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RESEARCH AT THE USGS WESTERN GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCE CENTER

Using Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) Technology for Land-Surface Analysis in the Southwest

By Christopher E. Soulard and Rian C. Bogle

Summary Emerging technologies provide scientists with methods to measure Earth processes in new ways. One of these technologies—ultra-high-resolution, ground-based light detection and ranging (lidar)—is being used by USGS Western Geographic Science Center scientists to characterize the role of wind and fire processes in shaping desert landscapes of the Southwest United States.

First posted March 15, 2011 Report PDF (1.6 MB) This report is also available in print from: USGS Information Services, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225 telephone: 888 ASK-USGS; e-mail: infoservices@usgs.gov For additional information: Contact Information, Western Geographic Science Center U.S. Geological Survey 345 Middlefield Road, MS 531 Menlo Park, California 94025 http://geography.wr.usgs.gov/ This report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.

Suggested citation:

Soulard, C.E., and Bogle, R.C., 2011, Using terrestrial light detection and ranging (lidar) technology for land-surface analysis in the Southwest: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2011-3017, 2 p.