LiDAR Training Materials
Workshop Materials
These training resources were developed as part of the "Conservation Applications of LiDAR" project -a series of hands-on workshops designed to help Minnesota GIS specialists effectively use LiDAR-derived data to address natural resource issues.
Ex. 1, Part 1: Displaying DEMs to Show Hydrologic Features Ex. 1, Part 2: Displaying DEMs to Show Hydrologic Features: TPI Ex. 2, Part 1: Hydrologic Conditioning of DEMs: Overview Ex. 2, Part 2: Hydrologic Conditioning of DEMs: Step-by-step instructions
Webinars
- Forestry Applications of LiDAR Data
- NRCS Hydrology and Terrain Analysis Tools for Using LiDAR Data
- Using LiDAR-based Terrain Analysis Products
- Using LiDAR Data to Advance Local Conservation Work
Forestry Applications of LiDAR
A one hour overview hosted by the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative and presented by Paul Bolstad (University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources) on January 17, 2012.
View recording here
NRCS Hydrology and Terrain Analysis Tools for Using LiDAR Data
A set of tools were developed for experienced ArcGIS users of LiDAR data to aid in hydrologic and terrain analyses, and for the design of water and sediment control basins.
Webinar 1: An introduction to all the tools, presented by Peter Mead (formerly USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) on February 6, 2013.
View recording here
Table of contents and time points in the recording (.pdf)
Webinar 2: Using the tools for the design of water and sediment control basins, presented by Peter Mead and Wes Drake (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) on March 19, 2013.
View introductory PowerPoint lecture here
Recording of ArcGIS demo is coming
Download the tools here
The tools' author and webinar presenter
Peter Mead (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Red River Basin Initiative) is the primary author of the tools. Peter specializes in developing and applying automated approaches to watershed assessment and terrain analysis for conservation planners, hydrologists, engineers, and other GIS users.
What are the tools?
The set of python-based ArcGIS tools available for hydrologic and topographic analyses of LiDAR data. The tools are written for ArcGIS 9.3 and 10.x using Spatial and 3D Analyst extensions for the following tasks:
- Conditioning LiDAR-derived DEMs to include culverts, and (optionally) walls and breachlines
- Examining topographic suitability for water-retention and flood damage reduction projects
- Evaluating DEMs and additional terrain attributes for water quality and water quantity applications
- Delineating watersheds and deriving hydrologic attributes for conservation planning
- Plan and design water and sediment control basins
The tools included in the package are:
- Contour Generation at Various Intervals
- Deriving Topographic Position Indices
- LiDAR Based Relief Maps
- Hydro Conditioning of DEMs
- Stream Network Definition
- Watershed Delineation
- Catchment Delineation
- Calculating flow path(s) length
- Runoff Curve Number Calculation
- Depression/Sink Analysis
- Stream Power Index Calculation
- Compound Topographic (Wetness) Index Calculation
- Elevation and Projection Conversions
- Cross Section/Profile Creation
Further updates and user support
For the latest information and versions, go to: www.mngeo.state.mn.us/chouse/elevation/lidar.html
For questions about using the tools
- Post questions to the LiDAR Forum.
- Check out the Workflow pdf available at the NRCS tools ftp site.
To receive notice of updates about these tools, subscribe at the LiDAR forum as follows:
- Go to http://www.mngeo.state.mn.us/cgi-bin/LiDAR/forum_show.pl
- Click on "Register" and register with the forum.
- Log in to the foruma
- Go to the topic "NRCS LIDAR Tools Available"
- Click on "subscribe" beneath the message. This means you will get an email notification whenever someone adds a reply to this topic. (If you would like to receive notifications of all posts to the forum, click on options > Boards > Email Subscription.)
Using LiDAR-based Terrain Analysis Products
A series of presentations by Stephanie Johnson and Zach Herrmann (Houston Engineering, Inc.)
In the following videos, learn:
- The basics of what is a hydrologically reconditioned DEM (hydro DEM), why it is important, and what are important considerations for planning hydrologic conditioning
- What are some uses of hydro DEMs.
- How hydro DEMs can be used for terrain analysis (SPI and RUSLE) to prioritize nonpoint source management areas
- How hydro DEMs can be used to plan large scale retention sites, and to prioritize restorable wetlands
Hydrologic Reconditioning of DEMs: Part 1 (11:25 min.)
Hydrologic Reconditioning of DEMs: Part 2 (10:03 min.)
Hydrologic Reconditioning of DEMs: Part 3 (12:33 min.)
Using Hydro DEMs for Terrain Analysis (14:49 min.)
Using Hydro DEMs for Detention Planning: Example 1 (9:09 min.)
Using Hydro DEMs for Detention Planning: Example 2 (4:42 min.)
The Q&A session after the webinar May 22, 2013 is posted on the LiDAR Forum
Speaker Bios:
Zach Herrmann, P.E. is a licensed professional civil engineer, and has experience with a wide variety of watershed management issues. He has worked on multiple GIS-intensive projects including hydrologic conditioning and terrain analysis. He has applied LiDAR analysis techniques to improve overall workflow in many scenarios including hydrologic model development, floodplain management issues, and water quality stressor identification.
Using LiDAR Data to Advance Local Conservation Work
An Overview for Managing Administrators and Non-Technical Staff
View webinar recording here (Originally presented June 12, 2013)
Time points:
2:14 = What is LiDAR?
16:05 = Examples of applications
33:55 = Data accuracy and other limitations and features
41:30 = Software and hardware requirements
45:20 = Q&A
Overview: Minnesota's newly completed statewide LiDAR elevation data is profoundly changing how districts, counties and other local organizations do conservation work and other development projects. At this webinar, learn ways that the data can substantially improve work effectiveness and efficiency. Learn its limitations, and find out what hardware, software and training is needed to take advantage of this essential resource. The presentation is targeted at managing administrators and other staff who will not necessarily work directly with the data.
Presenter: Tim Loesch (GIS Manager with MN.IT Services at DNR) has been working with LiDAR-based elevation data since 2006. He oversees the State LiDAR Mapping project to collect, process, and deliver the statewide dataset. In his current position Tim leads a team that provides data, custom software, training and assistance to over 2,000 DNR staff. Tim received a Bachelor's degree in Geography from Bemidji State and a Master's degree from University of Oklahoma.