A LiDAR Processing Toolkit An automated and centralized approach to LiDAR processing and DEM creation.

Introduction What is LiDAR? Light Detection and Ranging LiDAR systems are Active and use their own source of energy (laser) rather than natural reflections (i.e. photo). Ranges or measurements are based on the time difference between laser emission and reflection

Introduction The Research Project Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) Mapping Habitat Connectivity for Multiple Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species on and Around Military Installations. LiDAR used for DEM creation and mapping vegetation canopy structure

Problems with LiDAR LiDAR contains extremely high volumes of data; prohibitive to use. There is a need to create an easy way to explore LiDAR data. Relate field measures and field knowledge to LiDAR-derived measures of vegetation canopy. This would allow the user to easily create forest structure maps (could be tailored for specific applications).

All Data Vegetation Removed

Data Availability SERDP North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program First and Last Return (Bare Earth and Extracted Features) 1.0 m DEM (in .xyzi format) North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program Bare Earth (avg. 5m spot spacing) for TIN 20 Ft DEM, 50 Ft. DEM in asci format

Example of a DEM derived from LiDAR on Hillshade in the Fort Brag Area.

Objective: An efficient way to process LiDAR Develop a toolbar or GUI that will streamline the processing of LiDAR text data Currently there is no way to automate the asci to grid command in Arc. Provide tools to perform simple raster calculator operations, create contours, clip DEMs as well as spatial analysis like hillshade, slope, etc.

LiDAR Text File DEM Grid to Polygon SINKS SLOPE Potential ASPECT HILLSHADE ASPECT Salamander Habitat Potential Wetlands 30 cm Contours Grid to Polygon