Video (right) courtesy of Optimal shows a flythrough of a LiDAR point cloud coloured by photography. This is a large hydro-electricity project, we also carry out mini-hydro studies further down rivers.

Digital Terrain Models (DTM) can be created from LiDAR data, allowing for the creation of contour maps as well as other products such as aspect maps.

From the DTM, we can create: stream networks, catchments, flow accumulation grids, define the stream network, drainage line and watershed delineation. Further hydrologic modeling can identify drainage area delineation, flow length, floodplain storage volumes, land slope and impoundment site volumes.

LiDAR can penetrate the tree canopy to 'see' the terrain beneath the foliage. This is extremely useful when mapping stream channels which are foliated. Comparison of field surveys to LiDAR cross-sections indicate a strong correlation in streams that are heavily incised and have reduced flow.

LiDAR can be used for flood simulation and animations.