Internet Sourced LiDAR Data

The availability of internet sourced LiDAR data seems to be a way to acquire high quality existing conditions data for a project, but many firms have found that using this data comes with a number of foreseeable but hard to quantify complications that can result in significant liability exposure. 

It is critical to make a thorough analysis of the original specifications for the dataset of interest, including the equipment used, its performance at the altitude used to acquire the data, the datum’s used to locate the data, classification schemes and even how stringent the control requirements used to adjust and place the data on the published datum’s was acquired. 

Few of those point clouds contain the hard information you need to analyze the dataset, but with some technical insight you can do enough homework to gain a level of comfort with data.

The purpose of this article is to provide you with some guidance in evaluating the validity and usefulness of that wonderful free LiDAR data you found on the internet.  Contact us today to learn more.

Why do I need LiDAR?

One of the hotest topics in the industry today is around LiDAR and UAV's of course but that's a topic for another day.  HD-LiDAR is gaining popularity in many applications today and is changing the way mapping is done.

For example, the vertical accuracies are higher than what you can get from comparable Photogrammetry.  You can get a much more accurate and dense terrain model.  You can get an accurate depiction of vegetation canopy and more detail within the hydrography network.  You can pull a cross-section anywhere within the data.  LiDAR can be used to study vegetation.  All of these capabilities/possibilities reduce costs in the overall project downstream.

What are some of the benefits of having high definition LiDAR data?

With a LiDAR scan you are able to model any existing conditions at a level of detail that can not be achieved through any other surveying methods.  Additional benefits include:

• Faster acquisition and processing - unclassified point cloud data within 24-48 hours of flight
• Additional data - obtain highly accurate and precise elevation data for digital terrain modeling of the ground surface, as well as information on buildings, trees, power lines and everything else that the laser hits.  Automated 3D polygons of building structures for example.  Color imagery is also obtained at the same time within the same flight saving time and money.
• Cost - when considering the speed, accuracy and density of the data the overall project costs are significantly reduced.  There are reduced ground based survey requirements also. For example, there is no need to shut down a highway or rail corridor for surveying.

Each project is different and depending on many factors such as location, size of area, terrain and your data  requirements will determine the best technology for your needs.  In regards to LiDAR it could be airborne, mobile and/or terrestrial depending on the application.

To learn more or discuss a current project you have contact us today and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction.

State of Michigan Awards AXIS GeoSpatial LLC Aerial Imaging Services Contract

The State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management and Budget – Center for Shared Solutions has selected AXIS GeoSpatial LLC for a three-year, $1.9 million contract to provide aerial imagery services for the State’s MiSAIL (Michigan Statewide Authoritative Imagery & LiDAR) program in support of numerous state and county government stakeholders for use in transportation, natural resources and environmental quality applications.

The competitively awarded contract has a 3 year base and five (5) one-year options. AXIS will provide 12” digital orthoimagery in addition to 6” and 3” imagery optional buyups. The contract also includes oblique imagery data as optional services the State may require in the future. Flight missions will be in accordance with airspace and FAA requirements. Acquisition of the imagery will begin shortly as soon as weather conditions permit.

AXIS AIRS service will be utilized by the State of Michigan and its stakeholders for web-based imagery QA/QC.

No stranger to the imagery needs of the State, AXIS has been responsible for providing hi-resolution digital orthoimagery, Hi-Definition LiDAR, 911 mapping and other GIS datasets over the past nine (9) years for 3 other states.

“We are excited about new opportunities in the State to support their imagery efforts to help various agencies, says Erica Insley, Marketing Director of AXIS GeoSpatial LLC. The higher resolution 6” and 3” imagery will allow for the identification and measuring of features such as small utility linear and point features in addition to building details and hydrography for safety of the local communities.

Founded in 2001, AXIS GeoSpatial LLC, a national geocapture firm, employs innovative remote-sensing and measurement technologies to capture geospatial data for integration into civil engineering, land surveying and GIS applications. AXIS is headquartered in Easton, Maryland with additional locations in Colorado, Delaware & New Jersey. During the past 15 years, AXIS has applied extensive, proven experience in producing high quality aerial imagery, LiDAR, CADD, GIS and other related geospatial datasets for civil engineering and government clients throughout the US and abroad.

For more information please call Erica Insley at 410-822-1441 or visit www.axisgeospatial.com.