ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the use of airborne LIDAR (light detection and ranging), which is also known as airborne laser scanning (ALS) for recording ancient landscapes. It examines the basic concepts of how LIDAR operates and what it can and cannot do. Working through the process from data collection to production of interpreted maps and plans, it looks at the various stages of the process, the decisions that need to be made at each stage and the questions that need to be asked to ensure that the data is used most effectively. It considers the different forms in which the LIDAR data can be provided as well as the best ways to use the data to create images from which to map and interpret archaeological remains. It also touches on the specific use of LIDAR for the recording of features in woodland. However, this chapter is written from the point of view of an end user and concentrates for the most part on using the data once it has been acquired. It is not designed to be a comprehensive technical description of all aspects of LIDAR. Furthermore, whilst there is some discussion of the different formats in which LIDAR data can be provided (e.g. point cloud and digital model) it deals primarily with the processed digital models derived from point cloud data sets.
