Kenneth Pye Associates Ltd.
 Scientific Research, Consultancy and Investigations

              
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Lidar data processing
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Lidar (light detection and ranging), also known as scanning laser altimetry, is an airborne terrain mapping system, which is analogous to radar (radio detection and ranging) in its principle of operation.  The system is usually fitted to a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, and by measuring the time taken for laser pulses to hit the ground and return, the distance to the ground directly under the flight path can be calculated.  By scanning the laser perpendicular to the line of flight, the system can survey a swath some 250-700 m wide beneath the flight path.  The compilation of multiple swaths allows the generation of a digital elevation model (DEM). Computer software can be used to extract topographic cross-sections and calculate sediment volumes, while comparison of successive surveys allow the rate and extent of topographic change to be computed.

The examples below show the results of a lidar survey of the Alde-Ore estuary in 2003.

Digital terrain model of the Alde-Ore Estuary, generated using lidar data flown in 2003.

Enlarged lidar image of Orford Ness, showing the sequence of shingle ridges to the south of the ness,
backed by reclaimed saltmarsh. The white area in the centre of the image is a former gravel extraction site.

A cross section across the ness, from west to east, showing the sequence of shingle ridges. The

Beach volumes at 16 points on the coastline, calculated from the lidar data.

Click here for a summary of our coastal projects

Recent Publications

Pye, K. and Blott, S.J. (2006). Coastal processes and morphological change in the Dunwich - Sizewell area, Suffolk, UK. Journal of Coastal Research 22, 453-473.
(click to view the abstract of this paper)

Saye, S.E., van der Wal, D., Pye, K. and Blott, S.J. (2005). Beach dune morphological relationships and erosion/accretion: an investigation at five sites in England and Wales using LIDAR data. Geomorphology 72, 128-155.
(click to view the abstract of this paper)

Blott, S.J. and Pye, K. (2004). Application of lidar digital terrain modelling to predict intertidal habitat development at a managed retreat site: Abbotts Hall, Essex, UK. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 29, 893-905.
(click to view the abstract of this paper)

Blott, S.J. and Pye, K. (2004). Morphological and sedimentological changes on an artificially nourished beach, Lincolnshire, UK. Journal of Coastal Research 20, 214-233.
(click to view the abstract of this paper)

van der Wal, D., Pye, K. and Neal, A. (2002). Long-term morphological change in the Ribble Estuary, northwest England. Marine Geology 189, 249-266.
(click to view the abstract of this paper)

Kenneth Pye Associates Ltd. - Environmental Consultants
Page last modified: July 11, 2007