Analyzing and Visualizing Lidar Data#
Lidar data is useful for creating 3D models of cultural heritage objects and the built environment. Raw lidar data consists of a point cloud that can be classified to define objects in space. This point cloud can then be used to generate a 3D mesh or a digital elevation model (DEM).
Classification is based on the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) standard classification codes for point cloud data:
Classification Value |
Meaning |
|---|---|
0 |
Created, never classified |
1 |
Unclassified |
2 |
Ground |
3 |
Low Vegetation |
4 |
Medium Vegetation |
5 |
High Vegetation |
6 |
Building |
7 |
Low Point (noise) |
8 |
Reserved |
9 |
Water |
10 |
Rail |
11 |
Road Surface |
12 |
Reserved |
13 |
Wire - Guard (Shield) |
14 |
Wire - Conductor (Phase) |
15 |
Transmission Tower |
16 |
Wire-structure Connector (e.g., Insulator |
17 |
Bridge Deck |
18 |
High Noise |
19-63 |
Reserved |
64-255 |
User definable |
In the following tutorial, we will download publicly available lidar data, visualize the point cloud, and share the data online. Here are examples of point cloud data available online:
Cedar Key Point Cloud on Potree
In the following tutorials, we will be viewing data from Cedar Key, Rosewood, and Shell Mound, Florida: