2nd March 2007, 03:04 PM
I was involved on a project where we used LiDAR as a tool to record upstanding ridge and furrow along the route of a gas pipeline. Usually there is a problem with getting access to the area beyond the easement but with LiDAR we were able to get data on the entire field and beyond. The fine detail may not have been as accurate as a field survey but as a way of placing your site in a wider context it was certainly an improvement and a bonus for the local SMR.
Word of caution however - some of the EA data we used was a bit iffy in places and some fields where we could clearly see well preserved R&F were not evident on the images. Overall though I was quite impressed and would consider using it again, albeit backed up with field visits where possible.
It did assist in the identification and/or interpretation of a nos. of earthworks which would not have been identified or understood from the narrow confines of the pipeline easement.
Word of caution however - some of the EA data we used was a bit iffy in places and some fields where we could clearly see well preserved R&F were not evident on the images. Overall though I was quite impressed and would consider using it again, albeit backed up with field visits where possible.
It did assist in the identification and/or interpretation of a nos. of earthworks which would not have been identified or understood from the narrow confines of the pipeline easement.