Applications for GIS Week 2: LiDAR

This week I learned more about LiDAR and its uses. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a method used to create maps by using remote sensing and light to determine distances. For this weeks module assignment, I created a few maps using LiDAR data from the Virginia Geographical Information Network.



I converted the LiDAR (LAS) data to raster data, then calculated the height of the trees by subtracting the non-ground points from the ground points. The map below shows the outcome as well as an accompanying chart  


Finally, I used the LiDAR data and geoprocessing steps in ArcGIS Pro to complete this map depicting canopy density in a selected portion of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Some of the geoprocessing steps taken where converting the points to raster, counting the ground and vegetation points, then using the plus tool to combine the data. Then, I converted the result of the plus from integer to float data, and divided this result with the vegetation count.





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