THE DIRT Issue 1 | Page 39

LiDAR provides accurate 3D mapping (Light Detection and L and iDAR Ranging) allows scientists mapping professionals to examine natural and man-made environments with accuracy and precision. Airborne LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distance to the ground. These light pulses combined with other data recorded by airborne systems generate precise, three- dimensional information about the shape of the landscape and its surface characteristics. Late last year the Landholders Driving Change project obtained LiDAR data to map gully and hillslope erosion across a specified area in the BBB. The data, combined with historical air photos, can be used to reconstruct gully erosion rates and sediment yields. This information is critical for determining sediment savings and the cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation treatments. LiDAR will also provide information used in the design of on-ground remediation works. Site Site 2 2 Site Site 1 1 Site Site 3 3 Example cross-section of proposed excavation showing the base of tunnelling (orange), the existing topography (green) and the final profile (purple) Mt Mt Wickham Wickham The LiDAR is used to generate cross sections of Property gullies. The soil Property between the green and orange lines will be reshaped and treated to create a new and more stable surface, represented by the purple line. The cool thing about this data is we can calculate the amount of soil that needs to be moved to try and get an understanding of how much work is required at each site. ISSUE 1, April, 2018 | P39