GeoWorld

GeoWorld January 2013

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Industry Trends BY LAWRIE JORDAN The New Face of GIS LiDAR and the Intelligent 3-D Map T he real world consists of three dimensions—not two. It therefore makes sense that the map of the future isn't a flat 2-D map—it's a sophisticated 3-D map that can be interrogated in new ways. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and 3-D technology represent the new face of GIS: the 3-D-enabled map. With the recent integration of native LiDAR data into GISs, both technologies interact with each other to an extent that couldn't be dreamt of 30 years ago. This relationship will continue, as the divide between 2-D geospatial technology and 3-D visualization disappears, and this will contribute to a better understanding of the multidimensional world in which people live. There's a strong need for a unified platform to work with the vastly expanding world of LiDAR content. After all, raw data of any kind can only reach their full potential within a framework to prepare, embed and extend our comprehension of them. Data-Richness Problem In many ways, LiDAR data are more data rich than 2-D imagery. They consist of hundreds of millions of laser points that must be organized and processed. Until now, the addition of the third dimension, coupled with super-dense sampling, has created complications within any system—not just a GIS. The extra dimension inherent in all LiDAR data predictably introduces archiving, analysis and management headaches. Still, LiDAR found its way into the software environment and could be worked on with add-on solutions, data-conversion software and so forth. As LiDAR sensors became cheaper, easier to use and more 22 G E O W O R L D / J A N U A R Y 2 O 1 3 Imagery/LIDAR Special Issue

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