any device , no expensive GIS software needed ,” Derringer said . “ It ’ s accessible from anywhere with almost no training . In other words , you don ’ t need to be a geospatial expert , you don ’ t need to be a GIS person , you don ’ t need to be an engineer . It just makes sense .”
Using the new web app , users can easily and accurately measure setbacks for planning and zoning , analyze height restrictions for Federal Aviation Administration compliance , measure the height of buildings and towers , see slopes and percent grades to understand erosion and drainage , and measure elevation change for preliminary construction design in a project area – and it can all be experienced in a realistic , 3D environment vs . a flat 2D map .
Martell said the online tool is so new to Langlade County ’ s staff and residents that they haven ’ t fully investigated all its uses yet , but he appreciates how all these functions are already built into the application .
“ People call with various questions all the time ,” Martell said . “ This is another tool we can provide them . They can look for themselves and see ‘ How far is my neighbor ’ s house to the road compared to my house to the road ?’ The reason that ’ s important is because , depending on the county you ’ re in and the type of zoning you have , you can ’ t build your house closer than your neighbor ’ s house , so you have to do some measurements . I think it gives a visual element to something that didn ’ t have one before this .”
And there ’ s also a “ wow factor ” to it , he added .
“ Not only is this a great tool , but there ’ s an element of fun to it ,” Martell said . “ There are certain things you look at and go ‘ Oh my gosh . This is really amazing .’ ”
VIEWER
DRIVES USERS
Ayres Lidar Online is already driving more demand as additional users gain access and see what their lidar data can do for their operations . Following are examples of datasets that have been created to address the needs of professionals :
• Culvert inventory
• Hydro-enforced DEM
• Karst mapping
• Mapping closed depressions
• Slope analysis
• Erosion potential mapping
• Stream power index
• Updating the national hydro dataset
• Mapping stream riparian areas www . AyresAssociates . com 11