Introduction to Natural Resource Management Applications of Airborne Lidar Surveys
This project has created new capabilities for the baseline inventorying and monitoring of natural and cultural resources within National Seashores. Methods for monitoring barrier island change, land cover distributions, benthic ecosystems, and man-made structures have been devised. These algorithms are being combined with standardized data reduction and documentation procedures to create software packages that generate GIS-ready digital information products relevant to Park needs. The LaserMap system has been developed for the processing of NASA ATM surveys and is in use to fulfill the needs of the NPS Vital Signs Program. Also, a separate software module within the Airborne Lidar Processing System (ALPS) supports the interactive browsing of GPS-referenced digital aerial photography data sets that are acquired concurrent with NASA ATM and EAARL lidar surveys. Information on these capabilities is provided through USGS Open File Reports, conference proceedings papers, and scientific journals. A stream of experimental GIS-ready spatial information products is being distributed to resource managers at several NPS coastal Parks.
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Above left: a) A sample GIS-ready data product published as a DVD for submerged topography at Biscayne National Park (BISC). [larger version].
Above right: Sample submerged topographic map showing a section of a tile with contour lines near Pacific Reef. [larger version]. |
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