Visualisation  :  Height Data

Height Data

Accurate height information is a powerful tool in understanding the Earth's surface and the built environment. By using height data in CAD and GIS systems you can build a clear 3D picture of a particular area and its natural and built environment. This can aid advanced site analysis, planning and modelling applications, as well as effective environmental analysis that is reliant on accurate flood risk and subsistence modelling.

What is the difference between LiDAR, RADAR and Photogrammetrically derived height data?

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
LiDAR has revolutionised the acquisition of digital elevation data. There is no other method that can collect ground and surface height information as quickly and accurately. These factors make LiDAR a highly viable option for all applications that require height, volume or 3D visualisation information.

This technique measures distances using Lazer technology. It measures how long it takes for a light wave to travel, bounce off an object and come back. From this data a height value is then obtained.

RADAR (IFSAR - Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar)
This technique works on the same principle as LiDAR but uses radio waves instead of light waves. Radar bounces radio waves and the time delay between transmission of a pulse and detection of the reflected signal to determine the range of an object.

Photogrammetry
This is the practice of obtaining information, about physical objects, including height values, through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images. Photogrammetry has been included within some LiDAR datasets as it can prove more reliable areas with rapid changes in terrain.

Topographical Survey
GPS survey and in the past, surveys levelled to the national benchmark network have been included in some datasets. However, due to the high cost of collecting data in this way, survey data has not been widely used to collect and produce commercially available datasets and is primarily used to verify other capture methods.

Export Formats

• ASCII
• DWG
• DXF
• XYZ
• ASC11

Suppliers

• Environment Agency
• Ordnance Survey
• Intermap