As we have discussed in the last two issues of LP360 News, breaklines are two- or three-dimensional graphic data (points, lines, polygons) that we introduce into an elevation model to alter the topology. Surveyed mass points, scanned contour lines, correlated stereo models, and myriad other sources produce irregular elevation data that can be modeled as a TIN, and tools (such as LP360) that can manipulate random points are generally adept at processing these various data sources. Read more...

One of the more powerful capabilities within LP360 is breakline capture and enforcement. Find out what breaklines are and how they should be used here. Read more...

In the previous issue of LP360 News, I introduced the use of Triangulated Irregular Networks (TIN) for modeling point derived elevation data as well as the basic concepts of “soft” breaklines. I realized when writing that first article that it is probably a useful exercise to review contours. Thus this part II article will be devoted to this subject and we will continue with breaklines in the third article of the series. Read more...

LIDAR data included as a standard layer in your ArcGIS® project (using LP360 for ArcGIS®, of course) can prove very useful, simply for dynamic visualization. Read more...

As with any data, breaklines should undergo a QA/QC process. For breaklines this should entail a check for potential topology errors as well as incorrect elevation values. Read more...

Learn how to use the GeoCue workflow management framework to manage LAS files in TerraScan. Read more...

Much LIDAR data has been delivered in text format (American Standard Code for Information Interchange, ASCII) rather than the rich binary LAS format. In this article we examine the value of ASCII LIDAR data. Read more...

This article will provide an overview of the LAS format, which is a public file format for the interchange of 3D point cloud data between data users. Read more...

This technical note provides recommended flight planning procedures and suggestions for contractual data deliverables for organizations that are subcontracting field data collection for a LIDAR project to a service provider. Read more...