Notes

3. LiDAR has revolutionized the survey and mapping world. In practical terms, hydrographic LiDAR has been a viable survey tool since the early 1980s. With the advent of a full constellation of GPS in the early 1990s, hydrographic LiDAR has taken a giant leap forward in being able to provide accurate data for difficult survey operations. Topographic LiDAR has evolved from a relative physics experiment to a useable and reliable survey tool, all since the mid 1990s. Now that the technological “chasm” is virtually crossed, and more people are buying into LiDAR, the survey and mapping industry is racing to meet the demand for services. This includes the industry’s ability to properly acquire, process and quality control the data.
4. LiDAR has empowered clients. The speed with which data can be collected, and the relative speed at which it can be processed compared to any other technology, has given clients the power to demand products
more quickly. In many cases, time saved on surveying and mapping translates into huge downstream economic gains.
5. LiDAR saves clients money. For many projects, especially those where DEMs are required for heavily vegetated areas, LiDAR can greatly reduce survey time and effort. This translates directly into cost savings for clients.
6. LiDAR offers flexibility. Although it can be said of data collected via other methods, data collected by LiDAR is extremely versatile. It can be used for anything from power line detection to DEM generation in a second growth forest. This is due to the tremendous point density achieved from LiDAR, its accuracy, and its ability to penetrate to the ground through foliage in vegetated areas.
7. LiDAR is unobtrusive and environmentally friendly. Unlike ground survey techniques, airborne LiDAR can be flown over areas where access is limited, impossible, or undesirable. Apart from the need to validate the
8. LiDAR with ground truthing, it is not necessary to send pervasive ground crews to conduct intense survey operations. LiDAR surveying can also avoid unnecessary tree cutting and other practices that can harm the environment.
In conclusion, it is hoped that this paper will have provided an insight into the possibilities of LiDAR, and will elicit discussion regarding the use of LiDAR to conduct mapping projects. Given the versatility of the technology, and its maturation, it seems logical that any strategic plan or project should at least consider its use. If required, more information can be obtained by contacting TerraPoint.
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