This module we are using Lidar technology to analyze a specific point in the Big Meadow Area of the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Using Lidar is a very useful tool to help analyze numerous different points of interest in areas such as this. This week we were using it to help analyze the canopy and spread of vegetation in this specified area of the Big Meadow Area. We utilized a multitude of different tools varying from basic Lidar scenery to DSM/DEM maps which are based in feet. This give a varied height view of the selected area so you can get a good idea of the topography and be able to easily determine the different peaks and valleys of the specified area. We also used a canopy density tool which showed the vegetation cover of the specified area. This is also a very useful tool because it allows you to not only see how dense the different parts of the map are in vegetation. But you can also see the sparse areas which may include things like roads, rivers, bare spots, etc. This is not only important for understanding the density of trees for things such as logging or restoration purposes. For foresters to perform prescribed burns this can help to identify dense patches or safety zones. This could make all the difference in how the fire behaves and how the foresters approach controlling it. The last map I map utilized a feature which shows the density of the the height of the trees in this area. It is accompanied by a graph which breaks down not only the density of the trees but how much is roughly located across the entire expanse of this selected area. This is very useful information because you can not only pre-judge areas based off of density of vegetation but understand the size of trees being located in these spots as well. This could make all the difference for logging or restoration purposes. It could influence the canopy as well as the floor growth beneath depending on the size of the surrounding vegetation. This map and graph also allow the viewer to get a rough idea of how much vegetation based of certain parameters are located here. All of these Lidar tools are invaluable in determining all of the above mentioned processes which people such as foresters would use in their daily jobs. This also helps for conservation surveys and much more. This week was quite the challenge but I was able to get some great maps in the process!
Maps listed below:
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