First, what is LiDAR? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), LiDAR is an acronym for:
Light Detection and Ranging, a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system — generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. A lidar instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring lidar data over broad areas.”
Put in layman’s terms, LiDAR is a laser based system for scanning the topography on a landscape, even beneath a forest canopy! LiDAR is effectively x-ray vision! LiDAR provides extremely high-resolution ground scans with fidelity that blows away traditional topographic maps. The high-resolution imagery provided by LiDAR scans is what make it invaluable for e-scouting!
If you are new to e-scouting, check out my previous e-scouting article Tips and Tactics for E Scouting Whitetail Deer – Going 4 Broke Outdoors, where I discuss some of my favorite terrain and vegetation features that I look for while e-scouting and why those terrain and vegetation features are likely to hold deer or facilitate deer movement.
Great e scouting knowledge and assistance. Question:
Your LiDAR Images in your article are dark brown on the top of the contours. On my CalTopo images the entire image is shades of green-white. How can I produce dark brown LiDAR images? Outstanding article and thanks!
Hi Jeff,
The dark brown areas are steep slopes. If you aren’t seeing dark brown areas on the map areas you are looking at, my guess is that the slopes in those areas aren’t steep enough to trigger the darker shading. I’d suggest looking at an area you know has very steep slopes (perhaps even another state) to confirm, but I believe that’s why you are only seeing green/white and not brown. Thanks for checking out the blog and good luck with your e-scouting!