VGIN has undertaken an effort to explore the merits of statewide or regional acquisition of airborne LIDAR (also known as LiDAR or lidar) data in Virginia. Lidar is an acronym that stands for light detection and ranging. The technology uses pulses of laser light to measure range or other information about distant targets. Similar to radar, which uses radio waves instead of light, lidar determines range to an object by measuring the time delay between transmission of a pulse and detection of the reflected signal. There are many applications of lidar and lidar-derived data. You’ll find more information about the basics of lidar technology below.
VGIN’s ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis for the acquisition and processing of statewide and/or regional lidar data that would meet many of the elevation data needs of Virginia’s state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, some for-profit businesses, and the general public. The process began in August 2007 with a Virginia state agency and federal government lidar summit. The summit helped to identify what needs exist within state and federal government for lidar data. Minutes and presentations from the summit are available below.
VGIN is continuing the work that was begun at the August 2007 summit by gathering background information and identifying and measuring the costs and benefits of lidar data acquisition and processing. We need input from Virginia state and local government agencies, federal agencies, non-profit organizations, research groups, and the private sector. We have created several tools to help us. Please visit the links below to learn about lidar and to share information that you think may be relevant to Virginia’s lidar cost/benefit analysis.
These links are provided as information only and do not represent an endorsement of any specific lidar vendors.
VGIN conducted a short survey from February 1 through April 8, 2008 to gather background information on the current state of elevation data and to assess the level of interest in lidar across the Commonwealth.
You will have the ability to comment on existing posts, but you will need to contact Sam Hall (samuel.hall@vita.virginia.gov) if you would like to create a new post.
NEW – Review VGIN’s Progress on the Lidar Cost/Benefit Analysis and an Overview of the Issues Encountered
State & Federal LiDAR Needs Assessment – August 2007