PRODUCT DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR USE IN SPECIFYING LIDAR DELIVERABLES

Laser altimetry (also known as lidar mapping) increasingly is being used by the remote sensing community to rapidly generate accurate, high-resolution digital terrain models. However, data providers and data users often have had different expectations and assumptions about the capabilities of lidar mapping, leading to failed projects, disappointing results or excessive costs. This paper provides product definitions and guidelines that can be used as the basis for common discussion to help ensure a successful lidar mapping project. Lidar data projects are classified into five levels depending on the amount of filtering and analysis they provide. By accurately specifying the needed data product, mapping agencies should be able to reduce costs and avoid inappropriate data products.