LiDAR & Elevation

LiDAR

Airborne LiDAR projects in Texas began in 2006 with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Increasing demand and evolving research on the uses of LiDAR has made it one of the premier datasets for Texas. LiDAR goes beyond traditional bare earth digital elevation models (DEMs) by producing point cloud information that can be classified into existing features such as vegetation and man-made structures. A common format for saving point clouds (with parameters like x, y, return, intensity, elevation) is the LAS file format. Other deliverable products from LiDAR technology may include XYZ text files, Intensity Images, DEM bare ground elevations, Hydro-enforced breaklines and metadata.

The cost of LiDAR production makes it difficult to achieve coverage for the entire state. Priority is given to areas in Texas where the area is densely populated and prone to flooding or where partnership funding gives leverage. Contact TNRIS for more information on how to participate in obtaining LiDAR for your area.

For additional information or to order LiDAR products and services, please contact us.

Elevation

Various forms of elevation data exist for Texas. Forms of these data include digital contour lines (hypsography), digital elevation models, and the latest elevation technology that involves airborne sensor technology and is known as Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR). This technology uses a laser and sensor to transmit and receive pulses reflected from surfaces. These return pulses form a point cloud which represents elevation heights of features such as vegetation, buildings, and bare earth (ground).

Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington

LiDAR point cloud colorized by elevation and intensity image

The Ballpark in Arlington

LiDAR point cloud colorized by NAIP 2010 Orthoimagery

Dallas, adjacent to Trinity River

LiDAR point cloud colorized by elevation and intensity image

Cotton Bowl, Dallas

LiDAR point cloud colorized by elevation and intensity image

Gibbons Creek Reservoir Dam, Grimes County

LiDAR point cloud colorized by elevation and intensity image

Gibbons Creek Reservoir, Grimes County

LiDAR point cloud classified by vegetation, ground and water