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I am trying to acquire a method of detecting sub cm elevation without manually measuring from the field. Can LIDAR data produce this for me? Example: A 1500 foot long pipe conveying water from one point to another. I need to know the rise and falls of the terrain where the pipe will be lying. Can LIDAR produce this for me? I am needing coverage for agricultural land throughout the Delta.


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Sub-centimeter elevation? No.

This article provides a good overview of LiDAR and the associated errors (Range, Position & Orientation).

Operationally, when working with LiDAR data we assume a potential 5-10cm vertical and horizontal error. At times it may be much more accurate, but it's not sub-cm.

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So, if there was a possible .5 fall of elevation along 1500 ft. LIDAR would not be able to determine that for me? – Chris DeClerk Nov 27 '12 at 17:18
LiDAR will not provide you with .5cm accuracy over any length. For this level of precision you would need field surveys. – Nick O Nov 27 '12 at 17:19
Also, 5 mm accuracy doesn't make much sense, when you talk about measuring relief of landscape. Field has microrelief, vegetation etc, so height may vary more, than is your desired accuracy. – user1702401 Nov 27 '12 at 18:08
+1 Valid point. – Nick O Nov 27 '12 at 18:11

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