LiDAR
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a surveying method that measures distance to a target by illuminating that target with a pulsed laser light, and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor. Differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to make digital 3D-representations of the target. (Source: Wikipedia)
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Since 2001, NCTCOG's RIS Department has coordinated the purchase of LiDAR for interested entities. Until recently, elevation data was only collected approximately every 5-7 years. Now with technological advancements in how LiDAR can be used and the data becoming more affordable, entities are purchasing it more frequently and using it to create derivative projects like /LiDAR/LiDAR_ortho.jpg.aspx?width=450&height=251 "LiDAR_ortho.jpg")
topographic contours, impervious surface analysis, change detection and 3D planimetrics.
NCTCOG has contracted with a vendor to acquire 2 different types of LiDAR, when needed.
0.5 Meter LiDAR
LiDAR is collected at a density sufficient to support a nominal pulse spacing of 0.5 meters or less (i.e., with no less than 4 or more points per square meter). NCTCOG LiDAR, which includes hydrologic breaklines, is delivered in a LAS-formatted file based scheme set using the ASPRS LAS format 1.2 specifications and includes the following classifications.
| Class 1 |
Default/unclassified |
| Class 2 |
Bare earth |
| Class 3 |
Low vegetation |
| Class 4 |
Medium vegetation |
| Class 5 |
High vegetation |
| Class 6 |
Building |
| Class 7 |
All noise |
| Class 9 |
Water |
| Class 17 |
Overlap default/unclassified |
| Class 18 |
Overlap ground |
Single Photon LiDAR
For large project areas (1000 sq. miles or more), NCTCOG is now offering Single Photon LiDAR, which captures data at the lowest cost per data point using 100 outlet beams. The Leica/Hexagon SPL allows you to create the highest density point clouds by collecting 12-30 points per square meter. The scope of any LiDAR project is dependent upon the needs of that year’s participating entities.
New Acquisition LiDAR Pricing (square mile)
The prices below are the bulk prices that have been negotiated with the vendor. There is a 2 square mile minimum for any project. Prices below do not include the additional cost-sharing discounts that occur during larger region-wide "cooperative" flights.
0.5 Meter LiDAR - 4 ppm
(98% of buildings classified) |
2-50 |
51-100 |
101-250 |
251-500 |
501-750 |
| $1,170.75 |
$729.75 |
$430.50 |
$367.50 |
$320.25 |
| 751-1000 |
1001-2500 |
2501-5000 |
5001-10000 |
>10000 |
| $254.10 |
$241.50 |
$220.50 |
$203.96 |
$192.94 |
| |
1001-5000 |
5001-10,000 |
>10,000 |
| Single Photon Counting - 8 ppm |
$236.50 |
$214.50 |
$192.50 |
| Geiger-Mode LiDAR - 8 ppm |
$242.00 |
$220.00 |
$198.00 |
0.5 meter LiDAR projects may be viewed and printed from DFWMaps and purchased in digital format through the DFWMaps Marketplace.
For more information on LiDAR, visit the SDCP FAQ page or send us an email.
Past LiDAR Projects
2019 LiDAR
2018 LiDAR
2017 LiDAR
2015 LiDAR
2007 Autocorrelated Surface (coming soon)
2001 LiDAR (coming soon)