LIDAR Data
LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by the airborne system generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
To see what LIDAR datasets Marlborough District Council has, see the LIDAR Downloads Smart Map.
Various components of the LIDAR can be downloaded online if available. These include:
DEM - Digital Elevation Model. This is a raster dataset which records the ground height for each cell.
DSM - Digital Surface Model. This is a raster dataset which records the height of each cell but includes non-ground objects eg; buildings, trees, etc.
Contours - one metre contours, generated from LIDAR DEM rasters. These are available to download as shapefile, file geodatabase or google earth (kmz).
LAS - the source data format which LIDAR is supplied in. Currently you can download some areas online through the OpenTopography website in either LAS, LAZ or ASCII format.
If download links are not available through the map for the area or data component you need, you can request a data supply. Larger data supplies may be charged at the miscellaneous consultancy rate ($130 per hour) if necessary. Please include as much detail as possible in the email (eg; LIDAR area name, data format required, etc).
