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Research ArticleResearch

Airborne laser: A tool to study landscape surface features

J. C. Ritchie, T. J. Jackson, J. H. Everitt, D. E. Escobar, J. B. Murphey and E. H. Grissinger
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation January 1992, 47 (1) 104-107;
J. C. Ritchie
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T. J. Jackson
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J. H. Everitt
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D. E. Escobar
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J. B. Murphey
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E. H. Grissinger
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ABSTRACT:

Landscape surface features related to erosion and hydrology were measured using an airborne laser profiler. The airborne laser profiler made 4,000 measurements per second with a recording accuracy of 5 cm (1.9 inches) on a single measurement. Digital data from the laser are recorded and analyzed with a personal computer. These airborne laser profiles provide information on surface landscape features. Topography and canopy heights, cover, and distribution of natural vegetation were determined in studies in South Texas. Laser measurements of shrub cover along flightlines were highly correlated (R2=0.98) with ground measurements made with line-intercept methods. Stream channel cross sections on Goodwin Creek in Mississippi were measured quickly and accurately with airborne laser data. Airborne laser profile data were used to measure small gullies in a level fallow field and in field with mature soybeans. While conventional ground-based techniques can be used to make these measurements, airborne laser profiler techniques allow data to be collected quickly, at a high density, and in areas that are essentially inaccessible for ground surveys. Airborne laser profiler data can quantify landscape features related to erosion and runoff, and the laser proler has the potential to be a useful tool for providing other data for studying and managing natural resources.

Footnotes

  • J. C. Ritchie is a soil scientist and T. J. Jackson is a hydrologist, Agricultural Research Service, US. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20706. J. H. Everitt is a range scientist and D. E. Escobar is a remote sensing specialist, ARS, USDA, Weslaco, Texas 78596. E. H. Grissinger is a soil scientist and J. B. Murphey is a geologist, ARS, USDA, Oxford, Mississippi 38655.

  • Copyright 1992 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

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Journal of Soil and Water Conservation: 47 (1)
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
Vol. 47, Issue 1
January/February 1992
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Airborne laser: A tool to study landscape surface features
J. C. Ritchie, T. J. Jackson, J. H. Everitt, D. E. Escobar, J. B. Murphey, E. H. Grissinger
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Jan 1992, 47 (1) 104-107;

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Airborne laser: A tool to study landscape surface features
J. C. Ritchie, T. J. Jackson, J. H. Everitt, D. E. Escobar, J. B. Murphey, E. H. Grissinger
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Jan 1992, 47 (1) 104-107;
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