LiDAR

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing method that is used to examine the Earth's surface. Since LiDAR is a digital format, it can be imported into a number of software packages such as AutoCAD and ArcView. Through the use of this detailed technology, data sets can be produced and used in various applications such as flood risk mapping, engineering / construction surveys, forestry, and so much more.

In 2014, the City of Valdosta entered into an agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to acquire LiDAR for Greater Lowndes County in the amount of $130,000. The City was reimbursed through a Geospatial Services and Data agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and to maximize the project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) partnered to provide an additional $130,000 to acquire LiDAR for Cook and Tift counties. By utilizing partnerships, this project will result in a high quality product, maximized funding, and approximately 1,000 square miles being flown.

The Lowndes County LiDAR flight occurred in early 2015 and was accepted by NOAA on November 3, 2015. The data is available for download on the NOAA data distribution system website - Data Access Viewer (DAV) or by selecting one of these options:

• Custom download
• Bulk download

The LIDAR project for Cook and Tift counties was completed July 2016.

To learn more about LiDAR, here are some helpful links:

• What is LiDAR
• LiDAR 101