Adding the third dimension to a mapping project can take the power of desktop GIS analysis to the next level. In recent years, high-resolution elevation data has become increasingly available, resulting in more precise analytical tools. Much of this trend can be attributed to the expanded availability of LiDAR data and the development of inexpensive software tools that can process and utilize this data. In this presentation we will consider one such application, Blue Marble Geographics’ Global Mapper software, which can work with over 200 spatial file formats, including LiDAR (.las and .laz), and offers an array of tools for generating terrain surfaces, 3D modeling, and terrain analysis. In this presentation, we will explore LiDAR processing functionality of Global Mapper including point cloud visualization, data quality control and reclassification, volumetric calculation, contour generation, linear profiling, watershed delineation, view shed modeling, as well as terrain flattening and cut & fill volume calculation for site planning.

1. Terrain Analysis in Global Mapper
GIS in the Rockies, Oct 2013
Adam Hill
Senior Account Manager
adam@bluemarblegeo.com
www.bluemarblegeo.com
Copyright 2010 Blue Marble Geographics

2. Terrain Analysis in Global Mapper
•
Adding the third dimension to a mapping project can take the power of
desktop GIS analysis to the next level.
•
With the various forms of 3D data that are readily available - from free
government terrain models to custom collected LiDAR point clouds there is a host of information waiting to be added to our everyday
exposure to applied GIS.
•
In recent years, Global Mapper has pushed towards making accessible
tools for advanced 3D analysis of any type of 3D data. Many industries
are well suited to take advantage of these tools in everyday operations,
from locating pad sites for construction, pipelines route planning, flood
modeling, and many other common applications.
•
This talk will cover some of the newer terrain analysis techniques
available in Global Mapper such as easily creating contours or
elevation grids from raw data, elevation profiling, line of sight and view
shed analysis, water shed modeling, transforming LiDAR into terrain
models, and cut and fill volume calculations for excavation operations.
Copyright 2010 Blue Marble Geographics

3. Leverage Existing Data
•
“Data Mining” – extract value from old datasets once thought dormant
•
By taking advantage of free data and low cost software, powerful analyses
can be performed more easily than ever
•
3d modeling of terrain and structures can save money and time by
evaluating potential construction sites for wind turbines, cellular towers, or
other structures, without setting foot in the field until later in the process
•
The data required in order to execute these processes is often freely
available
•
Leverage simple, freely available sources of data such as the National
Agricultural Imagery Program, and the National Elevation Dataset, to
perform advanced terrain-based site analysis, with a minimum of investment
and training
Copyright 2010 Blue Marble Geographics

4. Global Mapper v14.2
Support for over 200 file formats
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

5. Advanced LiDAR processing and terrain surface modeling
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6. Infrastructure mapping
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7. Accurate volumetric calculation
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8. Custom contour generation
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9. Powerful well pad placement function
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10. 3D terrain and vector modeling
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11. Raster processing and image rectification
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12. 3D terrain rendering
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13. Terrain profiling and line-of-sight analysis
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14. Advanced digitization and drawing functions
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15. Multi-direction view shed analysis
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16. Surface modeling and terrain flattening
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17. Watershed creation and stream delineation
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18. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
b Mapping Services
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

19. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

20. •
•
•
•
Free data sources
available
Leverage existing data
already collected
• Many times data
collection will involve
the capture of many
different types of data
(ie. Imagery, lidar,
etc)
Global Mapper removes
barriers to data access
and allows users to build
new data with existing
data
Extract a greater return on
investment from your data
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

21. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

22. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

23. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

24. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

25. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

26. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

27. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

28. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

29. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

30. Leveraging LiDAR for Terrain Analysis
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

31. Know Your Data
• LiDAR is widely available
• Many freely available datasets can be leveraged for rich content extraction & analysis
• DEM – Digital Elevation Model
• If you have elevation data, you have gold
•Generate Contours
• Line of Sight Calculations
• Viewshed Analysis, Watershed Analysis
• Global Mapper allows for flexible analysis and offers a variety of features for creating your
very own GIS data
• Manual Classification through Digitizer Tool
• Auto-classification is coming soon
• A multitude of options provided now when loading in LiDAR data
• New features built from direct customer feedback, industry events, lidar hardware companies
• Companies aren’t just flying LiDAR, they’re collecting a variety of data types (ie. Imagery)
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

32. Free Support & Help Sources
• Free technical support via phone & email
• gmsupport@bluemarblegeo.com
• geohelp@bluemarblegeo.com
• +1-207-622-4622
• Free Webinars
• http://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/webinars.php
•Download pre-recorded webinars
• Software User Manuals
• Getting Started Guides
• Extensive Help Documentation
• Foreign Language Support
• Affordability
• Global Mapper v15
• $449 USD
• Single User/Machine License
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics

33. Questions? Thank You!
Adam Hill
Senior Account Manager
Blue Marble Geographics
44 17' 15.40" N, 69 47' 24.55" W, WGS84
77 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
www.bluemarblegeo.com
adam@bluemarblegeo.com
Copyright © 2013, Blue Marble Geographics, All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2012 Blue Marble Geographics