Bathymetric Lidar
A lidar system that uses green-wavelength laser pulses capable of penetrating water to map submerged terrain and water-bottom topography. Unlike topographic lidar, which uses near-infrared laser wavelengths that reflect off the water surface, bathymetric systems can simultaneously capture the water surface and the bottom, enabling seamless topobathymetric models that transition from dry land across the shoreline into shallow water. Effective water penetration depth depends on water clarity and can range from less than one meter in turbid conditions to more than 10 meters in clear water.
Who Uses It?
Bathymetric lidar is a specialized and increasingly important technology for coastal zone management, hydrographic surveying, flood modeling, and environmental monitoring. USACE and NOAA use it for coastal and harbor surveying. FEMA uses it to improve flood risk mapping in coastal areas where traditional boat-based surveys cannot efficiently capture the land-water transition zone. The USGS 3DEP program includes bathymetric data collection as part of its comprehensive elevation coverage goals.
