An Evaluation of LIDAR Vertical Accuracy in Grand Canyon, Arizona

LIDAR was flown over Grand Canyon in March and September of 2000 to assess its ability to provide a relatively low-cost, ecosystem-wide change detection tool. Determining the error associated with the elevation values of the LIDAR points was necessary to ensure that true change in the target resource was being recorded. This paper shall present the methods used to check the vertical accuracy of the LIDAR points, describe the results, and offer conclusions regarding the potential utility of using LIDAR as a change detection tool for monitoring downstream resources that are affected by hydropower operations.