EAASI companies: Teledyne Geospatial
Project Overview
In Alberta's Eastern Slopes, a pioneering project led by Dr. Chris Hopkinson from the University of Lethbridge, supported by Teledyne Geospatial, aims to revolutionize snowpack measurement. Sponsored by the Government of Alberta, the project deploys advanced airborne LiDAR to gather essential data on snowpack depth, water balance, and land cover across rugged terrains, transforming water resource management in the region.
The snow valleys in Alberta's Eastern Slopes
Technical Approach: Leveraging Advanced Airborne LiDAR Technology
To achieve detailed mapping across expansive, variable landscapes, the project utilizes Teledyne's Optech Galaxy system. The Optech Galaxy emits laser pulses from a crewed aircraft, measuring reflection times to create precise 3D terrain models.
Equipped with a flexible scanner field of view, the Galaxy system automatically adjusts to varying elevation, maintaining a consistent swath width and achieving uniform data density. This design addresses limitations of fixed-field-of-view sensors, which often require multiple flight lines over mountainous areas. The Galaxy’s capability to survey up to 250 square kilometers per hour, compared to the 3 square kilometers covered by ground-based methods, underscores its efficiency and detail.
Results and Benefits: Detailed Data for Predictive Insights and Sustainable Management
The project employs two critical LiDAR data flights—one in the fall (bare ground) and another in spring (peak snowpack)—allowing researchers to calculate snow depth by comparing datasets. This data enables the calculation of the snow water equivalent (SWE), which is essential for estimating water supply, especially during Alberta’s drought-prone summers.
Additionally, the system captures ‘gap fraction’ data, essential for understanding snow distribution and informing watershed management. The comprehensive insights allow for improved forecasting of water availability and drought risks, bolstering Alberta’s environmental and water management strategies.
Operational Impact and Future Outlook
Airborne LiDAR’s extensive reach and high-resolution data make it a preferred method over satellite or drone-based surveys for large-scale environmental monitoring. According to Malek Singer, Airborne Product Manager at Teledyne Geospatial, “Airborne LiDAR provides the necessary accuracy and efficiency in data collection that helps manage resources effectively.”
The project not only advances scientific understanding but equips Alberta’s government with data-driven tools to manage water resources sustainably, supporting conservation efforts and resilient ecosystems. Looking ahead, this project serves as a model for utilizing airborne LiDAR in regions facing climate-induced water challenges.
Read more about this case study here: Airborne Lidar: Revolutionizing Snowpack Measurement in Alberta's Eastern Slopes, published on Geo Week News.
Learn more about how other EAASI members utilize crewed aerial technology to address global challenges in our Use Cases series, a dedicated section showcasing real-world applications, and achievements by EAASI’s diverse members.
This collection of use cases highlights the unique advantages and capabilities of crewed aerial surveying in various fields, from environmental monitoring to infrastructure planning.
Each success story presents a featured project by an EAASI member, illustrating how their expertise and technology drive impactful solutions. From collecting high-resolution aerial imagery to leveraging AI for advanced data analysis, these stories emphasize the value of crewed aerial technology for accurate, large-scale geospatial data.
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