2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): Analyzing the Cost/Benefits of Using Lidar in Initial Soil Mapping.
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764-1 Analyzing the Cost/Benefits of Using Lidar in Initial Soil Mapping.



Wednesday, 8 October 2008
George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
Wubishet Tadesse, Natural Resources and Environmenatl Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Alabama A&M University, 4900 Meridian Street, Normal, AL 35762, Joe Gardinski, NARSSO, USDA-NRCS, 4900 Meridian Street, Huntsville, AL 35762 and Eddie Davis, USDA/ARS, P.O. Box 1208, Department of Plant & Soil Science, Normal, AL 35762
Bankhead National Forest in North Alabama was mapped in the 1980's using conventional mapping techniques by USDA-NRCS soil scientist. The same areas are now being mapped (2007-2208) using LiDAR data and its derivatives with GIS. This will assist in obtaining records of acres mapped in the 1980's and their cost and compare it to what is being mapped today using the above technology. Not only the cost but the quality of the mapping can be analyzed. Both mapping techniques were conducted without any inclination that a study was being conducted. Cost benefits figures are always being thrown out there regarding the benefits of using LiDAR.  A study such as this could provide a more tangible figure to be used for the benefits in using LiDAR in the future.
See more of: Spatial Patterns at Multiple Scales (Posters)
See more of: S07 Forest, Range & Wildland Soils