In the ever-evolving world of technology, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has emerged as a groundbreaking tool, especially in the realm of natural disaster research. The RAPID Facility, an integral part of the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NERI) network, has been at the forefront of harnessing this technology. Their mission? To support researchers in collecting invaluable data on natural disasters, offering insights that were previously unimaginable.

The Centralia Coal Mine in Centralia, WA, ceased operations in 2006 and is now undergoing an extensive reclamation process. A portion of the 9,800-acre site has been repurposed by Seattle’s First Mode as a proving ground for the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck. Utilizing the Phoenix LiDAR RECON-XT, First Mode is conducting detailed 3D surveys to build and test a 10% grade haul road, essential for the truck’s performance. This innovative use of reclaimed land exemplifies how former industrial sites can be transformed into high-tech testing grounds, highlighting the synergy between environmental restoration and cutting-edge technology.

Discover the comprehensive guide to selecting the right LiDAR system with our detailed LiDAR Selection Guide. This article covers everything from the basics of LiDAR technology to in-depth comparisons of current scanners. Learn about the technical specifications, platform configurations, and software considerations essential for optimizing your LiDAR mapping projects.

Whether you are in forestry, construction, or surveying, our guide provides the insights needed to choose the best LiDAR solution for your needs. Read on to understand the advantages of UAV LiDAR, the components that make up a LiDAR system, and how to achieve high precision and accuracy in your mapping endeavors.

Phoenix LiDAR System offers survey-grade LiDAR systems for a variety of industries and applications.

Tropical savanna ecosystems play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, but their ability to store and sequester carbon is uncertain due to the combined effects of anthropogenic activities and climate change. This study explores the potential of UAV LiDAR technology for accurate 3-D mapping of aboveground biomass (AGB) in the Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado).

By assessing five regression models using field sample plots, the research identifies the most effective model for estimating AGB across forest, savanna, and grassland formations. Results indicate that UAV LiDAR can significantly enhance biomass estimation, with notable accuracy across different vegetation types, although further development is needed for grassland biomass estimation.

These findings provide essential data for carbon emission mitigation strategies and support integrated fire management in tropical savanna ecosystems.

Join Kory Kellum, Senior Software Engineer at Phoenix LiDAR Systems, as he explores the advanced capabilities of Phoenix LiDAR’s mapping technology in their May 2022 webinar. Phoenix LiDAR specializes in compact, adaptable, survey-grade systems for various platforms like UAVs, cars, and backpacks, and offers robust post-processing software, including LiDARMill and SpatialExplorer Pro.

Phoenix LiDAR, based in Austin, Texas, contrasts with DJI’s recent entry into the LiDAR market. Phoenix offers comprehensive solutions, ensuring high-quality data acquisition and processing, supported by robust customer service. The Recon A system, with its superior APS-C camera sensor and vibration dampening kit, is compared to DJI’s Zenmuse L1, which is limited to the Matrice 300. The Recon A’s IMU is notably more accurate, reducing drift and improving data reliability.

Phoenix LiDAR’s LiDARMill offers advanced features like flight line splitting, ground control adjustments, AI classification, and detailed QC reports, which are not available in DJI’s Terra Pro. This comprehensive processing capability ensures high accuracy and quality in deliverable data products. A comparative analysis of data from DJI’s L1 and Phoenix LiDAR’s Recon A showcases significant differences in accuracy and precision. The Recon A system demonstrated superior performance, particularly in terms of reducing warping and improving overall data quality.

For those seeking accurate, high-quality LiDAR solutions, Phoenix LiDAR Systems provides a superior alternative with extensive support and advanced features.

This whitepaper delves into the innovative use of high-density LiDAR data and Quantitative Structure Modelling (QSM) to estimate individual tree attributes, traditionally predicted by field-derived allometric models. Leveraging LiDAR data collected by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), we evaluated the accuracy of QSM in determining key tree metrics such as diameter at breast height (dbh), tree height, volume, and aboveground biomass components (stem, branch, and total).

Our study compares two QSM approaches: integrating QSM-derived dbh and height into field-based equations for volume estimation, and deriving tree volume directly from QSM. Despite a slight overestimation tendency, the models demonstrated satisfactory performance, highlighting QSM’s potential to provide detailed and extensive tree attribute estimates.

This method offers a promising alternative for forest management decision-making, especially in analyzing tree architecture and biomass. The findings underscore the value of UAV-LiDAR and QSM in enhancing the precision and scope of forest attribute assessments.

Join Phoenix LiDAR Systems and SkySkopes for a quick fly through video focused on the RANGER series of helicopter based mapping solutions. SkySkopes is a top-tier data service provider that operates a wide variety of advanced sensors and aircraft for transmission and distribution line inspections, oil and gas applications, and many other innovative use cases that focus on adding value.

This whitepaper presents a novel approach to forest inventory within integrated crop-livestock-forest systems using high-density UAV-LiDAR point clouds. Focusing on Eucalyptus benthamii seed forest plantations, we utilized the GatorEye UAV-LiDAR system to compare two forest inventory methods: Sampling Forest Inventory (SFI) with various plot arrangements and Individual Tree Detection (ITD).

By analyzing a point cloud with over 1400 points per square meter, we assessed basal area and volume estimates using both field and LiDAR-measured heights. We compared the number of trees, basal area, and volume per hectare across different scenarios, using statistical analysis to evaluate accuracy and equivalence. Our results show that the SFI approach with a 2300 m² area provides estimates comparable to the ITD method, with minimal error and improved processing efficiency.

This study offers valuable insights for selecting optimal plot sizes in forest inventories, enhancing precision in integrated crop-livestock-forest systems.

The December 2021 Phoenix LiDAR Systems webinar focused on LiDAR snow surface mapping for NASA’s SnowEx program. Jeff Rizza from DJ&A detailed a 2021 snow surface mapping project using high-resolution drone LiDAR to capture data in Montana’s prairie biome. Highlighting his experience with UAVs and LiDAR, Jeff discussed DJ&A’s collaboration with NASA and Montana State University to improve snow data collection methods.

The webinar covered Phoenix’s LiDAR systems, cold-weather challenges, and innovative survey methods for accurate snow surface mapping. Jeff showcased data insights on snow dynamics influenced by wind and vegetation and discussed processing challenges using Phoenix’s SpatialExplorer and Terascan software. The Q&A session addressed equipment, data processing, and unique SnowEx project aspects. Jeff also previewed an upcoming white paper comparing LiDAR and photogrammetry, highlighting LiDAR’s advantages in vegetation-dense areas.