and a national U.S. LiDAR acquisition is likely before 2020. Before it is feasible for land managers to integrate LiDAR into decision making, resource assessment, or monitoring across the gambit of natural resource applications, consistent standards in project planning, data processing, and user-driven products are required. This paper introduces principal LiDAR acquisition parameters, and recommends LiDAR acquisition, processing, and product standards to better serve natural resource managers across multiple disciplines.