All LiDAR data must meet the following minimum standards, as well as any additional requirements as within the specific Protocol or PDD.

Data Format and Structure

  • Data must be provided in a LAS or LAZ format - compressed LAZ files are preferred for file size management reasons.
  • Point cloud density requirements should be >8 points per m2 to ensure sufficient detail for individual tree detection and crown delineation.
  • The Point Data Record Format should be 6 or higher to include RGB and NIR values, as well as additional metadata.
    • Fields included should be:
      • X, Y, Z coordinates
      • Intensity
      • Return Number
      • Number of Returns
      • Classification
      • RGB values
      • GPS Time
      • Scan Angle

Data Requirements

  • Tiling scheme should be 1km x 1km tiles with a 50m overlap.
  • File name should be in format: ProjectID_AAAABBBB_YYYYMMDD where AAAA is the Easting grid reference and BBBB is the Northing grid reference.
  • UTM coordinate system should be used.
  • NAVD88 or local equivalent should be used as a vertical datum.
  • All measurements must be in metres.
  • Classification accuracy
    • Ground points: 95% correctly classified
    • Vegetation (by height class): 90% correctly classified
    • Buildings: 95% correctly classified
    • Water bodies: 95% correctly classified
    • Minimum classification categories required:
      • Ground
      • Low Vegetation (0-0.3m)
      • Medium Vegetation (0.3-2m)
      • High Vegetation (>2m)
      • Buildings
      • Low Points/Noise
      • Water
      • Bridge Decks
      • High Noise
  • Absolute vertical accuracy should be ≤ 15cm RMSE at the 95% confidence level.
  • Pulse density should be at least 4 pulses per m2.

File Metadata

  • Metadata should be ISO 19115 compliant and include:
    • Unique persistent identifier for the dataset
    • Collection Date/Time (GPS Time)
    • Scanner specifications:
      • Manufacturer, Model and Serial Number
      • Calibration parameters and dates
    • Flight parameters:
      • Height
      • Speed
      • Pulse rate
      • Scan rate
      • Flight line overlap percentage
    • Processing details:
      • Software used (including version)
      • Classification scheme and accuracy metrics
      • Strip adjustment parameters and results
      • Ground control point information
    • Quality control data:
      • Point density maps
      • Coverage verification
      • Accuracy assessment results
      • Classification accuracy metrics
    • Data derivatives information (if applicable)
      • Source data references and lineage
      • Access and usage restrictions
      • Keywords following standardized vocabularies
      • Point of contact information
  • Metadata should be provided in both human and machine-readable formats.
  • Quality reports must include reproducible methodology.

All LiDAR data must meet the following minimum standards, as well as any additional requirements as within the specific Protocol or PDD.

Data Format and Structure

  • Data must be provided in a LAS or LAZ format - compressed LAZ files are preferred for file size management reasons.
  • Point cloud density requirements should be >8 points per m2 to ensure sufficient detail for individual tree detection and crown delineation.
  • The Point Data Record Format should be 6 or higher to include RGB and NIR values, as well as additional metadata.
    • Fields included should be:
      • X, Y, Z coordinates
      • Intensity
      • Return Number
      • Number of Returns
      • Classification
      • RGB values
      • GPS Time
      • Scan Angle

Data Requirements

  • Tiling scheme should be 1km x 1km tiles with a 50m overlap.
  • File name should be in format: ProjectID_AAAABBBB_YYYYMMDD where AAAA is the Easting grid reference and BBBB is the Northing grid reference.
  • UTM coordinate system should be used.
  • NAVD88 or local equivalent should be used as a vertical datum.
  • All measurements must be in metres.
  • Classification accuracy
    • Ground points: 95% correctly classified
    • Vegetation (by height class): 90% correctly classified
    • Buildings: 95% correctly classified
    • Water bodies: 95% correctly classified
    • Minimum classification categories required:
      • Ground
      • Low Vegetation (0-0.3m)
      • Medium Vegetation (0.3-2m)
      • High Vegetation (>2m)
      • Buildings
      • Low Points/Noise
      • Water
      • Bridge Decks
      • High Noise
  • Absolute vertical accuracy should be ≤ 15cm RMSE at the 95% confidence level.
  • Pulse density should be at least 4 pulses per m2.

File Metadata

  • Metadata should be ISO 19115 compliant and include:
    • Unique persistent identifier for the dataset
    • Collection Date/Time (GPS Time)
    • Scanner specifications:
      • Manufacturer, Model and Serial Number
      • Calibration parameters and dates
    • Flight parameters:
      • Height
      • Speed
      • Pulse rate
      • Scan rate
      • Flight line overlap percentage
    • Processing details:
      • Software used (including version)
      • Classification scheme and accuracy metrics
      • Strip adjustment parameters and results
      • Ground control point information
    • Quality control data:
      • Point density maps
      • Coverage verification
      • Accuracy assessment results
      • Classification accuracy metrics
    • Data derivatives information (if applicable)
      • Source data references and lineage
      • Access and usage restrictions
      • Keywords following standardized vocabularies
      • Point of contact information
  • Metadata should be provided in both human and machine-readable formats.
  • Quality reports must include reproducible methodology.