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Evaluation of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for measuring river corridor topography

Journal of the American Water Resources Association
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2002.tb01532.x

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Abstract

LIDAR is relatively new in the commercial market for remote sensing of topography and it is difficult to find objective reporting on the accuracy of LIDAR measurements in an applied context. Accuracy specifications for LIDAR data in published evaluations range from 1 to 2 m root mean square error (RMSEx,y) and 15 to 20 cm RMSEz. Most of these estimates are based on measurements over relatively flat, homogeneous terrain. This study evaluated the accuracy of one LIDAR data set over a range of terrain types in a western river corridor. Elevation errors based on measurements over all terrain types were larger (RMSEz equals 43 cm) than values typically reported. This result is largely attributable to horizontal positioning limitations (1 to 2 m RMSEx,y) in areas with variable terrain and large topographic relief. Cross-sectional profiles indicated algorithms that were effective for removing vegetation in relatively flat terrain were less effective near the active channel where dense vegetation was found in a narrow band along a low terrace. LIDAR provides relatively accurate data at densities (50,000 to 100,000 points per km2) not feasible with other survey technologies. Other options for projects requiring higher accuracy include low-altitude aerial photography and intensive ground surveying.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Evaluation of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for measuring river corridor topography
Series title Journal of the American Water Resources Association
DOI 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2002.tb01532.x
Volume 38
Issue 1
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description 9 p.
First page 33
Last page 41
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