ABSTRACT
The unique capability of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) in providing highly accurate x, y, and z coordinates of ground points makes it an ideal data source for studying features on the Earth's solid surface. Research literature in geoscience applications of LiDAR can be summarized in six major fields: changes in geomorphic surfaces, surface hydrology and flood models, tectonic geomorphology, lithological mapping, rock mass structural analysis, and natural hazards, such as landslides, debris flows, and earthquake damage. This chapter introduces LiDAR applications in the study of six major features/phenomena in geosciences: Aeolian landforms, fluvial landforms, surface hydrology, volcanic and impact landforms, tectonic landforms, and rocks and geologic structures. It focuses on two step-by-step projects in ArcGIS which demonstrate measurement of dune migration using multi-temporal LiDAR data collected in the White Sands Dune Field (WSDF), NM, USA, and trend surface analysis of simple folds using LiDAR data collected in Raplee Ridge, UT, USA.
