Laser Scanning for the Environmental Sciences

3D surface representation has long been a source of information describing surface character and facilitating an understanding of system dynamics from micro-scale (e.g. sand transport) to macro-scale (e.g. drainage channel network evolution). Data collection has been achieved through field mapping techniques and the use of remotely sensed data.

Airborne and terrestrial laser scanning (LiDAR) are well-established methods for gathering precise and reliable 3D geo-information, and innovative tools for DEM generation, landscape modelling and analysis. As the technology matures to become standard practice for recording complex topography, a change of emphasis is required; moving from innovative data capture to systematic surveying frameworks with well-established data collection and analytical protocols. Laser Scanning for the Environmental Sciences draws on the experiences of leading international experts and reviews the range of sensors and platforms available. Data acquisition, instrumentation, deployment, survey design and data processing are described, and application of the technologies in a range of ecosystems and for a variety of purposes discussed. Other topics covered in detail are scale issues, databases, software requirements and methods for DEM construction in a range of environmental systems. The book is written for academic researchers, environmental professionals and graduate students, and puts innovative surveying into a broader context as a basis for ecosystem planning and management.