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A synthesis of best practice to ensure and evaluate the quality of LiDAR data 2020

Abstract

The Scottish Remote Sensing Portal was developed by the Scottish Government and JNCC to provide open access to public sector LiDAR data. LiDAR uses lasers to create detailed 3D models of the Earth’s surface. As part of this collaboration, JNCC carried out an investigation into standard methods for ensuring and evaluating the quality of airborne LiDAR data. The investigation consisted of a desk-based literature review and consultation with experts at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Historic Environment Scotland, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.

This report outlines the factors that should be included in a technical specification and summarises standard protocols for the quality assurance and quality control of LiDAR data. It provides a recommended set of QC activities to be carried out by a client on receipt of LiDAR data from a contractor. Scripts are provided in the appendices to facilitate efficient data manipulation as part of the client’s QC activities.

Please Note: This report was previously published (July 2020) as “Review of Protocols for Quality Control of LiDAR Data”. The content of the report has not been amended.

Resource type Publication

Topic category Environment

Reference date 2020·07·20

Citation
Lightfoot, P. & Heeley, L. 2020. A synthesis of best practice to ensure and evaluate the quality of LiDAR data. JNCC Report No. 660, JNCC, Peterborough, ISSN 0963-8091.

Lineage
This research was carried out with financial support from the Scottish Government. We would like to thank our colleagues at JNCC and Scottish Government (Digital Directorate) for their support and input into the project, and to express our particular gratitude to staff at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Historic Environment Scotland, Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency for providing expert advice.

Responsible organisation
Communications, JNCC publisher

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0

Metadata date 2020·07·20

Metadata point of contact
Communications, JNCC

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