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Lidar point cloud both with and without vegetation-classified points

Detailed Description

In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Uncrewed Systems Office (NUSO) provided technical support to the National Park Service in assessing road damage and landslide hazards along the Blue Ridge Parkway following Hurricane Helene. USGS NUSO remote pilots collected small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS)-based lidar data at strategic locations along the Parkway in North Carolina. One advantage of lidar collection is its ability to penetrate tree canopies, capturing terrain information that traditional photography may miss in vegetated areas. By classifying the lidar data points and removing those identified as vegetation, USGS scientists can more effectively assess terrain and topography for applications such as landslide research. 

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.

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