Module 2 - LiDAR: Wetland delineation


LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and generate highly accurate elevation data. This week’s assignment focused on using LiDAR data to analyze forest structure and vegetation density. Starting with a LAS point cloud, I generated Digital Surface Models (DSM) and Digital Elevation Models (DEM), then used raster math to estimate tree heights across the study area. After filtering ground and vegetation returns, I converted them into raster layers to calculate point density and create a canopy density map. The result clearly showed areas of dense forest cover and open ground, which I interpreted in relation to human-made features such as roads and clearings. I also created a histogram to visualize the distribution of tree heights, revealing that most trees in the area range between 40 and 70 feet tall, with a mean height of about 54 feet. These tools and analyses are highly valuable for forest management, allowing us to monitor biomass, identify habitat zones, and assess landscape change over time.


 

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