Abstraction and Removal of Feature Data to Generate Bare Earth Models from Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Technologies

EnerQuest Systems, LLC proposes to evaluate several aspects of LIDAR data processing that relate directly to digital feature extraction, classification and LIDAR filtering techniques. The development of data integration tools within an image processing andGIS environment will provide the capability to digitally extract 3-D earth surface feature information from LIDAR data. This includes: digital elevations of bare earth surfaces; vegetation; cultural features; 3-D tree canopy structures; 3-D buildingfootprints and other related man-made structures processed within an automated environment over varying terrains. Phase I and the Phase I Option will be used to evaluate proposed techniques, and to design / implement a functional and commercially viabledata processing regime using real time LIDAR data. Each technique will be evaluated to document its true functionality and limits as a function of terrain type, vegetation type / density, and cultural feature type. All techniques will be evaluated usingexisting or to be acquired RAMSTM LIDAR data sets. These results will be integrated within an image processing; GIS and database environment using a customized user interface built using C++ and Visual Basic programming techniques.Successful completion ofthe project will bring many benefits to the mappiing industry. It will reduce a currently labor intensive process to a fully automated one. The market value in the first five years alone is estimated at $135 million.