Airborne and terrestrial laser scanning (LiDAR) are well-established methods for gathering precise and reliable 3D geo-information, and innovative tools for DEM generation, landscape modelling and analysis. As the technology matures to become standard practice for recording complex topography, a change of emphasis is required; moving from innovative data capture to systematic surveying frameworks with well-established data collection and analytical protocols.

Laser Scanning for the Environmental Sciences draws on the experiences of leading international experts and reviews the range of sensors and platforms available. Data acquisition, instrumentation, deployment, survey design and data processing are described, and application of the technologies in a range of ecosystems and for a variety of purposes discussed. Other topics covered in detail are scale issues, databases, software requirements and methods for DEM construction in a range of environmental systems.

The book is written for academic researchers, environmental professionals and graduate students, and puts innovative surveying into a broader context as a basis for ecosystem planning and management.

George Heritage is the senior geomorphologist with JBA Consulting Ltd. He is also an honorary research fellow in the Built and Human Environment Research Institute, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford. He is an expert in terrestrial laser scanning in a range of riverine and glacial environments.

Andrew Large is a senior lecturer in physical geography at Newcastle University. His expertise lies in river science and management including monitoring rates of processes in gravel-bed systems and evaluating the effects of glacial outburst floods in the UK and overseas using both airborne and terrestrial LiDAR.