USGS lidar science strategy—Mapping the technology to the science

Jason M. Stoker; John Brock; Christopher E. Soulard; Kernell G. Ries; Larry J. Sugarbaker; Wesley E. Newton; Patricia K. Haggerty; Kathy Lee; John A. Young

doi:10.3133/ofr20151209

USGS · ofr20151209

USGS lidar science strategy—Mapping the technology to the science

Jason M. Stoker·John Brock·Christopher E. Soulard·Kernell G. Ries·Larry J. Sugarbaker·Wesley E. Newton·Patricia K. Haggerty·Kathy Lee·John A. Young

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Abstract

Summary The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) utilizes light detection and ranging (lidar) and enabling technologies to support many science research activities. Lidar-derived metrics and products have become a fundamental input to complex hydrologic and hydraulic models, flood inundation models, fault detection and geologic mapping, topographic and land-surface mapping, landslide and volcano hazards mapping and monitoring, forest canopy and habitat characterization, coastal and fluvial erosion mapping, and a host of other research and operational activities. This report documents the types of lidar being used by the USGS, discusses how lidar technology facilitates the achievement of individual mission area goals within the USGS, and offers recommendations and suggested changes in direction in terms of how a mission area could direct work using lidar as it relates to the mission area goals that have already been established.

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Jason M. Stoker, John Brock, Christopher E. Soulard, Kernell G. Ries, Larry J. Sugarbaker, Wesley E. Newton, Patricia K. Haggerty, Kathy Lee, John A. Young. 2016-01-11. USGS lidar science strategy—Mapping the technology to the science. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151209

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