Introduction
What is LiDAR? LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulse laser to produce high-resolution information about the Earth’s surface. This information can be used to estimate streamflow, snowpack and associated runoff, flood risk, and a host of other water management questions. In addition to water management, LiDAR data are used by many sectors in California including forest/fire, water, and roads and land use.
Why is this project needed? While incredibly valuable, LiDAR data is expensive to collect. Coordinating data acquisition provides opportunities for cost-sharing, enables interoperability across data sets, and avoids data gaps or inconsistencies. It can also ensure that data are collected and shared on an ongoing basis.
What will this project focus on? The California Water Data Consortium (Consortium) is exploring collaborations with entities that collect and use LiDAR data to expand access to high quality LiDAR data across California.
Project Implementation
The Consortium LiDAR Team is gathering information, building partnerships, and developing materials to host a workshop to explore opportunities for coordinated LiDAR data acquisition in California (see goals above).
A proposed project timeline is shown below.
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Project scoping, including outreach meetings to determine interest and uses of LiDAR
Q1 and Q2 of 2021
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Planning and coordination of an exploratory workshop
Q3 and Q4 of 2021
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Project Workshop
Q1 of 2022
Venues for Participation
Public Events (see below)
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Public Events
No associated events found.
Project Partners
CA Water Quality Monitoring Council at SWRCB
California Department of Conservation
California Department of Technology
California Government Operations Agency
California Natural Resources Agency
Department of Water Resources
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
State Water Resources Control Board
United States Geological Survey
Water Solutions Network
Watershed Research and Training Center