The LiDAR data was downloaded from opentopography.org. The LiDAR map was gathered with Remote Sensing techniques. LiDaR data is a very accurate way of gethering data on a large scale because large areas of the Earth's surface can be rendered in to one dataset. The data itself is fairly easy to manipulate and analyze using ArcGIS or programs like ERDAS Imagine. Unfortunately, the resolution of LIDAR data is much rougher than a more manual method like surveying with a total station. Manual collection of data by way of surveying is much more time consuming, but is less expensive due to the lack of satellites involved in the data gathering process. The surface on the right hand side of the image was collected using a manual method and allowed for a more precise visualization of banks and beaver dams as well as other physical features. Because this project was located in a relatively small reach of the watershed gathering point data by means of surveying is much more desirable and accurate.

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DEM Comparison PNG