Use of airborne near-infrared LiDAR for determining channel cross-section characteristics and monitoring aquatic habitat in Pacific Northwest rivers: A preliminary analysis [Chapter 6]

Abstract

Aquatic habitat monitoring is being conducted by numerous organizations in many parts of the Pacific Northwest to document physical and biological conditions of stream reaches as part of legal- and policy-mandated environmental assessments. Remote sensing using discrete-return, near-infrared, airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and high-resolution digital imagery may provide an alternative basis for measuring physical stream attributes that are traditionally recorded by field crews in these monitoring efforts. Here, we compare physical channel characteristics determined from airborne LiDAR versus those measured from field surveys using a total station.

Citation

Faux, Russell N.; Buffington, John M.; Whitley, M. German; Lanigan, Steve H.; Roper, Brett B. 2009. Use of airborne near-infrared LiDAR for determining channel cross-section characteristics and monitoring aquatic habitat in Pacific Northwest rivers: A preliminary analysis [Chapter 6]. In: Bayer, J.M.; Schei, J.L., eds. PNAMP special publication: Remote sensing applications for aquatic resource monitoring. Cook, WA: Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring partnership. p. 43-60.