Creating Digital Terrain Models from 3D Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Data

Light Detection And Ranging, or LiDAR, is a technology that uses laser pulses to create detailed 3D maps of the Earth’s surface. The technology has been around since the 1960s, but recent advances have made it more common for mapping both natural and human-made environments. LiDAR data is useful in many fields. It can be used to improve car safety and self-driving technology and to map areas to identify archaeological sites. It is useful for precision agriculture applications, land management decisions, and even mosquito control. This fact sheet provides practical instructions on how to create a DTM and a hillshade visualization from LiDAR data using ArcGIS Pro software. The guide is intended for anyone interested in processing publicly accessible LiDAR data or their own LiDAR data for further use, including community partners in industry and governmental agencies, scientists, and the public.