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USGS IN YOUR STATE

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Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (T-LiDAR) Technology

T-LiDAR technology utilizes reflected laser pulses sent from a tripod-mounted scanning instrument to determine distances to targets of interest. The resulting dataset is a 3 dimensional model or "point cloud" of millions of XYZ data points, spaced only a few millimeters apart. This highly detailed dataset is used by USGS scientists to create topographic models, make detailed measurements, and quantify geomorphic and vegetative changes on the earth's surface.

Alabama Water Science Center's Current Projects

Historical Preservation of Toomer's Oaks in Auburn, AL

The Alabama Water Science Center and Dr. Luke Marzen, Professor of Geography at Auburn University utilized a tripod-mounted laser scanner to capture every dimension of the trees. The tripod-mounted laser scanner also known as terrestrial light detection and ranging (T-LiDAR) quickly scans and outputs XYZ geospatial data to produce highly accurate 3 dimensional (3D) point cloud of the surveyed scene.

Click here to find out more about this ALWSC project.