Module 2 : LiDAR

The focus of this week's laboratory assignment involved exploring the precise and efficient capabilities of LiDAR in analyzing the tree data from USGS about a region in Shenandoah National Park. LiDAR technology enables the penetration of vegetation, providing detailed representations of both natural landscapes and artificial constructions. This data acquisition method facilitates the visualization of variations and inconsistencies within the terrain. Throughout the lab, a range of tools was employed to determine canopy density, and tree height, and generate digital elevation models (DEM). Presented below are the maps and tools utilized to achieve these distinct objectives.

LiDAR Scene with DEM Inset Map

Tools used for LiDAR Scene:

• LAS tool 

Tools used for DEM model:

• LAS Dataset to Raster to obtain the elevations of ground points

Tree Canopy Height

Tools used:

• LAS Dataset to Raster to create a DEM and DSM
• Minus between DEM and DSM to calculate Height
• Create a chart for a bar graph 

Tree Canopy Density

Tools Used:

• LAS to Multipoint to convert DEM and DSM to a point shapefile for vegetation and ground elevation
• Point to Raster for the vegetation and ground points 
• IS NULL to assign any values below 0 to 1
• Con to allow any 0 to be encountered and accept it
• Plus tool to combine the vegetation and ground counts
• Float to turn the count from an integer to a float
• Divide to calculate the density